Greek Island of Ikaria (Dodecanese)

Ikaria Synopsis & Map (Click map for guide)

In myth, winged Icarus flew too high and fell into the sea near Ikaria giving the island its ancient and still current name.

With its 'tilde sign' (~) shape, the island has a bony, mountainous spine and is rugged and hazardous to mariners on its south coast. With 2 ports, larger Aghios Kyrkos in the east and Evdhilos in the northern hump, there are several different facets to this unique island not least of which are the annual summer festivals, local wine, apricots and quirky and very liberal residents.

Ikaria has less tourism than many islands but that's the way they like it. There are several swimming spots and traditional villages to wander through giving visitors an active life style if they wish to pursue it. Near by (but more expensive) island Samos (and the route to Turkey), Ikaria has decent connections to Syros in the Cyclades. Not a must see island but you will have a good time and see a 'more Greek' Greek island! Also see Eco-Ikaria and Ikaria Greek Island Guide