Ikaria Car Hire

Guide of Ikaria

Geography

Ikaria is one of the largest islands of the Eastern Aegean island group. Located in the Ikarian Sea, it measures approximately 225 sq. km and is home to around 8,000 people. The island boasts a varied landscape, with 150 km of coastline, luscious green slopes, a barren rocky plateau and impressive cliffs. It is more mountainous than the surrounding islands, with the highest peak soaring to 1,048 metres.

Climate in Ikaria

Ikaria enjoys a typically Mediterranean climate, similar to other islands in the North-Eastern Aegean. The hottest months of the year are June, July and August, though temperatures rarely exceed 29°C due to strong north and north-west winds. It hardly ever rains in summer, making it a popular time to visit for sun-seeking Northern Europeans.

Winters are short and mild, with most rainfall concentrated between October and April. Spring, which lasts from mid-March to May, is mild and becomes progressively warmer. Autumn kicks off in mid-September when temperatures remain reasonably warm and lasts until November.

Culture

Legend tells that the island is named after the mythical Icarus, who crashed here after flying with wax wings too close to the sun. It’s also the birthplace of Dionysos, the God of Wine. Like many Greek islands, Ikaria was ruled by the Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman empires and eventually became part of free Greece in 1912. However, the population has historically been dissatisfied with the Greek government and has developed a long history of self-sufficiency.

Ikaria is also one of the world’s five Blue Zones, destinations recognised for extraordinary longevity and health. Ikarian men are four times as likely as American men to reach the age of 90, according to recent studies. Most put this down to the island’s healthy diet, strong community and approach to exercise.

Things To Do in Ikaria

Explore charming villages

Ikarus boasts more than a dozen charming traditional villages, many of which are untouched by tourism. On the northwest coast, Armenistis is a picturesque fishing village with white-washed houses, bustling tavernas and some of the best beaches on the island.

Beach hop

Ikaria is well-known for its clean and turquoise waters, which makes it ideal for beach lovers. Many of the island’s most popular sandy beaches are located on the north side of the island, while on the southern stretch, you’ll find more secluded pebbly beaches. With its emerald water and soft marble pebbles, Seychelles Beach feels like it should be located in the Middle of the Indian Ocean.

Take a hike

Ikaria’s rugged terrain makes for perfect hiking conditions. The network of mountain paths – Monopatia – wind through farmlands, forests, coast and lakes along trails and donkey tracks. Hikes range from hour-long loops to full-day treks from village to village.

Rejuvenate aching muscles in a mineral bath house

After all that trekking, hotfoot to the mineral bath houses of Therma. Outdoor hydro-therapy is popular on the island and you’ll find hot mineral springs dotted across much of the coastline. In fact, islanders have been using mineral waters since the 1st century BC. Some of the most popular spots include Lefkada, Leumakia and Agia Kuriaki.

Party at a local festival

Ikaria is renowned for its “Panagiria” – traditional feast days to celebrate Saints’ name days and religious holidays. People come from far and wide to celebrate with traditional food, dancing, live music and lots of local wine. Most festivals take place between early May and the end of November. The Icarus Festival is one of the biggest festivals on the island.

Eating Out in Ikaria

Ikaria prides itself on its healthy diet, which relies heavily on fresh and seasonal produce. Fruit, vegetables, herbs, fish, beans and nuts are diet staples, and meat is mostly reserved for special occasions.

The island is brimming with brilliant tavernas, restaurants, bars and cafes. For fresh seafood, try Anna’s Taverna in Raches. The pasta with lobster is a house speciality and the best on the island. For the mezze of dreams, there’s Ikaria Sta Perix in Akamatra. Expect freshly baked breads, delicious salads and mouthwatering goat-based dishes.

Ikaria is no party island, but most cafes turn into bars in the evening and stay open until midnight. Tavernas usually stay open until late too. Oenophiles should set aside some time to explore some of the island’s wineries, such as Afianes Wines.

Transport

Airport

Unlike most smaller Greek islands, Ikaria has its own airport – Ikaria Island National Airport (JIK). It serves domestic flights from Athens and Thessaloniki throughout the year, as well as seasonal flights from Lemnos and Crete. Flights from Athens and Thessaloniki take around an hour.

Alternatively, you could fly to Athens International Airport (ATH), which is served by most major international and domestic airlines. From here, you’ll need to travel to Piraeus port and hop on a ferry. Services depart at least three times per week and take roughly 11 hours. There are more regular ferry connections between Ikaria and neighbouring islands, such as Syros and Mykonos too.

Getting Around Ikaria

Local buses in Ikaria are regular, cheap and generally reliable, with connections to many of the island’s most famous towns and tourist attractions. Ferries depart from Agios Kirikos port in Ikaria for Fourni a handful of times a week too.

However, if you’re hoping to explore some of the island’s lesser-known attractions and would prefer to have more flexibility on your trip, we recommend hiring a car. Roads can be narrow and winding but drivers are easy-going and driving across the island is a pleasant experience.