5-day
Specific Tour
Unlimited
___
Ikaria is one of the most distinctive islands in the Aegean, known worldwide as one of the five Blue Zones, regions where people live exceptionally long lives. The pace here is unhurried, traditions are very much alive and the nature is wild, with mountains, gorges and clear seas. It is the ideal destination for anyone who wants to truly disconnect.
The island takes its name from Icarus, who according to myth fell into the sea near its shores. In antiquity it was renowned for Pramnian wine and for the thermal springs of Therma. Pirate raids pushed inhabitants into the mountains, creating hidden settlements and the famous anti-pirate houses that survive to this day.
Armenistis and Gialiskari are the most popular seaside villages, with Livadi and Mesakti beaches right beside them. Nas, on the site of the ancient temple of Artemis Tauropolos, impresses with its gorge and rock formations. Also worth visiting are the thermal springs of Therma, the mountain village of Christos Rachon and the trail through the Halari gorge.
Ikarian cooking is simple and healthy, built on wild greens, pulses and olive oil, the foundations of the island’s famous longevity diet. Try slow-cooked goat, pumpkin pie, local honey and fresh fish at the seaside tavernas. The local red wine, a descendant of ancient Pramnian, is the ideal accompaniment to any meal.
Ikaria has no conventional nightlife, but its summer panigiria festivals are legendary and last until dawn with Ikarian dancing and local wine. Armenistis and Gialiskari have small bars with music by the sea. In Evdilos and Agios Kirykos the evening passes quietly in the cafes along the waterfront.
Currency: Euro· Time: Greek local time· Access: by ferry from Piraeus to Agios Kirykos or Evdilos, or by domestic flight from Athens to Ikaria airport (JIK) at Fanari. A rental car is essential, as public transport is limited and the routes are mountainous.
The trip runs for 5 days and starts from €295 per person, departing from Athens. You pick the dates — there is no fixed departure.
The price includes: ferry tickets or domestic flights, accommodation in selected lodgings with breakfast, car rental for the entire duration of the trip, suggested programme of routes and points of interest, support from our office throughout your trip.
Ready to book?
Find the best hotel deals for this destination.
No account needed. We will let you know if anything worth knowing happens.
Optional tours, tickets and activities you can book for your days there. We arrange the trip — these you choose yourself.
Activities, experiences and local guides — book ahead and keep your days free of queues.
These activities are provided and sold by our partners. You complete the booking on their page, at exactly the same price.
This is a made-to-order trip, so you choose the dates. We are happy to advise on the best season for this destination and on how the weather, prices and crowds change through the year — just tell us roughly when you are thinking of travelling.
The main inclusions are:
The full list of what is and is not included appears in the "Included / Excluded" section on this page.
For domestic travel you need a valid police ID card or passport in order to board the ferry or the flight. Bring your AMKA or European Health Insurance Card, and a valid driving licence plus a credit card in the driver's name if a car or scooter is included. Minors must carry their own travel document. Entry rules change, so please confirm the current requirements with our office before you book.
The local currency is Euro. Cards are widely accepted in cities and hotels, but it is worth carrying some cash for small shops, markets and tips. Tell your bank you are travelling so your card is not blocked.
Changes and cancellations follow the terms of the airlines, hotels and suppliers booked for you, so the cost depends on how close to departure you are and on the fare rules of each booking. Tell us as early as possible and we will look for the least costly option. The general terms of participation apply to every booking.
Travel insurance is not included in the price unless the "Included" list on this page says otherwise. We strongly recommend it, especially for trips outside the EU, so that medical care, cancellation and lost luggage are covered. We can arrange a policy for you — just ask when you book.
Yes — this is an individual trip, not a group departure. There is no fixed itinerary and no coach schedule: you travel on your own, at your own pace. We can change the number of nights, the class of hotel, add or drop destinations and arrange transfers, car hire or private guides.
Send us a request through the form on this page, call us, or drop by the office. We will come back with availability and a written quotation before anything is charged. The trip as shown runs for 5 days.
