AN INCREDIBLE AUTHENTIC GREEK ISLAND: IKARIA

Hello beautiful people!

Let’s talk about a different kind of Greek island – one that completely stole a piece of my heart: Ikaria.

Ikaria isn’t your typical Cycladic postcard. Don’t go expecting white-washed houses with blue shutters, polished alleys, or endless souvenir shops. It’s not that kind of island.

But that’s exactly why I loved it.

Ikaria is raw, real, and authentic. Some Greek islands are so touristic these days that I sometimes find myself being the only Greek person in a restaurant  and the staff don’t even speak Greek! Ikaria? It’s the exact opposite. Locals everywhere, slow living, and a vibe that’s impossible to describe unless you experience it.

It’s a Greek island known for the warm hospitality of the locals, the kind that makes you feel like you’re visiting family. You’ll find pure, organic food straight from the garden — real farm-to-table, the way our grandparents did it. Every village is full of life, music, laughter, and those authentic Greek moments that are hard to find in the more touristy spots.

I absolutely loved it – not because it was perfect, but because it was real.

What are the 3 characteristics of Ikaria though?

1. The longevity of the islanders. Did you know that 5 places in the world have been discovered where people live the longest, and are the healthiest? One of them is Ikaria island! Do you know the rest? Okinawa in Japan, Sardinia in Italy, Nicoya in Costa Rica and Loma Linda in California. The inhabitants of Ikaria live for many years thanks to, as they say, the nutritious Ikarian diet, optimism, walking and stress-free everyday life!

2. Panigiria. To be clear for those who don’t know, “Panigiri” is called the local festival in a village (to celebrate usually a saint of the Greek Orthodox church) with live traditional Greek music and local drinks, usually wine. It is often till early morning hours and you can find local food as well, meat, Greek salad, potatoes.

3. Surfing. Ikaria is known for the surfing in Mesakti beach… that’s why you should try it at least once! There is a famous surf club as well called “Ikaria Surf School” with coaches and great equipment! Of course you cannot compare Ikaria island with Bali, Australia, Costa Rica or Portugal but undoubtedly it’s one of the most famous spots in Greece for surfing! And this beach is absolutely stunning!

ACCESS

Ikaria has 2 ports and 1 airport.

You can get there (Evdilos or Agios Kyrikos port) either by ferry from the surrounding islands and port of Piraeus (duration 6-7 hours) or by plane 40 minutes from Athens airport. I went to the island by plane and left by ferry. You can book your tickets by ferry here: Ferryscanner.com

Angel’s tip: Although the trip by ferry is several hours, you need to take into consideration that the airport is located very far north in the island, especially if you stay in Raches, Armenistis or Gialiskari that the majority of the people does. There is no bus with regular service and taxi costs around 60-80 euros from the airport to Gialiskari (duration 1.20 hour). If you stay in Agios Kyrikos, airport is convenient though and ride lasts only 20 minutes.

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ACCOMMODATION

In my opinion, if you’re planning to stay several days in Ikaria and want to explore the whole island, it’s best to split your time between both sides – half in Agios Kyrikos and the other half in Armenistis or Gialiskari. The road infrastructure isn’t the best, and getting from one side to the other can take longer than you’d expect!

If you’d rather stay in one place, I highly recommend Gialiskari or Armenistis. These villages are close to some of the island’s most famous beaches, plus you’ll find great beach bars, tavernas, and relaxed nightlife. And for a more traditional mountain vibe, the charming Raches villages are just a 20-minute drive away.

Angel’s tip: I chose Gialiskari village for 1 week that I visited the island and was the best option! It was so amazing that I could just walk to Mesakti beach.

BEST SEASON

Definitely summer – especially July and August. I visited during peak season (around mid-August), and honestly? I didn’t regret it for a second!

Yes, it was busy – but that’s also when the island truly comes alive. There are so many local festivals (panigiria) happening all over, and they’re an experience you can’t miss. Just keep an eye out for posters on the streets or ask the locals — they’ll happily point you in the right direction.

Angel’s tip: On the 15^th of August I visited one of the most famous PANIGIRIA in Greece, in Langada village. It starts from noon till midnight and the vibes are amazing!

FOOD

During every meal I had in Ikaria, I could truly taste the exceptional quality of the ingredients – fresh, pure, and bursting with flavor. One highlight you cannot miss is the goat dishes. Even though I usually don’t eat that kind of meat, these were absolutely delicious and full of character.

Don’t forget to try the local cheeses, especially kathoura, which is creamy and rich. Other traditional favorites include Soufiko — a vegetable stew that’s comfort food at its best and pitarakia, small savory pies that are perfect for snacking.

To wash it all down, be sure to sample the island’s own beers like Ikariotissa and Peacetime Saison and Wings. Together, these flavors make dining in Ikaria a truly authentic and unforgettable experience.

Angel’s tip: If you’re a fan of craft beers, you shouldn’t miss trying the new one Peacetime Saison by Slow Down Brewing — a local brewery known for its creative and refreshing brews. This saison perfectly complements the island’s laid-back vibe with its subtle fruity notes and crisp finish.

I’m excited to recommend some of the restaurants I tried and loved during my time in Ikaria – spots you should definitely visit! Of course, this doesn’t mean there aren’t many other great places on the island; Ikaria is full of hidden gems waiting to be discovered.

Angel’s tip: When a panigiri (local festival) takes place near a restaurant or in the same village, don’t be surprised if the restaurant is closed that day. It’s a wonderful way the locals show support for the community by encouraging everyone to buy food and drinks from the panigiri instead – so be ready to join the celebration and enjoy authentic homemade dishes right there!

• Mitsaras for souvlaki in Agios Polykarpos village
• Filitsa in Kares village In Raches. Angel’s tip: try the goat in the pot and the beef patty.(biftekia)
• Burgers in Asterix in Christos village
• Madouvala In Karavostamos village for fish
• Stou Kaliari for fish and To Kioupi in Gialiskari village
• Sta perix in Akamatra village
• Tabouras in Christos village 
• Theas, Naiades & Anna’s in Nas. Angel’s tip: Great for sunset as well, visit on that time.
• Sto Kambi restaurant in Agios Dimitrios village
• Mia Zoi Pita for great local pies in Armenistis in Livadi area.
• Oinomageirio tis Popis in Fitema village
• Mary Mary in Armenistis village for more creative dishes.
• Sto gialó kánei…fourtouna for meze dishes in Manganitis village. Angel’s tip: the french fries & stuffed peppers are amazing.

BREAKFAST

So many places to enjoy breakfast in the island! Let me mention some…

• Carte postale in Armenistis village
• Hidden in Armenistis village
• Mikro cafe in Armenistis village
• Amaranthos bakery in Gialiskari village
• Rififi in Evdilos port
• Rahati stou pouriezi in Christos village
• Riki in Nas beach

DON’T MISS

Raches area & Christos village. Ikaria doesn’t have picturesque streets that you can stroll around, shop and walk for hours lost in the cute alleys like Cyclades. Whilst Agios Polykarpos, Agios Dimitrios, Kares villages are worth your visit for food, they don’t have really anything else to see.

BEACHES

• Seychelles beach: amazing beautiful waters but go as early as possible, since it is getting crowded fast during high season // access is not easy, ideally wear sneakers to walk safely 20 minutes after you park your car. Angel’s tip:  You can take a boat as well from Magganitis port to reach Seychelles beach!

• Mesakti  beach is incredible for surf & it has many beach bars that you can enjoy relaxing all day. You can park right outside. My favorite one!
• Nas beach: Go down the stairs & enjoy the view from above! A small beach with strong currents where there are north winds, so you need to be careful. (There is a rope to help you get out of the beach) Scenery is too beautiful!
• Agios Georgios beach: a wonderful beach with crystal clear waters close to the airport, no beach bars and you need to walk 10-15 minutes after the parking area in order to arrive!
• Armenistis is a small beach in the village, organized – ideal for families.
• Gialiskari beach: not exactly a beach but you can dive and the color of the waters is amazing .
• Livadi beach close to Armenistis . Usually there are many people doing free camping and a nice beach bar.
• Fles beach.
• Kambos beach.
• Nealia beach with a beach bar with music and great drinks. Angel’s tip: dirt road to arrive but ok with a normal car.
• Miliopo pebbly beach, access not the easiest.
• Faros beach with great waters & restaurants around. 
• Iero sheltered beach with amazing waters close to the airport.
• Kerame pebbly beach.

NATURE LOVER?

Try hiking between the different villages but also do the Halari gorge, which is close to Nas.

DRINKS

Ikaria offers plenty of great spots for drinks – some all-day bars, others perfect for the night scene. Angel’s tip: Don’t miss tasting the island’s local beers like Ikariotissa and Peacetime Saison by Slow Down Brewing.

Check below some:

• “White bar” in Evdilos port
• “Puerto all day bar” in Gialiskari village
• “Mythos bar” and “Hidden” in Armenistis as all day cafe-bars
• “Sto gialó kánei…fourtoúna” in Manganitis village
• “Dendrospito” for great cocktails in Christos village
• “Sknipa Rock bar” for late drinks in Christos village
• “Berdema bar” in Akamatra village
• “Ftero bar”  in Agios Kyrikos village

EXPERIENCE

Ikaria is also famous for its unique local wines, which reflect the island’s rich soil and traditional cultivation methods passed down through generations. If you’re a wine enthusiast – or even just curious – I highly recommend dedicating one of your evenings to visiting some of Ikaria’s charming wineries such as Tsantiris, Afianes, and Karimalis.

There’s something truly special about tasting their handcrafted wines as the sun sets over the hills, painting the sky with vibrant colors. It’s a peaceful, almost magical experience that lets you connect with the island on a deeper level. Many wineries offer tastings and tours where you can learn about the winemaking process and hear stories from the passionate locals behind each bottle. It’s the perfect way to relax and savor Ikaria’s authentic flavors after a day of exploring its natural beauty.

Angel’s tip: I visited Afianes winery & had an amazing experience which I truly recommend.

SUNSET

One of my favorite memories from Ikaria was watching the sunset from Nas Beach – a serene spot where the sky melts into soft hues of pink and orange over the Aegean. Nearby, Nas village offers cozy, authentic restaurants where you can enjoy delicious local dishes with fresh ingredients and warm hospitality.

Not far away is the beautiful Mesakti Beach, perfect for a relaxing swim in crystal-clear waters.

For wine lovers, an evening at Karimalis or Tsantiris wineries is a must. Both offer intimate tastings surrounded by the island’s lush landscape, where you can sip on Ikaria’s unique wines as the sun dips below the horizon, making for an unforgettable experience.

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE YOU GO

• One thing you’ll notice while driving around Ikaria – especially traveling between the beaches and the mountain villages like Raches – is how common hitchhiking is. You’ll often see locals waiting for a ride, and it’s considered totally normal (and kind!) to stop and help if you can. It’s a great way to connect with the island’s warm community vibe.

• As I mentioned earlier, Ikaria is famous for the longevity of its locals, and that relaxed lifestyle shows everywhere. Things happen slowly here – no rush, no anxiety. You’ll need to be patient and just go with the flow. For example, I once waited a full 30 minutes for a delicious souvlaki — but honestly, it was so worth it! So… take it easy, soak it all in, and enjoy every moment of this magical island.

DAY TRIP

Special thanks to my wonderful local friend Maria, who’s been amazing in helping me keep this article updated with the latest tips and insider knowledge. Your support made this story truly authentic — ευχαριστώ πολύ!

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IG: explorewith.angel

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