{"id":2276,"date":"2026-05-12T10:58:32","date_gmt":"2026-05-12T07:58:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/explorewithangel.com\/?p=2276"},"modified":"2026-05-12T10:54:33","modified_gmt":"2026-05-12T07:54:33","slug":"an-authentic-greek-island-ikaria","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/explorewithangel.com\/el\/an-authentic-greek-island-ikaria\/","title":{"rendered":"AN INCREDIBLE AUTHENTIC GREEK ISLAND: IKARIA"},"content":{"rendered":"

Hello \ud83d\ude42<\/p>\n

Let\u2019s talk about a different kind of Greek island – one that completely stole a piece of my heart: Ikaria.<\/p>\n

Ikaria isn\u2019t your typical Cycladic postcard. Don\u2019t go expecting white-washed houses with blue shutters, polished alleys or endless souvenir shops. It\u2019s not that kind of island.<\/p>\n

But that\u2019s exactly why I loved it.<\/p>\n

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\u00a0 and the staff don\u2019t even speak Greek! Ikaria? It’s the exact opposite. Locals everywhere, slow living and a vibe that\u2019s impossible to describe unless you experience it.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

It\u2019s a Greek island known for the warm hospitality of the locals, the kind that makes you feel like you\u2019re visiting family. You\u2019ll 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.<\/p>\n

I absolutely loved it – not because it was perfect, but because it was real.<\/p>\n

What are the 3 characteristics of Ikaria though?<\/strong><\/p>\n

1.\u00a0The longevity of the islanders.<\/b><\/span> 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!<\/p>\n

2.\u00a0Panigiria<\/b>.\u00a0<\/span>To be clear for those who don\u2019t know, \u201cPanigiri\u201d 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.<\/p>\n

3.\u00a0Surfing<\/b>. Ikaria is known for the surfing in Mesakti beach\u2026 that\u2019s why you should try it at least once! There is a famous surf club as well called \u201cIkaria Surf School\u201d with coaches and great equipment! Of course you cannot compare Ikaria island with Bali, Australia, Costa Rica or Portugal but undoubtedly it\u2019s one of the most famous spots in Greece for surfing! And this beach is absolutely stunning!<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

ACCESS<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Ikaria has 2 ports and 1 airport.<\/span><\/p>\n

You can get there (<\/span>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<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

Angel\u2019s tip:<\/strong><\/span> 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.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Need a car for your trip? This is the rental service I trust. Click here<\/a> to book now.<\/span><\/p>\n

Need a taxi? Taxis in Ikaria are available by phone only, so you\u2019ll need to call the driver and arrange a pick-up time and location. Here is a list of taxi drivers that operate around Gialiskari area (which I choose as my base always), but can also pick up guests from the airport or the port. Pre-booking is highly recommended.
\n\ud83d\udcdeZanos: +306932556072
\n\ud83d\udcdeEleftheria: +306984061479
\n\ud83d\udcdeKostas: +306979941908
\n\ud83d\udcdeTsantiris: +306932187487<\/p>\n

\"\"

Gialiskari beach and port<\/p><\/div>\n

ACCOMMODATION<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

In my opinion, if you’re planning to stay several days in Ikaria and want to explore the whole island, it\u2019s best to split your time between both sides – half in Agios Kyrikos and the other half in Armenistis or Gialiskari. The road infrastructure isn\u2019t the best and getting from one side to the other can take longer than you’d expect!<\/p>\n

If you’d rather stay in one place, I highly recommend Gialiskari or Armenistis. These villages are close to some of the island\u2019s most famous beaches, plus you\u2019ll 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.<\/p>\n

Angel\u2019s tip<\/strong><\/span>: I chose Gialiskari village for 1 week last time I visited the island and it was the best option! It was so amazing that I could just walk to Mesakti beach.\"\"<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

BEST SEASON<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Definitely summer – especially June, July and August. I visited during peak season (around mid-August), and honestly? I didn\u2019t regret it for a second!<\/p>\n

Yes, it was busy – but that\u2019s also when the island truly comes alive. There are so many local festivals (panigiria) happening all over and they\u2019re an experience you can\u2019t miss<\/em>. Just keep an eye out for posters on the streets or ask the locals – they\u2019ll happily point you in the right direction.<\/p>\n

Angel\u2019s tip:<\/strong><\/span> On the 15th<\/sup> 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 absolutely incredible!!!<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

FOOD<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

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\u2019t eat that kind of meat, these were absolutely delicious and full of character.<\/p>\n

Don\u2019t forget to try the local cheeses, especially kathoura, which is creamy and rich. Other traditional favorites include Soufiko \u2014 a vegetable stew that\u2019s comfort food at its best and pitarakia, small savory pies that are perfect for snacking.<\/p>\n

To wash it all down, be sure to sample the island\u2019s own beers like Ikariotissa and Peacetime Saison and Wings. Together, these flavors make dining in Ikaria a truly authentic and unforgettable experience.<\/p>\n

Angel’s tip:<\/strong><\/span> If you\u2019re a fan of craft beers, you shouldn\u2019t miss trying the new one Peacetime Saison by Slow Down Brewing \u2014 a local brewery known for its creative and refreshing brews. This saison perfectly complements the island\u2019s laid-back vibe with its subtle fruity notes and crisp finish.<\/span><\/p>\n


\n\"\"<\/span><\/p>\n

I\u2019m 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\u2019t mean there aren\u2019t many other great places on the island; Ikaria is full of hidden gems waiting to be discovered.<\/p>\n

Angel\u2019s tip: <\/strong><\/span>When a panigiri (local festival) takes place near a restaurant or in the same village, don\u2019t be surprised if the restaurant is closed that day. It\u2019s 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!<\/span><\/p>\n