In Brief
Ikaria is one of the middle islands of the northern Aegeon, 255.303 square kilometres, 164 kilometres of coastline and a population of 8,312 inhabitants. The topography is a contrast between verdant slopes and barren steep rocks. The island is mountainous for the most part. It is traversed by the Aetheras range, whose highest summit is 1,037 metres. Most of its villages are nestled in the plains near the coast, with some in the mountains. Ikaria has a tradition of producing strong red wine. Many parts of the island, especially the ravines, are covered in shrubbery, making the landscape lush with green. Aside from domestic and domesticated species such as goats, there are a number of small wild animals to be found, such as Martens, otters, jumping spiders and green hoods. Ikaria exhibits a typical Mediterranean climate.
Lifestyle & Gastronomy
Today, Ikarians are almost entirely free of dementia and some of the chronic diseases that plague Americans; one in three make it to their 90s. A combination of factors explain it, including geography, culture, diet, lifestyle and outlook. They enjoy strong red wine, late-night domino games and a relaxed pace of life that ignores clocks. Clean air, warm breezes and rugged terrain draw them outdoors into an active lifestyle. Ikarians have woven the recipe for longevity into their culture and lifestyle. Follow these common practices to cultivate your own centenarian lifestyle.
Ikarians benefit from an outdoor lifestyle in tune with nature, a plant-based diet rich in wild herbs, vegetables, pulses, olive oil and natural wine, a lack of stress and tight-knit communities. Today’s centenarians have had tough, self-sufficient lives, working in the fields and tending vines and olive groves, often without roads, phones or convenience foods. In short, the opposite of what the western world perceives as progress.
Town Fair / Panygiri
Ikaria is famous throughout Greece for her “Panagiria”, traditional feast days that celebrate the Saints’ name days and other religious holidays. If you’re planning a trip to Ikaria during the summer season be sure to see the chart below that details the Panagiria dates and locations. People come to Ikaria from far and wide to take part in the celebrations and the most popular Ikarian Panagiria can be attended by thousands of people. Don’t miss the unique opportunity to revel with the Ikarians amidst village surroundings, traditional food, live music, non-stop dancing, and plenty of delicious Ikarian wine. Panagiria typically start in the early afternoon and go on until the next morning!
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