An estuary, intensive fishing activity and surfing opportunities give Gialiskarion a distinct local focus on Ikaria. Messakti Wetland lies west of the village; the island also offers other cultural and natural attractions to consider when planning a trip.
Coast and Surfing in Gialiskarion
Gialiskari is a coastal village in the north with intensive fishing activity. About 0.5 km to the west lies the estuary of the Myrsonas River, Messakti Wetland. It is a natural coastal wetland covering 25.5 acres. The two figures describe different scales: the distance locates the area in relation to the village, while the acreage indicates its extent.
The Ikaria Surf School offers surfing lesson packages; check with the school for current availability. Nearby Messakti Beach is suitable for surfing, although conditions and suitability can change. The school and the beach are therefore two different starting points for planning to surf: the school focuses on lessons, while the beach is suitable for surfing.
Ikaria on a Larger Scale
On Ikaria, the Archaeological Museum of Agios Kirykos brings together the island’s history and the architectural history of its building. The neoclassical building formerly housed the local secondary school and was later designated a protected monument. The collection displays finds relating to the history of Ikaria and its inhabitants from the Neolithic period (6800–3800 BC) to Roman times. Thus, the building’s former use and protected status sit alongside a collection spanning a broad period of time.
Other archaeological sites are located in various parts of Ikaria: the ruins of Oinoe, the island’s ancient capital, are in present-day Kampos. The ruins of the ancient spa town of Thermae lie east of the present-day village of Therma. Koskina Castle is near Kossoikia, a few kilometres outside Evdilos and roughly in the middle of the island. The ancient tower of Drakano is in the Faros (Fanari) area at Ikaria’s eastern end.
The landscape and outdoor activities also extend beyond the village. A hiking trail leads through the Halari Gorge. The Randi Forest, also known as Gaia, lies in central Ikaria, west of the Atheras Range, and covers about 16 km². Cycling is possible all over the island, especially mountain biking. Ikaria’s protected areas are part of the Natura 2000 network; the island is also designated an Important Bird Area under the international code GR143-Ikaria Island.
Festivals and Regional Specialties
The villages of Ikaria hold festivals throughout the year for religious and some non-religious holidays; individual dates may vary. At the Panygiria, there is Raskos, or boiled goat meat, Ikarian wine and live music. People dance the traditional Ikariotikos to a song from Ikaria. If you plan to attend a festival, check the specific dates.
On Ikaria, visitors can taste various Ikarian wines and learn more about their production at four wineries. Check current availability before visiting. Another regional feature is Kolokasi (Colocasia esculenta), a plant that is rare in Greece and found only on Ikaria.
Getting Around the Island
Ikaria Airport is at the island’s eastern end near the village of Faros, about 12 kilometres from the island’s capital, Agios Kirykos. Check current flight schedules before travelling. Ikaria has two main ports: one on the north side and one on the south side of the island. The thermal springs are located mainly along the southeast and northeast coasts. A path leads from Therma to Loumakia, a thermal spring that is still in use.
Discover more destinations: Fourni, Magganitis, Ágios Kírykos, Ikaria, Armenistís
Go to the main travel overview: Ikaria.
