A trip to immortality
The Icarian secret of longevity
Icaria (or Ikaria) island is worldwide famous for its long-living residents, the Icarians, who have found the ”recipe to immortality” and hold the world record for the largest number of people living over 90 years old!
Icaria is located in the Aegean Sea, 10 nautical miles southwest of Samos.
The island of Icarus is selected by the American author Dan Buettner who wrote about Ikaria in his ”Blue Zones’‘ series of books.
The ”Blue Zones” are 5 listed areas worldwide where people live the longest and the healthiest. These are Ikaria (Greece), Okinawa (Japan), Sardinia (Italy), Nicoya (Costa Rica) and Loma Linda (California).
According to Greek mythology, Icarus was the son of Daedalus, and his adventurous nature led him to fly with his wax-held wings close to the sun, where his wings melted and Icarus fell into the sea below and died.
The island is named after Icarus and the sea around it is named the Icarian Sea.
The secrets of longevity
The Icarians or Icariotes live their lives at a slow pace, with gratitude and in deep connection with nature and others.
Social connections are of high importance on the island of Icarus and travellers will never feel like strangers here but as part of an Icarian family with countless brothers and sisters worldwide.
The ingredients for a long and healthy life are based on purity and the ”less is more” mentality.
The Icarian cuisine is basic in locally grown products and wild food foraging is not an exception but a norm for Icarians.
The locals grow gardens, spend time outdoors, enjoy hiking, and dance at the ”panigiria” of Icaria, which are a source of attraction for lots of people coming from all over the world to be part of this big Icarian family and connect.
”Panigiria” are traditional feasts honouring the Saints of the Greek Orthodox church, where local drinks and food are offered accompanied by live traditional music and ecstatic dances.
A life-changing experience!
The ancient Spa town & the secrets to living a longer, healthier life!
Another special secret for longevity is hidden in the thermal baths of the island, close to Agios Kirikos.
The ancient Spa town of Therma called ‘’Spilaio’’ (lit. means cave) is located in a natural cave, is wheelchair accessible and reachable by local bus from Agios Kirykos (every 15 minutes).
The thermal springs are known for their healing and detoxing properties since antiquity.
The ‘’Spilaio’’ Spa town consists of a hydrotherapy centre that operates all year round.
The hot springs are Radioactive and according to its chemical analysis, it is recommended for:
Diseases of the endocrine glands
Gynaecological diseases
Respiratory Disease
Low back pain – sciatica
Kidney Diseases
Skin diseases
Gout
Bladder Diseases- Indigestion
Traumatic-postoperative disease
Relaxation – Rejuvenation
Fatigue – Anxiety
Rheumatic Diseases
Neuralgia – Neuritis
Arthropathy
The Spa centre consists of:
Α reception area
One (1) Hammam (capacity: 15 people)
Two (2) swimming pools with Jacuzzi with refreshed spa water (capacity: 7 )
One (1) shower and (1) toilet facilities for people with disabilities
Four (4 ) Showers for bathers with fresh water
Toilets facilities for bathers
Carefully cleaned and disinfected premises
You can reach the Spa centre ''Spilaio'' by phone here: +30 22750 24048
The Icarian wine
The Icarian wine is a chapter on its own in the life of Icarians. No doubt why Icaria is connected with the mythical God of cultivation of the vine, Dionysos.
The history of the Icarian local wine starts from antiquity, as it is associated with Dionysian rituals and is also called ”Pramnian wine”.
The ancient wine recipe creates high-quality wine store in clay jars buried in the earth, contains a high level of alcohol and reminds you nothing of what you have ever tasted so far!
According to Homer, the Icarian wine had magic powers and it surely has, as the Icarians accompany their meals with Icarian wine daily, live the longest and enjoy life`s treasures!
Agios Kirikos & Εvdilos port
The statue of Icarus will welcome you at the entrance of the port of Agios Kirikos, the biggest port on the island.
Agios Kirikos is the capital of Icaria where one of the two ports of the island is. Agios Kirikos is a traditional city that hosts the Archaeological Museum of the island and is definitely worth visiting!
If you feel like biking or hiking here you can check an interesting route starting from Agios Kirikos to Ksilosirtis.
Evdilos is the second port of the island. Evdilos lit. means ‘’noticeable’’ and back in time 1834-1912 was the capital of the island.
It is amphitheatrical built, with cobblestone streets, interesting architecture and multiple cafes and restaurants to sit and soak up the relaxing island vibes.
Hiking in Icaria - The Chalaris canyon and he Rantis Forest
If you love hiking be sure that in Icaria you can enjoy multiple hikes and walking routes for different levels of difficulty from beginners to intermediate.
Firstly, the route to the Halaris canyon. Halaris is the largest river in Icaria. There is a signed path leading to the Chalaris canyon and this Natura 2000 protected area.
The Mountaineering Hiking Association of Icaria has carved and marked 42 kilometres of signed hiking paths that cover an area of about 20 km2.
Along this amazing route, you will cross Kato Raches village, Agios Dimitrios settlement, and the large arched bridge of Lupastra.
The surrounding nature will rejuvenate your mind, train your body, and feed your soul.
Check the multiple hiking trails to Chalaris canyon here.
For more hiking routes check the website of the Greek Mountaineering Club of Ikaria here (in Greek language).
The Rantis Forest
The Rantis Forest covers a 16km² area in the centre of Icaria island, at a 900m altitude.
The Rantis Forest is an old-growth forest with trees over 300 years old, among them the protected species of oak, the Aria (Quercus ilex), which dates back to the Middle Ages (5 million years old)!
Various species of small mammals, such as the protected beech marten (Martes foina) and the Hedgehog (Erinaceus concolor) are hosted in the Rantis forest, of which historical and botanical value is undoubtful.
The hiking paths in Icaria are countless but hiking alone is not recommended as the changing weather conditions reshape the hiking paths and the earth along this route.
For this reason, it is highly recommended to hire a local guide and experience hiking in Icaria safely and relaxed.
If you need more information regarding your hiking experience in Icaria contact us here!
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