Messakti Beach – Among the best and most famous beaches on the island, Messakti is a long stretch of fine golden sand. Plenty of umbrellas and sunbeds are available and during the summer there is a beach bar serving cold drinks and snacks.

Distance to THE EGG: 2 kilometers. Attractions: Surf, kayak, volleyball, cantinas, umbrellas & chairs.

Messakti and Livadi beaches are ideal for children, but also for surfing enthusiasts. The view of the picturesque church of the Ascension and the port of Gialiskari are not to be missed.

In Messakti there is a surfing school for adults and children. Enjoy the unique view to the picturesque church of the Ascension, the port of Gialiskari.

The neighbouring sandy Livadi beach gives a wonderful feel for summer swim complemented with lush vegetation behind the beach and the small lake formed by a small stream reaching the mountain.

Both beaches adjacent to the tourist villages Armenistis and Gialiskari. The small picturesque bay of Armenistis and the pedestrian over it with tourist shops, the marina with fishing boats at Gialiskari compose an amazing holiday picture.

Ikaria is a greek island with a difference, in the Aegean Sea. Unspoilt and unexplored, Ikaria is a treasure trove of precious memories for your holidays! The island has some magnificent beaches, with emerald waters, fine golden sand and pine-tree shade that captivate every visitor! Within 30 minutes of the hotel, you will discover many significant attractions and rustic village.

Country: Greece

Administrative region: North Aegean

Capital: Agios Kirykos

Population 2011: 8,423

Area: 254.4 km2 (98 sq mi)

Density: 33 /km2 (86 /sq mi)

Time zone: EET/EEST (UTC+2/3)

Postal code: 833 xx

Telephone: 22750

Local newspapers: Nea Ikaria

Radio station: Radio Ikaria (87.6 FM)

Auto: MO

More information about the island of Ikaria

https://www.the-egg-greece.com/the-island

FIVE OPTIONS TO GET TO IKARIA

By airplane, ferry boat or simply by plane.

Ikaria can be reached via Athens and Thessaloniki airport once a day and via Ferry boats from Athens, Samos, Mykonos, Patmos, Leipsi, Leros, Kalymnos, Kos and Fourni Island.

There are two ports in Ikaria. One port is located in Agios Kirykos (1,5 hours to THE EGG) and one in Evdilos (20 minutes to THE EGG).

Ikaria is in the Aegean Sea, 10 nautical miles (19km) southwest of Samos. The principal town of the island and seat of the municipality is Agios Kirykos.

OPTION 1 | Athens – Ikaria Flight 200 Euro round trip / 50 minutes*

• Take a flight to Athens

• Continue with Olympicair in 50 minutes to Ikaria Island

• Ingoing flights are daily leaving Athens at 11:30am and 16:00pm (only Tuesday, Thursday)

• Price approx. 200 Euro round trip

• Book your Athens/Ikaria Flight here: https://www.olympicair.com/

OPTION 2 | Thessaloniki – Ikaria Flight 150 Euro round trip / 2 hours*

• Take a flight to Thessaloniki

• Continue with Olympicair (via Limnos airport, Stop over 30 minutes) in 2 hours to Ikaria Island

• Ingoing flights are daily, except Saturday once a day leaving Thessaloniki at 5:00 am

• Price: approx. 150 Euro round trip

• Book your Thessaloniki/Ikaria Flight here: https://www.olympicair.com/

OPTION 3 | Samos – Ikaria Ferry Boat 13 Euro / 2,5 or 5 hours*

• Take a flight to Samos

• Continue with Ferry boat (between 2,5 and 5 hours depending season) to Ikaria (Vathi – Evdilos)

• In- and outgoing Ferries are once or twice a day. Depending season.

• Price: approx. 13 Euro one-way

• Book your Samos (Port names; Vathi or Karlovassi) / Ikaria (Port names: Evdilos or Ag. Kirykos) Ferry boat here: https://www.bluestarferries.com/en-gb

OPTION 4 | Athens – Ikaria Ferry Boat 39 Euro / 8 hours*

• Take a flight to Athens

• Continue with Ferry boat (7-8 hours depending season) to Ikaria; Port name Athens = Piraeus to Port name Ikaria = Evdilos or Ag. Kirykos)

• In- and outgoing Ferries are once or twice a day. Depending season.

• Price: approx. 39 Euro one-way

• Book your Athens (Piraeus) / Ikaria (Evdilos or Ag. Kirykos) Ferry boat here: https://www.bluestarferries.com/en-gb

​ OPTION 5 | Mykonos – Ikaria Ferry Boat 20 Euro / 2,10 hours*

• Take a flight to Mykonos

• Continue with Ferry boat 2,10 hours to Ikaria (Mykonos – Evdilos)

• In- and outgoing Ferries are once or twice a day. Depending season.

• Price: approx. 20,00 Euro one-way

• Book your Mykonos / Ikaria (Evdilos) Ferry boat here: https://www.bluestarferries.com/en-gb

* Subject to change. Newest schedules for new season will be provided early May each year.

Artemis Temple Ikaria

Archaeological Museum Ikaria

Oden Ikaria

Koskina Castle Ikaria

Therma Ikaria Hot Springs

The Ancient Forest of Randi Ikaria

Drakano Tower

Moni Theoktistis Ikaria

Raches Ikaria

Karras’ Star Hotel is situated in Avlaki village, just a few kilometres from Evdilos (the main port of north Ikaria) and accessible by car.

Nestled among tall trees, just visible from the boat when arriving on the island, the hotel has a deep sense of calm and space.

Conveniently located on the north side of the island, a short distance from the many attractions, such as monasteries, wineries and archaeological sites, Karras’ Star Hotel gives guests the chance to experience the life of a traditional islander in a perfectly modern and intimate spot.

• Travel Insurance

• Driving License (for car/scooter etc. rental)

• Sunscreen

• Sunhat

• Sunglasses

• Mosquito Repellent

• Long trousers (for excursions)

• Closed shoes (sneakers, for excursions)

• Long sleeves (for excursions)

• Small rucksack (for excursion)

• Beach towel

• Small notebook and pen for your own notes

Not included:

• Travel costs to /from and on Ikaria Island (besides of 4 obove described trips included)

• Breakfast Buffet on day of arrival (Sunday)

• Lunch Buffet on day of departure (Friday)

• Dinners

• Massage Treatments

• European Tourist Tax at Hotel 5,00 Euro per room per night

Ikaria is a paradise for those who enjoy good food, relaxation, and outdoor adventures. Beyond the retreat, the island offers a variety of activities to connect with its natural beauty and vibrant culture:

• Hiking & Trekking: Explore scenic trails that lead to breathtaking views, lush landscapes, and hidden waterfalls.

• Surfing: Ride the waves at some of Ikaria’s best surf spots, perfect for beginners and experienced surfers alike.

• Cycling: Discover the island’s picturesque villages and rugged terrain on a bike.

• Diving & Canoeing: Immerse yourself in crystal-clear waters, uncovering underwater treasures or paddling along the coastline.

• Bouldering: Test your strength and skill with climbing adventures amidst Ikaria’s unique rock formations.

• Dancing & Local Culture: Experience traditional Ikarian dances and immerse yourself in the island's vibrant community spirit.

• Local Cuisine & Wine Tours: Savor authentic Ikarian dishes, discover the secrets of the island’s longevity, and enjoy wine-tasting tours through local vineyards.

Whether you're seeking adventure or relaxation, Ikaria offers the perfect blend of active holidays and cultural exploration on a picturesque island!

The next supermarket, restaurant/taverna is located in the village called Gialiskari – 1,7 kilometer distance from THE EGG and the Karras`Star Hotel. There is also a close by gas station with a small variety on supplies in 1 kilometer distance.

Please visit this site and a list with phone numbers and names of Ikarian Taxi drivers is shown to you. https://www.visitikaria.gr/en/transport/taxi#.Wlei6EsiFE4

The retreat includes most breakfast buffets and Mediterranean lunches. For details, please refer to the schedule.

Please note that the kitchen is not available for guests to prepare their own food. The retreat is designed to provide a stress-free experience, and meals are thoughtfully curated to guarantee a high standard of vegetarian, local, and homemade Ikarian cuisine.

Sto Kampi

At Agios Dimitrios 10km: CUISINES Mediterranean, Greek SPECIAL DIETS Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options MEALS Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Brunch

Thea´s Inn

At Nas 8km: Tourist and locals alike come here for both lunch and dinner. Thea, her husband and the staff are very welcoming. Outstanding food.

Marymary

At Armenistis 3,5km: From the grilled Mediterranean Sea bass to the creamed eggplant every thing is top notch! Highly recommended.

Sotiris

At Agios Polikarpos 10km: Sotiri´s has very nice food and a great atmosphere. Good price/quality.

Sta Perix

At Akamatra 12km: Mix of classical Greek and Mediterranean ingredients. Perfect plates out of traditional and modern Greek cuisine. Choose among a vaste amount of plates on the catalog, most delicious.

Popi`s

At Fytema 5km: Big authentic portions. Taste´s like „Mum´s“ food. Good local wine served from friendly crew. Awesome sunset place.

Grand Mam´s

At Armenistis 3,5km: Grand Mam´s Recipes is a family run sweets shop with extraordinary choice of home made desserts. Opened till late night. Must go.

Kalypso

At Fytema Beach 5km: Fresh kalamari and grilled meat and fish. Enjoy great dishes next to the beach.

Platanos

At Agios Dimitrios 10km: Delicious dishes and also daily specials. The meat is very tender. The environment in the shade of a beautiful plata tree is very pleasant.

THE EGG can arrange a mini bus for special excursions. If you want to be independent during the whole stay we advice you to rent a few cars (depending group size), to get around yourself. If single persons wish to be flexible, we recommend renting a scooter. Please THE EGG 2 weeks before arrival and they´ll arrange directly with the car dealer.

Live long, happy and healthy in Ikaria. Nine keys to longevity and health. About nature, communities and the purpose in life. Blue Zone is a concept used to identify a demographic and/or geographic area of the world where people live measurably longer lives. Described in Dan Buettner’s book, “The Blue Zones: Lessons for Living Longer from people who lived the longest.” Buettner identifies longevity hotspots in Ikaria, Greece; Okinawa, Japan; Sardinia, Italy; Nicoya, Costa Rica; and among the Seventh Day Adventists in Loma Linda, California, and offers an explanation, based on empirical data and first hand observations, as to why these populations live healthier and longer lives. The obvious question follows: What unique factors give rise to Ikaria’s fountain of youth? Is there something special in the wine, or a particular quality of its famous thermal springs? Or is the answer something more complex, having to do with social and lifestyle factors? Whatever the underlying reasons, they have resulted in the island’s recent status as one of the world’s Blue Zones.

According to bestselling author Dan Buettner in his book Blue Zones, Ikaria is a location where people live long and healthy lives because they engage in natural movement, have the right outlook on life, eat properly, and have a solid sense of community and belonging. It’s certainly true that Ikarians are proud of the balance in their lives: nature, freedom, time and development are all put into perspective. Despite the allure of profits associated with mass tourism, the people of Ikaria have long resisted development. Fiercely maintaining local traditions, their way of life is fulfilling and apparently rewards them with outstanding health benefits. Buettner says that there are nine keys to longevity and health:

• Natural movement

• Having a purpose in life

• Not working too hard, slowing down

• Not eating too much

• Eating lots of vegetables, but not too much meat

• Having the occasional glass of good red wine

• Belonging to a community or having a good social network

• Sharing personal beliefs or spirituality

• Making family a priority