The free "State of Ikaria" was attached to the Greek state in 1912. A reputation - I have not read the relevant historical documents-says that 100 years later, that 'yes that is planned referendum on whether or not to recover its independence.
Tyfla to 'has Corsica. Anyone who goes up there, however, quickly suspected that this is not the island from those who 'has become accustomed.
The history of the island seems tied to the tragic fate of the popular mythologikou hero from whom was named. Conquered by Polykrates of Samos, Genoveziki empire, the Knights of St. John and then by the Ottoman empire, Ikaria has been home for the poorest residents of the Aegean during the Ottoman domination and place of exile communists from 1945 to 1949.
Perhaps for this latter reason, the spirit of independence of the inhabitants are extremely acute. Indeed, as rumours say, when at the end of the world wars Ikaria remained typically for a few weeks without "ktitora" Ikariotes rushed to raise their own flag and print their own currency by declaring independence of the island!
The mission small band of Greek navy was sufficient to halt the centrifugal tendencies of akritikiou island, although not to eliminate. The visitor of Ikaria will hear quite often the locals speak asteiefomenoi for projects "off" of Ikaria from the rest of Greece.
I had heard almost nothing about Ikaria, apart from a two-enthusiastic descriptions of Christ Rachon, the village that is living at night, keeping a schedule, one trade association, in any part of the world will not be approved.
When a friend was there for professional reasons, arpaxa the opportunity to filoxenitho and visited. Spitaki on the slope, stone and paliomoditiko, 300 meters from the beach Campos, shortly after the port of Evdilou not find every day.
Although, no less than kollisa in this little beach and walks did in the other - this chreiazomouna rather-I can say that I made a transition from some of the most hot spots of the large, relatively, this island.
The beach say the Mesaktis in Armenistis, busy with all kinds of tourists but superfluous alternative variant and suitable for surfing, because of the large waves.
In bay of the Na, at the mouth of a small river, space for fri kampers and nudists, with the ruins of the ancient temple of Artemis, to add background aroma into the air.
The Christ Rachon, which could well be host - as permanent residents-all of us not afford nor the idea of the morning xypnimatos, and where it is unlikely to encounter humans before noon.
There exists O. .. self service bakery, which psoniseis to go to the coffee shop (!), asking the key from the owner, you get bread leaving the bench epistrefeis money and the key to the owner.
Here come alive after 10 pm - in accordance with the habit that has its roots in the era of pirates-and bringing together nychtovates of the island, in bars and taverns especially after the "traditional" klampingk island, where somewhere, not Asking smell - xefantoma also indicated a series Ikariotika festivals.
This "export" essentially Ikaria, as a reason to visit a bon-viver, is the traditional festivals. Of that I understood, is a period of the summer, designated informally period fairgrounds and almost every day you can find a nearby traditional xefantoma.
With music, dancing, wine and very kopsidi for meraklides. Others are mesimvrina and others, such as high made in Christ, evening, in order to avoid overlap and more resistant to fill all day and night.
Remarkable for unrelated to the tradition like me, Ikariotiko Valses, surprising the unsuspecting, naive tourists, at a time when couples xechynontai on track as competition in European dances and break the monotony of the island.
The other "exportable" characteristic of that particular island is much laxity, flertarei dangerous with the myth and tourism picturesqueness, but the saves, having demonstrated genuine in more than one occasion and without n 'required great paratiritikotita or "penetration" in local circles.
To get a foreign newspaper, n 'leave money on the table and leaves while magazatoras missing, the slow pace of real estate, lack kornarismatos roads close, requiring patience and very easy to move successively is otostop some examples of climate that prevails and in which not wait to get a good visitor.
Because if I do not want to get, where the climate does not change for anyone and boats for the more conventional Samos, is the best solution for you and those around you.
Indeed, the island with the more fanatical fans and equally fanatical enemies - after Mykonos, for very different reasons-to move relaxed pace and appeals arguing his own particular philosophy of life - which is ultimately only the first why the love. And many others followed.
Picturesque villages, other coastal and other hanging in kataprasines slopes, but all famous for its authentic traditional festivals kefata their unique beauty beaches framed by the blue waters of the Aegean and hospitable, giving particular people in Ikaria the only color, what the rank at the top of the top alternative destinations.
The chequered history of the past has given way to today, serene picture of the island. Several interesting sights, such as the Byzantine castle of the 10 th century in Evdilo and the ruins of the ancient temple of Artemis in Tafropolou Armenisti, remains to be reminiscent of cultures that passed through here during its long history.
Last we left the strongest point of Ikaria, which is none other than the beaches. Apart from the popular beach of Na, with fine sand and vegetation to reach almost to where skaei wave, a visit - or more-and certainly deserve Seychelles, enclosed by daunting gaze, very near the village Manganitis.
In the northern part of the island, which is what they prefer and those seeking serenity alternative holiday, will swim in Gialiskari, Lawn, Campo and Avlaki. Finally, in the southeast, St. George, the sanctuary and the lighthouse will leave you with the best impression.
There is no atmosphere, coercion n 'follow specific summer habits and you n' isolate very easily, in a part, vibrant and has olimeris that you need on your vacation. Minus the usual English colony, the mast destinations and luxury village. That was also a campsite ...
Although it is difficult to distinguish one among the taverns of Ikaria, since almost all will find excellent, we have to suggest you two. In Anna in Nash, a graphic tavernaki on the beach overlooking the sea, will enjoy fresh fish and astakomakaronada, which is the specialty of the Club.
If you prefer steamed, The Bridge on Armenisti famous for its traditional cuisine and appetizers - try poulmpasi and you will not lose-but also for the pleasant environment with live music rempetiki.
Finally, for meat, with the katsikaki specialties, and traditional local cuisine prefer the Banquet in Armenisti. The tavern is recommended to vegetarians and those who watch their diet because almost all products are organically grown.
Where to stay
The Cavos Bay (3 stars) in Armenisti is one of the best choices of the island. It offers rooms and studio overlooking the sea, and a large pool of… alternative dives. The price for a double the high season start at 92 euros with breakfast. Tel. 22750 71381-3.
The Messakti Village (3 stars) in Gyaliskari picks for petroktisti architecture and the wonderful view homonym beach. The rooms consist of fully equipped studios and houses that can accommodate up to 5 people. For the most romantic, there are also two fully furnished suites in a traditional tower that dominates the hotel. The price for a double studio is the high season to 122 euros with breakfast, while for the double Suite of the tower is at 169 euro morning. Tel. 22750 71331.
An equally good choice is the Erofili Beach Hotel (3 stars) in Armenisti. The rooms here impressed with the careful decoration Aegean and the magnificent views of the sea. At the hotel you can enjoy the coolness of the pool or beneficial heat of the spa and sauna. Prices for a double room high season range from 90 to 130 euros, depending on the floor of the room, including breakfast. Tel. 22750 71058.
