The human animal differs from the lesser primates in his passion for lists.
– H. Allen Smith
After nearly three months on Ikaria during the off-season, we’ve compiled Reid & Robie’s Top 10 things to do when the island’s not packed with sunseekers.
But first, an Honorable Mention:
Keeping track of our neighbor’s herd was more than just a way for Robie to provide content on Instagram and Facebook, it was our news update, the weekly sitcom and our entertainment – especially as we watched the little ones grow up.
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And now, the Top 10:
No. 10 – Exploring Ikaria’s history at Drakano Tower and the Archeological Museum where we learned about Alexander the Great’s impact on the island, how Ikaria fared under Byzantine rule, gained independence from the Ottomans and the century of obscurity.
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No. 9 – Driving the winding mountain roads to find hiking paths, hard-to-reach beaches and distant towns. From Faros to Armenistis, through mountain passes in Maraho and Katafigio and along coastal towns like Plagia and Karavostamos – there’s no better way to experience Ikaria than a drive around the island.
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No. 8 – Stopping along the road to photograph Greek churches and shrines.
It’s said that when Christianity came to Greece, the Greeks simply swapped their pantheon of deities for saints and erected churches over Greek temples. It’s certainly true on Ikaria where chapels, churches and shrines abound. And since no town or village is without one, hunting down these beautiful domed buildings is a fun way to explore the island.
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No. 7 – Hiking the island
After inviting my sister to hike the Camino de Santiago this August, it was time to start training for it on Ikaria – and the spectacular views proved a special treat.
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No. 6 – Since there’s no such thing as a bad meal on Ikaria, eating out was a favorite pastime.
In Evdilos we recommend visiting Rififi for coffee on the waterfront and Koralli for the shrimp saganaki. Near the airport in Fanari, enjoy lunch at Leonidas Fish Tavern with fried cheese, calamari and anchovies. In the mountains near Dafni, the small Sta Perix is open Friday, Saturday and Sunday serving traditional tiropitas in phyllo and wild boar. In Agios Kirykos, get the best gyros on the island at Paprika or amazing pizza at Zagoras – both with great views on the promenade. And no trip to Therma would be complete without a stop at Avra – for a meal or simply to have a cold beer by the beach. But no matter where you eat out on Ikaria, leave room for something sweet since every restaurant shows off their famous Greek hospitality with complimentary desserts.
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No. 5 – Discovering the ingredients and dishes that make Ikaria a Blue Zone. From the Greek classics like tzatziki, spanakopita, avgolemono and Bekri meze to local specialties like soufiko and lentil soup, Robie and I had fun recreating Ikarian dishes in the kitchen.
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No. 4 – Seeing Mykonos in the off-season.
Want to visit this stunning international resort without the crowds? Go to Mykonos in the winter when you’ll have your pick of accommodations offering significant savings and delight in wandering picturesque empty streets, getting a waterfront table for dinner without a reservation and watching amazing sunsets.
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No. 3 – Soaking in Therma’s therapeutic baths.
Famous since ancient times for its hot springs, Therma’s baths offer something for everyone: a hammam, municipal pool and our favorite – the free, natural spa under a cave in the bay. Because nothing beats mother nature. And without the crowds, Robie and I were free to hog the hottest spots.
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No. 2 – Relaxing on the promenade in Agios Kirykos.
As Therma closed for the season, Robie and I often made the hike to the island’s capital in Agios Kirykos to sit on the promenade and watch as locals decorated their storefronts, gathered for the holidays and shopped for Christmas.
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No. 1 – Enjoying the cats in Therma’s main square.
Our favorite activity on Ikaria was soaking up the sun and sitting with the cats in Therma – always an enjoyable way to spend a lazy afternoon.
