ENTDECKEN SIE IKARIA
HISTORY
A rebellious rock in the Northern Aegean, just like the young man after whom it is named.
The mythical Icarus, the son of Daedalus, ignored his father’s warning, and the sun melted the wax that held his wings together. The young man became the name of an island and a reminder of human limits. However, he granted this island his eternal energy.
Ikaria is one of the largest islands in the Eastern Aegean, covering 255 square kilometers and 160 kilometers of coastline. Its population is 8,423, according to the 2011 census.
Sixty villages, running waters, wild vegetation, forests alternating with dreamy beaches, a culture of the different. A journey to a magical place, full of contrasts with very unique people, where imagination abounds and logic obeys.
The island’s topography is contrasting, featuring lush slopes and bare steep rocks. It is mountainous for the most part, crossed by the Atheras mountain range (Pramnos), whose highest peak reaches 1,041 meters.
THE ONLY GREEK ISLAND IN THE BLUE ZONE OF THE WORLD
In recent years, Ikaria has drawn special attention as it was included in National Geographic’s list of “BLUE ZONES.”
The “Blue Zones” are regions where the environment and lifestyle of the inhabitants promote longevity. After extensive research lasting a decade, longevity experts identified five places in the world where people have an increased likelihood of living to one hundred (100).
In Ikaria, it was found that locals are multiple times more likely to surpass the age of 90 compared to the global average. It is also impressive that rates of cancer, cardiovascular diseases, dementia, and diabetes are significantly lower among Ikarians.
So, what is their secret to a long, healthy, and happy life?
The truth is that it is a combination of factors, but in general, the centenarians of Ikaria enjoy an exceptional quality of life. They live without stress, follow the Mediterranean diet, breathe clean air enriched with the iodine of the Aegean, walk a lot in nature, sleep well, but above all, they maintain a highly social lifestyle with strong bonds of friendship and family!
Life at a different pace, unique festivals, lush nature, rugged landscapes, rivers, beaches, delicious food, and the secret of longevity are waiting for you to discover them here in IKARIA!
