Ikaria
IKARIA. Ikaria, a mountainous, thickly forested
island perpetuates the myth of Ikarus and his fall into the sea near its shores
after his bold attempt to reach the sum with his waxen wings. In antiquity the
island
was called Makri (long) and Aeoliki because of its rectangular shape, and Ichthyoessa
because of its abundant fish. The south coast of the island is barren with steep
cliffs, while the north is somewhat more gentle. Its scenery is wild and rugged,
with the Atheras mountain range running the length of the island, furrowed by
lush ravines, gorges and gullies that descent all the way to the coast. Agios
Kirikos, the island's capital and chief port, is built on a hillside, the balconies
of its houses almost invisible amongst their flowers. Though small, its archaeological
museum, containing Neolithic, Geometric and Roman finds, is of considerable interest.
Southwest of the capital, the first village you come to is Therma Lefkadas, where
mineral springs bubble up through its sands. Beyond it, there is a string of
sheltered ports and hamlets with houses made of dry stone walls until the road
ends in the wooded village of Hrissostomos.
Click on the pictures to enlarge:
Armenistis, Ikaria |
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Magganitis, Ikaria |
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Self-portrait on Seychelles Beach,
Ikaria
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Moonrise at Xilosirtis Ikaria
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Dawn at Agios Kirikos
Ikaria |
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Chapel at Karkinagri
Ikaria
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Butterfly on valerian,
Ikaria |
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Wall Manganitis Ikaria |
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Returning
to Agios Kirikos and taking the road to the northeast
this time, your first stop might be Therma, known since
antiquity for its radioactive springs. There is a little
trace of the ancient settlement. Continuing on in this
direction, you next come to Evdilos, Ikaria's second
port and its former capital. The little village of Kambos,
2,5 km from Evdilos, is of interest thanks to its small
archaeological museum with finds from the area. It occupies
the site of ancient Oinoe (Inoi), once renowned for its
grapes and, according to some myths, the first place
in Greece to cultivate the vine. All that remains of
it today is the ancient walls, an aqueduct and a building
known as Palatia. (the palaces). In the mountain hamlet
of Kossikia the 10th century castle of Nikaria is a typical
example of Byzantine architecture. Armenistis is the
next stop, a region of thick pine forest with an abundance
of fresh water and a superb beach. Hristos tis Rahis,
a village jutting into the open sea like a stone balcony,
is also picturesque. If you continue on, don't miss the
11th century Monastery of the Virgin of Mounte, which
has frescoes and a panoramic view. Not far from Armenistis
is the miniature port of Nas, once the site of one of
antiquity's most celebrated sanctuaries dedicated to
Artemis. Today nothing is left but traces of the quay
and parts of the temple floor. To visit Ikaria's other
charming villages and beaches, particularly those on
the south coast, you will have to take a caique from
Agios Kirikos. There is a yacht refueling station at
Agios Kirikos.
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Wrestlers at Xilosirtis
Ikaria |
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volksdans 2 Agios Kirikos,
Ikaria |
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folkdance 3
Agios Kirikos, Ikaria |
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folkdance
Agios Kirikos, Ikaria |
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Magganitis, Ikaria |
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Source:
Greek National Tourism Organisation
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