Blessed with superb beaches and breathtaking scenery, notably the pine covered hills and untamed ravines, Ikaria island also possesses quaint, unspoilt villages and superior tourist accommodation. Situated between Samos in the east and Paros in the west, Ikaria is a long and narrow island 21 miles in length and between 3 & 5 miles wide. The coastline is tortuous, quite often dropping dramatically straight to the sea with most of the small villages clinging precariously to their footholds on the sheer slopes. The village of Armenistis with its magnificent, sandy beaches and sleepy, relaxed atmosphere lies beneath fine wooded scenery on the north west coast of Ikaria island of Greece.
A small, picturesque harbour, surrounded by a handful of tavernas and cafes is as exciting as it gets in Armenistis. Car hire is a positive consideration during your stay on Ikaria. There are a number of lovely villages as well as the scenic splendour of the interior of the island worth exploring. Ikaria island can be combined with Athens, Fourni, Mykonos, Samos and Syros. Walking to the inland "Rahes" hamlets from Armenistis has become increasingly popular. Locally printed guide maps now offer visitors the opportunity to explore this beautiful area on foot. Longer hikes are also possible including the descent of Halaris canyon and crossing Ikaria island to Manganitis. A lazier way to see the island is to take one of the organized bus excursions, one of which includes dinner in the Rahes hamlet of Christos.

Since ancient Greece, Ikaria has been known for it's dark red wine, thermal springs, and the legend of Icarus. Situated in the Ikarian Pelago between the islands of Samos and Mykonos, this small Greek island, only 21 miles long and 3 miles wide, is just now attracting tourists from the thousands of hellenic sun worshipers that trek to the Greek islands every summer. Ikaria island has played numerous roles throughout it's history and geography has held a central hand in molding the past. During the 1800's the island was hammered with continuous pirate invasions which caused most villages to be built in the middle of the island, away from the coast and conquering eyes of the Arabian pirates. With the outbreak of the Greek civil war in the mid 1900's, Ikaria's sparse population and rugged landscape was key in the Greek government's decision to exile around 13,000 communists to the island.

As little as thirty years ago, getting to Ikaria was still a journey most would think twice about undertaking. The seas were notoriously rough and the nearest connecting port was in Piraeus, Athens, 143 nautical miles east and a 10 hour ferry ride away. Since there were no ports, the ferry would have to drop anchor in the ocean, and wait while small boats were sent to pick up passengers. Things have changed drastically in the transportation department. Ferry's now make regular stops to Ikaria island and - most importantly- an airport was built 15 years ago, making the journey from Athens a mere 45 minutes. The overall quality of life on Ikaria has also improved as a result of money finally making it's way from the Greek government. After centuries of neglect, the government is starting to invest in the infrastructure of Ikaria island which has been key in attracting many recent visitors.
Ikarians have always lived scattered over the islands as farmers, sheep herders, and charcoal dealers and many habits and customs have remain unchanged on the island due to the solitude that most villages are surrounded by. Once a person sets foot on Ikaria, they become "Xenos", which translates more or less into meaning foreign. It's not to be taken personally though as it applies to everyone that sets foot on the soil that was not born there. Even other Greeks.

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