Ikaria is a surprisingly unspoiled-by-tourism island getaway. It lies in the east Aegean Sea next to the island of Samos and demonstrates extravagant natural beauty, a generous number of picture perfect beaches and intimate local culture. Ikarians have somehow managed to keep package tourism away from their land. However, locals are quite welcoming with visitors who are keen to immerse themselves in the island’s flair of tranquility and laid back attitude. Legend has it that the island was named after a youngster called Ikarus who fled from Crete with his father Daedalus. As they were flying over the island with the wings they had made of wax and feathers, Ikarus flew too close to the sun ignoring his father’s warnings. His wings melted and Ikarus fell into the sea of Ikaria and drowned.

Ikaria is known around the world as one of the few places on the planet where large percentage of its people lives well into their nineties. The essence of the Ikarian well-being and long-living must lie in its people’s laid-back attitude towards life. It is characteristic that at the village of Christos Rachon and elsewhere, much of the everyday activity occurs during the night, with shops opening at midnight and closing around dawn.

Fourni:

Just a few miles from Ikaria lay the island complex of Fourni, which consists of three main islands and several islets. It is an ideal destination for travelers looking for a authentic island retreat and a truly relaxing and unspoiled setting for their holidays.

The capital of the complex is the homonymous town of Fourni. It is a tranquil village with traditional houses and paved streets. In its main square locals and visitors gather for a chat over a cup of coffee or to dine at the taverns under the trees. Some sites that you could visit about the town are the church of Agios Nikolaos and the picturesque street with the mulberry trees. Other quaint villages near the town are Kampi, with its sunning old windmills and Chryssomilia.

Fourni is mostly known for the cleanness of its sea and purity of its coasts. Some stunning spots that you can go for a dip include the beaches at Kampi and Chryssomilia as well as those of Psili Ammos, Agios Giannis and Petrokopio. Eateries on the island offer freshly caught fish and seafood since Fourni has a long tradition in fishing and a sizeable fishing boat fleet. Above all, seek for the island’s famous astakomakaronada that is a delicious dish with lobster and pasta in red sauce and herbs.