IKARIAN NATURE & ENVIRONMENT

Amongst the Aegean Islands, IKARIA presents an unparalleled abundance and diversity of unspoiled natural beauty. Civilization and development on Ikaria continue to coexist with the island's environmental wealth and agricultural tradition. For thousands of years visitors have come to Ikaria to rejuvenate themselves and relax amidst the high mountains, clean air and water, brilliant sunshine and majestic surroundings.The notoriously longlived and healthy Ikarians are proof of the island's natural therapeutic qualities. Ikaria has always been a green and generously forested island.

In ancient times the island was completely covered with forests and famous for its timber exports. As agriculture, herding and fishing developed as the Ikarians' mainstay the forests were gradually reduced, but the island is still one of the greenest in the Aegean and a place of much interest to hikers and nature lovers. Many species of trees, plants, flowers and wildlife thrive throughout the year in Ikaria's rich ecosystem.

In sharp contrast to Ikaria's fertilty stands its strikingly mountainous and wild rocky terrain. Within the windswept high mountain ranges that are spread throughout the island there are many curious and unique landscapes to be discovered. Ikaria's vast highlands are filled with boulder deserts, plateaus, rocky hills, streams and spectacular cliffs. The Pramnos-Atheras mountain range is the highest on the island, its peak elevation being 1048 m.(3455 ft.) Although accessable, most of these areas are seldom visited owing to their remoteness, but for those who are willing to venture a breathtaking reward will accompany every step into the Ikarian mountain experience. For info on how to organize a trip see Ikarian Hiking/Walking

Ikaria's 255 km of pristine coastline display an incredible range of scenery and unique seascapes. Unlike many of the neighboring islands, Ikaria's shores have remained in their natural state. Development has not been allowed to disturb the earthly beauty that has existed for thousands of years. Along the perimeter of the island there are small secluded coastal villages, quiet beaches, hidden coves, caves, hot mineral springs and mystifying rock formations to be explored and enjoyed.