Island Ikaria - The Complete Online Guide

IKARIA'S NATURE & ENVIRONMENT

It has an extensive mountainous topography (highest peak 1042m), as it is crossed by the mountain chain Atheras (Pramnos) and is full of old stony and earthen paths suitable for hiking . The island is higthly forested with mainly pine and oak forests and there are many rivers and small lakes. The famous Ranti ancient forest lies at the western edge of the Athera mountain chain of central Ikaria Island and covers an area of approximately 1,600 hectares (16km2). This forest has an average age, which spans over two centuries, with some of the oldest trees exceeding 300 years.

Its streams, rivers and reservoirs support its diverse freshwater ecosystems which are rare in the Aegean islands.Many protected animal and plant species are being recorded in these habitats which also constitute important stations in the migratory route of birds.

The marine region north of Ikaria constitutes an important point in the migratory route of large marine mammals (and also of fish) in the Aegean as it is characterised by deep marine gorges and canyons that reach a maximum depth of 1200m. In contrast, the marine region south of Ikaria which is characterized by small slopes and depths that vary between 80 and 200m, supports permanent populations of several species of dolphins as well as of monk seals. The island's coastal zone supports ecosystems of high biodiversity as well as large areas of sea-grass beds.

Many of the species of fauna and flora common in the islands of the area are located on Ikaria. Concerning flora, especially in the island's south, where great lime rocks can be found, some of the more endemic species and subspecies can be seen, such as: the Paeonia mascula cariensis and the unique species Iberis runemarkii, that grows in a few places in Pragia. Other important flora sites can be found at Fanari or along river Chalraris, which floats all year long towards the north.

Reptile fauna is of Asia Minor origin in general. Along with the samiamidi Mediterranean Gecko lizard (Hemidactylus turcicus) the ophisops snakeeyed lizard (Lacertidae Lacertinae) snake and the Starred Agama (Laudakia stellio) etc. can be seen, whereas the so-called lizard of Ikaria (Lacerta oerizeni) is found only here. The most common snakes are the ephios (Coluber juguralis) and the sapites (Malpolon monsessulanus); none of the island's snakes are poisonous.

On the coasts many bird species nest, amongst which some of rear ones like the wild seagull, the sea raven, or the birds of prey Bonellifs eagle (Hieraatus fasciatus), the peregrine falcon (Falco peregrinus), the golden falcon (Falco biarmicus) etc. There are also three protected species of bat: the Rhinolofus mehelyi, the Myotis blythi and Myotis myotis. Endangered species such as the Mediterranean seal, the bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncates) and the striped dolphin (Stenella coeruleoalba) find shelter there.

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.