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 Gialiskari is a small seaside settlement in the northern part of the island
west of Evdilos. It belongs to the community of Christos Raches and has about 165 permanent inhabitants.
This pretty fishing village with the picturesque inlet, attractive beaches, the
church of Agios Nikolaos, and surrounded by towering pine trees uniquely combines the salty sweet
breeze with the sweet heady smell of pine wood. Its houses both old and new and set among the orchards
are spread over pine clad slopes which contain crystal clear streams running down to the shore.
On the 15th of August, the day of the Virgin, a traditional feast is held in the
village with local wine, food, and dance until the early hours.
Gialiskari is one of the main tourist centers on the island and is home to numerous shops, pensions/hotels, cafes, restaurants such as The Palm, and tavernas. In Gialiskaris' environs you will find some of the densest pine wood forests on Ikaria and an abundance of water features such as rivers and streams. It is also a starting point for local walking/hiking excursions. In addition, the area has some of the best beaches on the island. The large beaches of Gialiskari, Messakti & Livadi have fine sand and are surrounded with pine trees which stretch right down to the sea. There are a variety of fine hotels and pensions in the area offering a range of accomodations including the Messakti Village Hotel Studios, Atsachas Rooms/Apt, Pension Anna, Pension Roula, Ikaros Star Hotel, and Pension Stella.
The wide array of tourist facilities offered and convenient and quick access through the port of Evdilos make Gialiskaris the suitable base for excursions to western Ikaria, which is of paramount environmental, cultural, and religious interest.
Especially picturesque is the small port anchorage. At the end of the jetty
stands the Chapel of Analipsi, the Ascention, which looked like a small ship
drifting in the sea before it was linked with the mainland. At the marina, with the small boats and fishing caiques of the village and nearby settlements, you
can experience moments of traditional fishing life like the cleaning and
untangling of the nets.
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