 |
Select a village for description...
Ikaria, Nikaria as the Ikarian people and its admirers call it, is a small mountainous island of approx. 270 km2 in area. The island, renowned for its wonder working therapeutic hot mineral springs and unequaled natural beauty, has about 7,500 inhabitants and is divided into three municipalities. The municipality of Agios Kirikos, with Agios Kirikos as the seat and about 3,000 inhabitants. The municipality of Evdilos, with Evdilos as the seat and 2,400 inhabitants and the municipality of Raches, with Raches as the seat and about 2,100 inhabitants. Together with a group of nearby islands named Fourni
which number about 1,400 inhabitants and compose the municipality of Fourni, they form the province of Ikaria in the Samos prefecture. The southern part of Ikaria is sheer, rugged, and sparsely vegetated and is separated from the northern part, which is flatter, has abundant vegetation and running waters, with a tall narrow mountain range - "Atheras" (highest-elevation 1048m).
In ancient times the island was named "Makris" and "Dolichi" because of its oblong shape and "Ictheoessa" because of its abundance of fish. The current name of the island, according to mythology, was connected to the mythical aviator of antiquity "Ikaros" who fell close to its coast, and in general with man's first attempts to fly. Ikaria has a rich history and has had times of great prosperity. Its four ancient cities: Thermae, today's Therma, Drakano, today's Fanari, Oinoe, today's Kampos, and Tavropolio where the goddess Artemis was worshipped in today's Nas Bay, had times of great glory as well as times of terrible havoc. As most of the islands of the Aegean, it had many conquerors: Genoese, Franks, Turks, and pirates. Ikaria, also known as the island of radium, is renowned for its therapeutic hot springs that contain radium. The excellent healing virtues of Ikaria's hot springs were known from antiquity. Current research shows that many of these springs are unique in the world.
The land of "Nikaria" gives excellent olive oil, marvelous grapes, wine, raisins, nuts, almonds and delicious apricots. Ikaria is also renowned for its scented honey, its abundant fishing grounds, and its finest quality slate which it exports. This island, with its virgin and wild nature has many pleasant surprises in store for its visitors. The wonderful climate, the landscapes of exquisite beauty, the deep shaded gorges with the crystal clear running waters, the attractive beaches, and the cool clean sea compose all the elements that make it an excellent place to make a holiday and live healthily. Finally, every visitor must be ready to accept the warm Ikarian hospitality and the simple Ikarian kindness so that he/she can learn and appreciate the traditions, customs and rich cultural heritage of this unique land.
|
