May 1, 2025, 9:34 am | Read time: 7 minutes
The Greek island of Ikaria holds many secrets. Known as the “Island of the Centenarians,” it is not only a hidden gem for vacationers but also appears to have the recipe for an exceptionally long life. People on Ikaria live significantly longer than in the rest of Europe. And what contributes to a long life on the “Island of the Immortals” certainly can’t hurt during a vacation. TRAVELBOOK reveals Ikaria’s secret and introduces this hidden treasure.
The “Island of the Centenarians” is still considered a true insider tip — both for a vacation and a long life! Upon arriving on the island, one quickly notices that the image is dominated by elderly people. Many of them are at least 100 years old. Nowhere else in Europe do people live longer than on Ikaria. TRAVELBOOK explores why this is the case and why a vacation on the Greek island of Ikaria is truly worthwhile.
Overview
Greek Island Without Mass Tourism
Ikaria is part of the Southern Sporades and owes its name to a figure from Greek mythology. Icarus is the son of Daedalus and embodies the deeply rooted human desire to transcend possible limits. To escape prison, he crafted wings and took off. However, he became overconfident, flew too close to the sun, fell, and drowned in the sea. Although his life ended early this way, the idea of transcending boundaries fits the people of Ikaria. The “Island of the Immortals” lies east of Mykonos and west of Samos. With a length of 40 kilometers and a width of 8 kilometers, it is quite large compared to other Greek islands. Nevertheless, it has remained completely untouched by mass tourism. This could be because Ikaria offers relatively little infrastructure and thus is not suitable for every type of vacation. Additionally, there is no international airport. However, the Greek island scores with unspoiled nature and plenty of tranquility. This might also be the secret of the people on Ikaria, as many of them are leisurely approaching their 100th birthday—or have long since passed it!
Why Do People on Ikaria Live So Long?
On Ikaria, people live significantly longer than in other parts of Europe. The proportion of 90-year-olds here is ten times higher than the European average. Additionally, there are fewer cases of cancer, heart attacks, and dementia on the island than in most other regions of the world. When the New York Times published an article about Ikaria in 2012, it was titled “The Island Where People Forget to Die.” At that time, Ikaria made international headlines and subsequently became a focus of aging research and general medicine.
Cardiologist Christodoulos Stefanidis also sought the island’s secret. He surveyed 284 men aged 65 to 99. Eight out of ten reported being regularly sexually active, according to the Südwest Presse. Besides an active sex life, Stefanidis attributes the longevity of the people on Ikaria to other factors: plenty of exercise, low stress, and a healthy diet.
But aside from its fountain of youth, Ikaria is primarily a vacation island. It offers beautiful beaches, tranquility, and unspoiled nature. Visitors can sample the Ikarian lifestyle during their stay, which includes honey, fresh vegetables, juicy fruits, and whole grains. Local red wine is also a staple here. Additionally, most people on Ikaria take a daily nap and enjoy long walks across the hilly island.
Which Places on Ikaria Are the Most Beautiful?
The Coastal Village Armenistis
Among the most beautiful sights on Ikaria are the island’s charming villages. One example is the coastal village of Armenistis. Located in the northwest of the island, it is home to about 150 people. As the most tourist-friendly of Ikaria’s villages, it offers several guesthouses and hotels. Two kilometers east of Armenistis are the bays of Livadi and Mesakti, which boast beautiful beaches. The village’s many taverns serve fresh fish and Greek spirits. Armenistis also has a supermarket and a bakery, making it an excellent starting point for exploring the rest of the island. Given Ikaria’s passion for dancing, there’s even a small disco. Here, no one is too old to dance.
Our tip: The village of Gialiskari is about the same size but much quieter than Armenistis. Its beautiful chapel, perched on a rocky promontory, is particularly worth seeing and appears in its white and blue colors as typically Greek.
Hot Springs in the Village of Thérma
The main town of the island is called Agios Kirykos and is located in the southeast. It is home to more than 2,000 people. Most of the ferries arrive at the port of Agios Kirykos, which is why it has the most shops and accommodations. The streets of the town come alive in the evening when the island’s residents head to the taverns or at least get some fresh air. Not far from Agios Kirykos is the village of Thérma. The name is fitting, as the hot springs there are said to help with arthritis, rheumatism, and other ailments. The ruins of the ancient city of Drakanos are also nearby and worth seeing. Another larger and significant port town is Evdilos, located in the north of the island. Ferries from the neighboring islands of Samos, Mykonos, and Paros arrive here.
Our tip: From the beach towards Thérma, a road leads to Gria Vathra. The natural pool and its waterfalls are located in a shady forest and should definitely be visited during a vacation on Ikaria.
The Mountain Village Christos Raches
Unlike the previous locations, Christos Raches is not by the sea but in the mountains of the island. A narrow road winds its way up in serpentine lines, ending 300 meters above sea level in Christos. The mountain village is particularly charming, surrounded by blooming nature and fragrant pine forests. Christos Raches has a persistent reputation for being a sleepy place during the day. However, visitors quickly realize this is not true. The myth is likely spread by coastal villages to keep travelers from visiting Raches during the day — and instead keep them in the coastal villages! In fact, most shops in Christos Raches are open in the early hours of the day. However, many close for a few hours at midday. In the afternoon and especially in the evening, there is a noticeable increase in activity. Around 9 p.m., many people head outside, often turning night into day. Street music fills the alleys, and the tavern tables fill up noticeably. The festivities end no earlier than 3 a.m.
Our tip: If proximity to the sea is not a priority, Christos Raches is a lovely place for a longer stay on Ikaria.
The Most Beautiful Beaches on Ikaria?
You won’t find action on Ikaria. Instead, there are beautiful hidden coves with dreamlike beaches. Each one is more beautiful than the last, so you can’t go wrong with any choice. Like the island itself, the beaches on Ikaria are rather quiet. They all feature light sand, bright rocks, and crystal-clear water. These are our favorite beaches on Ikaria:
- Nas Beach — a stunningly beautiful cove
- Livadi Beach — home to many sea turtles
- Messakti Beach — the longest beach on the island
- Therma Beach — a harbor beach
- Faros Beach — a picture-perfect beach
- Feroe Beach — an insider tip near Manganitis
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How to Get to Ikaria?
Although Ikaria has an airport, there are no direct flights from Germany to the small island. Instead, you can make a stopover in Athens. From there, domestic flights or ferries lead to Ikaria.