Since ancient times, Ikaria has been known for it's dark red wine, thermal springs, and the legend of Icarus. Situated in the Ikarian Pelago between the islands of Samos and Mykonos, this small Greek island, only 21 miles long and 3 miles wide, is just now attracting tourists from the thousands of hellenic sun worshipers that trek to the Greek islands every summer. Ikaria has played numerous roles throughout it's history and geography has held a central hand in molding the past. During the 1800's, the island was hammered with continuous pirate invasions which caused most villages to be built in the middle of the island, away from the coast and conquering eyes of the Arabian pirates . With the outbreak of the Greek civil war in the mid 1900's, Ikaria's sparse population and rugged landscape was key in the Greek government's decision to exile around 13,000 communists to Ikaria island.
As little as thirty years ago, getting to Ikaria was still a journey most would think twice about undertaking. The seas were notoriously rough and the nearest connecting port was in Piraeus, Athens, 143 nautical miles east and a 10 hour ferry ride away. Since there were no ports, the ferry would have to drop anchor in the ocean, and wait while small boats were sent to pick up passengers. Things have changed drastically in the transportation department.
Ferry's now make regular stops to Ikaria and - most importantly- an airport was built 15 years ago, making the journey from Athens a mere 45 minutes. The overall quality of life on Ikaria has also improved as a result of money finally making it's way from the Greek government. After centuries of neglect, the government is starting to invest in the infrastructure of the island which has been key in attracting many recent visitors. Ikarians have always lived scattered over the islands as farmers, sheep herders, and charcoal dealers and many habits and customs have remain unchanged on the island due to the solitude that most villages are surrounded by. Once a person sets foot on Ikaria island, they become "Xenos", which translates more or less into meaning "foreign" in English. It's not to be taken personally though as it applies to everyone that sets foot on the soil that was not born there. Even other Greeks.

Ikaria hotels - Greece
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