Ikaria island. Ikaria island in greece healing water springs
Ikaria (Ικαρία or Nikaria) is a Greek island in the Aegean Sea, which is part of the Eastern Sporades archipelago. The island is located west of Samos, north of Patmos, and has an oblong shape, due to which in ancient times it was called Makris or Dolihi (Long).
Another ancient name of the island is Ihthyoessa (Fish), obtained thanks to the always rich catch.
It is believed that the modern name of the island was given by the name of Icarus, the son of Daedalus, who died at sea near the nearby island of Samos. The waters south of the island, in memory of this event, have been called the Icarian Sea since ancient times.
People have lived in Ikaria since the Neolithic period. Ikaria is considered one of the five "blue zones" of the world - places where people live unusually long. According to a study conducted at the University of Athens, Icarians live up to 90 years of age 2.5 times more often than Europeans.
In addition, residents of Ikaria are much healthier than older people from other parts of the world, they are less likely to suffer from Alzheimer's disease and other serious age-related diseases.
Since antiquity, Icaria has been known as a health resort, mainly because of its radioactive hot springs, which were believed to reduce pain, heal joints and skin diseases. But for most of the next two millennia, the islands were raided by pirates. To avoid looting, the Icarians moved their villages high up on the rocky slopes.
Their isolation led to the emergence of a unique way of life. Over the centuries, without external influences, the islanders have developed their own outlook on life, which is based, among other things, on relentless optimism and a penchant for parties, both of which are good at reducing stress. In addition, Icarians like to go to bed well after midnight. They do not need a lot of money, and they work a little and more for pleasure.
All Icarians have gardens where they grow their own fresh, high-quality, pesticide-free vegetables, and they also make olive oil. They eat little meat and mostly on holidays, and usually drink herbal tea rich in antioxidants - an excellent diuretic, in addition to lowering blood pressure. Ikarians eat honey every day, and they consume little refined sugar and flour.
The social structure of the island also contributes to longevity. In most countries of the world, people are completely unfamiliar with their own neighbors - they can only exchange a few words in the morning before work. In Ikaria, in the evenings, it is customary to visit friends with a jug of wine. Friends here are friends for life. In addition, to visit a friend, you have to walk through the mountains, which is associated with considerable physical exertion.
One 101-year-old woman from Ikaria, when asked by what miracle they live so long, replied: “Yes, we just forget to die.”
The best beaches
This island has its own "wild" beauty: a lot of greenery, high mountains, rivers, ravines, and most importantly - its wonderful beaches! There are a great many of them, to name just a few of them: Armenistis, Demonopetra, Kambos, Livadi, Nas, Ormos Nimfi, Prioni, Therma, Kerame, Pharos and Seychelles ... one of the most wonderful beaches of Ikaria.
caves
There are a large number of different types of caves on the island, and many inhabitants of the island do not even know about their existence. In many of them, traces of some ancient rituals and archaeological finds were found. Each of these caves has its own history, its own myth, which we wish you to know by visiting there. These are such caves as Katafigio (the village of Katafigi, located at the foot of the church of St. Nicholas), Protari (the village of Glaredo), Halaris (in the village of Chrysostomo), Spilao (in Faros), Drakospilo (in Perdiki), Parafiri (in Chrysostomo), Loukaraos (in Drutsula), Alama (in Akamatra) and many others.
Healing water sources
The history of healing springs is closely connected with the history of the area. The ancient Greeks were the first to use medicinal waters, as were the ancient Greek physicians, historians, physicists, geographers, who gave meaning and importance to mineral waters. The first to discover their existence was the historian Herodotus, who later described a large number of such natural sources.
Ikaria is one of the 17 most important natural sources of healing waters in Greece. There are 8 such springs, which differ in water temperature. These are such sources as Thermo and Khlio-Thermo, Asquilipiou, St. Chiriku, Spilau Pamphili, Kratsa, Artemidos and Apollonos.
" Immortal water" - this is the name of one of the sources, the waters of which help to get rid of stones and sand in the kidneys and cysts.
Do you want to find a recipe on how to avoid old age and be forever young? Go to Greece, to the island of Ikaria - one of the largest in the eastern part of the Aegean Sea.
Perhaps there you will be able to get the coveted "elixir of youth", which people have been trying to invent for many centuries, but it turned out that Icariotes found it long ago.
True, you most likely will not find a recipe written on paper from local residents, but you will spend time on this wonderful island:
Here, even the most frail and fragile will soon feel vigorous and full of health. Here you will understand - here it is, the cherished recipe for the elixir, which you don’t need to write down, but just take it and get ready for a trip.
A bit about local myths and legends
Local residents say that in the ancient settlement Drakano, located in the eastern part of the island, the eternally young and most cheerful of the gods, the reveler and traveler Dionysus, was born.
- When Dionysus set off on a journey from Ikaria to the island of Naxos at sea, he was kidnapped by Tyrrhenian sea pirates. Not knowing that it was the god Dionysus himself, they decided to sell him into slavery. When he was put in chains, those, to horror, the Tyrrhenians turned into vines that braided the mast and sail of the ship, and the god himself appeared before the invaders in the form of a bear and a lion. When the pirates, fleeing from the terrible wild beasts, rushed into the sea foam, Dionysus turned them into dolphins.
Icariots firmly believe that their vineyards grow from that first vine, and the dark red, almost black wine obtained from this grape gives people eternal youth and carelessness, which were inherent in Dionysus himself.
- Of course, another myth, familiar to everyone from early childhood, excites the minds of local residents and tourists, about the careless Icarus who flew away with his father from the legendary Cretan labyrinth, who rose too high, approaching the sun, which melted the wax of his artificial wings and fell into the waves. near the island. It is believed that the sea around, and the island itself, are named after this legendary character.
The locals adore this myth and believe that their island is shaped like the broken wings of a hero. In memory of the death of Icarus, a monument was erected to him, decorating the entrance to the main port of Ikaria.
- Another ancient Greek goddess Artemis was the patroness and protector of the island and its inhabitants. In honor of her, a temple was even erected here, the ruins of which can be seen in the village of Nas. Here, according to legend, sea naiads, companions of the goddess, who guarded this sanctuary, also lived.
And yet, you will probably be told various myths and legends about mysterious ancient rituals held in local caves, traces of which were discovered by speleologists who come here every year and make new discoveries.
However, legends are just beautiful fairy tales invented by people, but statistics give us other, very interesting and reliable information about Ikaria.
Some statistics
Ikaria is considered one of the so-called blue zones of the world, whose inhabitants are distinguished by unusual longevity. According to the latest scientific studies conducted on the island, many Icariotes live to be 90, and some even up to 100 years, which is 1.5 times the longevity threshold of the average European.
Moreover, they do not at all look like decrepit “ruins” suffering from various age-related diseases, but quite vigorous and cheerful people who lead the usual typical “Ikaryotic” lifestyle that has developed here for many centuries:
Here, perhaps, is all the wisdom that the local aksakals willingly share with everyone who wants to know the secret of their youth.
Settlements
The villages and towns in Ikaria are picturesque and colorful, as if they had come off the artist's canvas. In addition, traditional rural architecture - houses covered with polished tiles delight the eye with their comfort and patriarchy.
Ayios Kirykos is the capital of the island. There is a seaport here, where passenger liners and cargo ships arrive from different parts of Greece.
The city is relatively young. The oldest buildings were erected in 1750, although archaeologists claim that this area has been inhabited since ancient times, as evidenced by archaeological finds, but due to frequent pirate raids, the inhabitants moved away from the coastline.
The architecture of the city is mixed. You can meet both majestic buildings built in the neoclassical style, where administrative departments are mainly located, and small clean houses with lush flowering front gardens, which, pleasing to the eye, win the hearts of travelers with their unpretentious beauty.
It is worth paying attention while walking around the old town to the small Church of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker with a stunning carved iconostasis, the construction of which dates back to 1820, as well as to see the Cathedral of St. Kirikos. Both temples were built according to the design of the famous Belgian architect Dibre. Travelers may also be interested in the archaeological and folklore-historical museums of the city, which contain exhibits and artifacts relating to ancient and modern life and the life of the islanders.
Numerous cafes, bars and restaurants are located on the central square of the city near the embankment. Here, in the coastal coolness, travelers, relaxing after walks, can drink aromatic Greek coffee with traditional island sweets, or dine in a tavern, ordering an Icarian specialty - stuffed vegetables with mountain herbs, washed down with famous local wine.
Armenitis a very small but pretty village, with a small local population. Considered one of the best tourist destinations. There are many hotels, hotels, studios where travelers can stay comfortably. The prices are very different, but quite acceptable. Around the village there are picturesque places for hiking.
Gialiskari coastal village, on the northwestern side of the island with a well-developed infrastructure: local hotels here have everything you need to stay in a quiet, peaceful place. The sandy beach of Messakti, as well as the nearby fishing village of Avlaki, attract many visitors who come here from all over the island to have a good time on the golden sands of the coast, and dine on delicious fresh fish and seafood.
Evdilos is located on the northern side of the island, 40 km from Agios Kirikos. Since 1830, the village has been subjected to pirate attacks more than once. Even the name of the town in translation means "well viewed on the horizon." In fact, the second capital of the island, and it was such during the period of Ottoman rule from 1834 to 1912. Today it is the second largest port and city in Ikaria.
Farm- since ancient times, this town has been known for five thermal springs with a unique composition of radon water: Speleu, Pamphili, Kratsa, Apollonius and Artemis. In total, there are 8 similar terms on the island, which are included in the list of the seventeen most significant hydropathic baths in Greece, for example, the source of Asclepius, located near Agios Kirikos, with a similar composition of water. And in the village of Xyloritis, they found the so-called "living water", which restores the functioning of the kidneys. It is also a well-known health resort of the island. A stone's throw from the village are the remains of the ancient city of Dragono, where traces of the round walls of an ancient castle built in the 4th century, in the Alexandrian era, have been preserved.
Beaches
The fame of the charm and pristine beauty of the local beaches spread far beyond the borders of Greece. They began to be compared with the coastlines of the Seychelles and, according to many, the Icarians are in no way inferior to the latter.
Many of them are pebbly with small snow-white pebbles, similar to caramel dragees, others are sandy, the color shades of which vary from golden yellow to milky white, and you really want to taste the sand itself, because it resembles sugar. There are many secluded and inaccessible places where you need to make your way along narrow paths, and there are well-organized ones: with umbrellas and sunbeds, small cafes deployed right on the shore, where there are always ice cold drinks. On many beaches, marine entertainment is well organized and there is everything for water sports.
Of the many beaches, it is worth highlighting on the south side of the island: Prioni, Lefkada, Faros, Dragono, Kerame and Ferma. On the north - three quiet and cozy beaches: Negia, Avgolimi and Levadia.
Icarian holidays
It is impossible not to say a few words about all kinds of festivals and festivities on the island. This is such a traditional phenomenon that many tourists specially come here during their 
activities to have fun with the locals at the holidays, arranged either in honor of a saint revered on this day, or in commemoration of local significant events. So, in the village of Areta, both the day of St. Marina and the liberation of the island from the Turkish yoke on July 17 are magnificently celebrated.
The youth of the island holds music festivals, where local old dances and songs are performed. Older people prepare treats: boiled and fried goat meat, salads made from local vegetables. Well, homemade wine here just “flows like water”. Celebrations sometimes drag on until sunrise, accompanied by music performed by local musicians.
All this local residents organize on a voluntary basis, and the income from the holidays goes to the needs of the island.
How to get to Ikaria
By sea:
By air:
- From Athens there are daily flights to Ikaria Airport, which is located 12 km from Agios Kirikos.
- Also by plane you can get from Crete - from Heraklion airport, from Thessaloniki and Limnos.
Ikaria is a Greek island in the Aegean Sea, located just 19 kilometers southwest of. The island got its name thanks to the mythical Icarus, who fled with his father - Daedalus - from Crete on homemade wings. Without going into the details of the myth, we only note that Icarus turned out to be unimportant as a flyer, crashing into the sea exactly not far from the coast. Since then, the island itself has been called Ikaria, and the sea around it - Ikarian.
Icaria is famous as a great holiday destination due to its favorable climate, delicious food, variety of beaches and good-natured disposition of the locals. Among the Greeks themselves, the island is known for its healing springs and is especially popular among those tourists who want to combine relaxation with hydrotherapy.
How to get there
The island is connected by ferry to Athens (), Samos, Chios and the Cyclades. Getting to Ikaria from Athens by ferry in the summer is not difficult. In winter, navigation also exists, but it largely depends on weather conditions. Familiarize yourself with the schedule of routes and. Also on the link you can see the schedule of other ferries passing through the island. If you did not have the experience of buying tickets for ferries, we also recommend how to do it.
Ikaria is great for those who want to combine relaxation with "hydrotherapy"
You can also get to the island by air. Ikaria is connected to the Greek capital by regular Olympic Air flights, which continue to operate even during the low season. During the summer months, the local airport also receives charter flights from a number of European cities. The airport is located 12 km from the town of Agios Kirikos.
Climate and weather
Like other islands in the Northeast Aegean, Ikaria is known for its Mediterranean climate. Thanks to the winds that blow all year round, even during the peak season the temperature rarely rises above 29C.
Winter on the island is short and mild, however, with abundant rainfall. The hottest months are July and August, with an average temperature of around 27C. Already at the end of April, it is often quite possible to open the swimming season, which, as a rule, lasts until the end of October.
Things to do
On the waterfront of Agios Kirikos, you can see the wings of Icarus - the same mythical hero, after whom the island is named.
The ancient temple of Artemis is located 50 kilometers from the capital of the island, which is very worth a visit. The temple was built in the VI century BC. According to historians, the main statue of the temple - the goddess Artemis - was hidden somewhere in the waters of a nearby river, so if you have the spirit of Indiana Jones - you can even try to find it. However, even if you do not find the statue, you will definitely find the remains of ancient columns in the river.
Koskina Fortress is the most famous fortification on the island. It is located near the town of Evdilos and offers an impressive view of the surroundings. The fortress was founded by the Byzantines in the 11th century, and they, as you know, were masters of choosing the right places for such structures.
Beaches
If the purpose of your trip is secluded beaches, then Ikaria is 100% suitable for this. Fles Beach is located 38 km from Agios Kirykos and can be considered an ideal destination if you want to retire with your loved one. A closer analog might be Miliopó, but it's so secluded that it's rarely even mapped. Armenistis is located a little further, but more ennobled by civilization.
If you prefer more crowded places with bars and taverns, then you should pay attention to Kambos and Messakti. The latter, however, is located 52 km from Agios Kirikos. Prioni beach can be a good choice for divers.
The narrow and windswept strip of land between Samos and Mykonos that bears the name of Ikaria is not spoiled by visits and is greatly underestimated by travel writers - these authors do not even try to look at this island. The name is supposed to be given by the name of the fabulous Icarus, who fell into the sea near the shore, when the sun melted the wax on which his wings were held. Over the years, the tourism industry has developed to some extent only at the hot springs on the south coast.
Until the 1980s, the Icarians successfully fought off almost any of the encroachments to adapt their island for conventional tourism. And to this day, the island does not accept charter flights, however, the airport on the northeastern tip of Ikaria does not have a jet lane. But over the past decades, some opportunities for tourists have nevertheless appeared, and their number and quality is growing, primarily in the only resort that deserves this name, Armenistis and its environs.
Ikaria, along with Thessaly on the mainland, is one of the strongholds of the Greek left. This tradition is rooted in long decades of undivided dominance in the country of the right, when (as in the more distant past) dissidents and simply objectionable to the authorities, in particular, the communists, were exiled to Ikaria. The strategy, if it worked, then with an unplanned rebound: the local population liked the exiles, and therefore the locals willingly adopted their views from outsiders. At the same time, many Icarians left for North America, and ironically, it is their remittances from the lair of capitalism that keep the island afloat. Lately, the Icarians seem to be ready to support any absurd undertaking, as long as it appears politically left: stubborn posters urging you to stand up for some political prisoners in or asking for money for a teacher training school organized by Zapatista rebels in the Mexican state of Chiapas.
Since ancient times, they have been accustomed to punishing such poses with arrogant disdain, but this further strengthens the islanders in their desire for self-sufficiency and unlikeness to anyone else and showing support (or at least tolerance) to all other eccentrics and eccentricities. The sense of dignity cultivated in Ikaria dictates not to listen to other people's opinions, and to this day, Icarians - for the most part flaunting long-outdated American outfits - do not understand very well what "modern tourists" might want from them. Just this lack of obsequiousness, coupled with cherished strangeness, seems to be wrong! - to many guests of the island with almost hostility.
But it's not just the tricks of the natives: many find that Ikaria is something special, very different (for better or for worse), for example, from Samos. If you do not turn a blind eye to the forests of the north-west (and even there now there are burnt spots in some places, especially near the coast), Ikaria does not strike with beauty: most of the island is covered with bushes, and slates lie under them - good, by the way, building material. The almost deserted south coast is frightening with sheer cliffs, and the north side of the island, although not so steep, is pitted with deep canyons, which makes the turns of the roads in those parts puzzling even by Greek standards. And yet, there are also enough colorful villages, as if they have come down from postcards, especially since rural houses covered with slate, as a rule, are adjacent to the famous Icarian apricot orchards, vineyards and fields.
The capital of the island of Ikaria is the city of Agios Kirikos.
Ferries following the route - - - enter the port and capital of the island of Agios Kirikos on the south coast, 1 kilometer southwest of the island's main resort on the waters. Because of those who are thirsty for treatment in the spa, an empty bed in the city in the middle of summer is a great success. Arriving in the evening from Samos, accept any relatively reasonable offer of a room or, if you are in a group, take a taxi to the north coast: a taxi driver is unlikely to ask for more than 50 € for delivery - from all taxi passengers. The bus passing through the whole island leaves the main square (July-10 September, Monday-Friday at 12:00) to Evdilos, where there is usually a change of shift (change of car or driver), and then the bus heads to Armenistis.
The spa at Therma, 1 kilometer northeast of the port on a direct access road along the coast, has known better days, it was between the two world wars. Now this irremediably old-fashioned resort accepts elderly people who have managed to get a state medical permit. It is much more pleasant to rinse in mineral waters, not constraining yourself with official frameworks and rules, in Agios Kirikos, by the sea, there is an open-air reservoir filled with the waters of the hot springs of Asklipiou, to which steps lead from the local government building. Even better, because it's more natural, the hot springs are near the shore, at Therma Lefkados, 2 kilometers southwest of Agios Kirikos.
The path, starting in front of a eucalyptus grove, descends to the sea, and then, after 100 meters, makes its way over the coastal cobblestones to the place where hot water from the spring pours into the sea and mixes between two huge volcanic blocks with sea water, reaching a very pleasant temperature. The beach is simpler, but the largest on the south coast, located 10.5 kilometers northeast of the capital, on an asphalt road to the airport, near the town of Faros. Summer cottages here are hidden under tamarisk trees, bordering a spit covered with sand and gravel. Before reaching the depth, you will have to overcome the reef strip.
The place itself, quite similar to the end of the world, faces the islands of Fourni and Timena, whose beaches (and landscapes) are very similar to this one. But a more compelling reason to travel to Faros is the two taverns, inexpensive but much better than what Agios Kirykos has to offer. Leonidas serves seafood, from a grill or a frying pan, nice draft wine, and in Grigoris next door there are fewer people (the atmosphere is more severe or something), but the quality is a little higher there. From the signpost on Faros Beach, a dirt path inland leads after 2 kilometers to Cape Drakano with a round Hellenistic watchtower - this is the oldest (and most impressive) on the island.
Useful information about Agios Kirikos
Hydrofoils, small ferries and caiques dock at the small pier, while large ferries dock at the main western pier. A few ATMs and a post office on the road out of town, as well as three shipping agencies - Ikariadha representing hydrofoils and catamarans, Roustas and Lakios selling tickets for other ships - complete the list of essentials. Motorbike and car rentals are from Dolihi Tours/Lemy or Glaros, both near the east pier.
There are several hotels, and the most attractive (and constantly hosting) is the friendly, en-suite, air-conditioned, immaculate Akti on a hillock east of the caique and hydrofoil dock, with garden views of Fourni. Another option, behind the main jetty for large ferries and two blocks inland, is the Maria-Elena Guesthouse, a large, modern tower block in a quiet location. With your car, you can drive towards Faros and stop at Evon’s Rooms, which has its own parking. There are few restaurants in the village, they work only during the season (for example, Iy Klimataria and Tzivaeri) and most of them are not original.
Avoid the overpriced Stou Tsouri and head to the back alley Filoti (all year round) serving big pizzas and salads in the gallery. If you have a car, then it is better for you to go to Terma, to Avra fish on the coast. Alternatively, you can drive 5 kilometers west to Xylositri, where excellent mezedes are made at Arodhou (from 2:30 pm, closed on Mondays out of season), located near the church of Ayia Paraskevi. The Casino on the waterfront is the last surviving traditional coffee shop. Two summer clubs operate at the beginning of Therma Lefkados street.
Winding, one of the most dizzying on the Greek islands (especially if you go by taxi), the road, leaving Agios Kirikos, after 37 kilometers rests on Evdilos and a long ridge stretching through all of Ikaria and often clouded over, even when over the entire Aegean cloudless sky by the sea. Although Evdilos is the second city on the island and an indispensable stop on the Samos-Piraeus ferry route, the readiness to receive guests here is slightly lower than in the capital of Ikaria. The best of the three hotels, Kerame, offers a studio 1 kilometer east of the beach that gave it its name. Post office on the road through the whole village, a couple of ATMs in the same place.
Ship ticketing is handled by Blue Nice and Roustas, while MAV offers car rentals. There are many shops selling sweets, coffee houses and restaurants near the harbor, from which it is more reliable and reasonable to choose Coralli, marked with a wooden sign, but you will find something more interesting at Fitema Farm, 1 kilometer west of the harbor, where of the two taverns it is better to visit located on a rocky shore behind the friendly Kalypso (lunch and dinner May-October), which offers excellent vegetable and fish dishes at reasonable prices.
Kambos is located 1.5 kilometers west of Fitema and has a small hillside museum with finds from the nearby ancient city of Oinoi. Nearby is the Church of St. Irene (Aiyya Irini), built in the 12th century, but inherited from the Byzantine basilica that stood here in the 4th century, the stumps of columns and mosaic fragments at the entrance to the courtyard. Below are scattered the remains of the ruins of the Byzantine palace (they are visible from the road), which was inhabited by noble exiles expelled from the capital of the empire. The beach is even lower: an unmarked track leads to 250 meters of sand, there is a candina offering sun loungers and music.
Looking into a shop with a green door under the church, you can agree on a room: the owner Vassilis Kambouris keeps Rooms Dhionysos, and also with great enthusiasm helps tourists who are interested in this part of Ikaria - he, in particular, keeps the keys to the church and the museum. The winding road from Kambos rises uphill for 4 kilometers - the road from Avlaki is both easier and shorter: 3 kilometers - to the most outstanding medieval monument of the island, the Teoktisti monastery, nestled among a heap of sloping granite blocks and looking through the coniferous forest to the coast. The decoration of the catholicon is damaged, but the remains of the ingenuous frescoes, painted in 1688, are definitely worth a look, as is the pleasant coffee house next door.
The road departing from the large church in Evdilos goes inland. On it, 15 kilometers to the south, you will reach the Byzantine fortress of Koskina (Nikarias). The road with a pointer to Manganitis passes through the village of Kosikya, which is 9 kilometers away, and remains paved for another 2 kilometers after Kosikya, it ends at the beginning of the marked lane. Further, you can quickly walk to the fortress of the 10th century on a noticeable conical mountain, but it is better, of course, to have an all-terrain vehicle or at least a bicycle. Behind the arched entrance to the castle you will see a pretty church with beautiful vaults.
Behind this branch, the road crosses the Icarian watershed and then gradually descends to the south coast. It is paved throughout its entire length, that is, if you have your own transport, you can return along this highway to Agios Kirikos faster, and without those dashing turns, which are many on the road through Karavostamo. And if you want to turn off somewhere, then, most likely, after 2 kilometers around the turn to the fortress, to the right (to the west) - to the secluded pebble beach of Seychelles (like the Seychelles) - the path to this very best beach on not too hospitable shore will take about ten minutes.
Satellite islands of Timen and Fourni
The strait between Samos and Ikaria, like freckles, is dotted with islands that form a tiny archipelago. Inhabited of them, only two are larger - Timena and Fourni. Timena is the westernmost island, the village on it is one and very small, but caiki will certainly land at its pier on the way between Fourni and Ikaria or Samos. There are no amenities or entertainment - except for the beach south of the village - on the island.
But Fourni also has a solid fishing fleet, and its boat workshops are among the most successful shipyards in the Aegean, and therefore, and also thanks to the improvement of the port with a pier, the local population keeps to a small homeland - unlike most other small and large Greek islands. Once Fourni was chosen as a lair by Maltese pirates, which is reminiscent of the North African features that are noticeable in the appearance of many islanders.
Small ferries Samos Spirit and caiques Samos Sun spend most of the week on Fourni, taking the islanders to the post office or shopping in Samos or Ikaria in the morning. Travelers return home on the same ferry in the afternoon or in the evening. Large ferries of large shipping lines enter the island once every few days, also not for the entertainment of tourists or sightseers, this is also necessary for the islanders. The only way to do a day trip to Fourni is to board one of the Samos Sun boats that depart from Agios Kirikos several times a week.
Apart from the remote Chrysomilla farm to the north, where the longest and worst road on the island leads, most of the Furnians live in the port and on the Kambi farm, located south of the port village. There are much more people living near the harbor than it might seem from the sea, and the friendly mood reigning on the island evokes memories of that friendly one that remained in the past, in the 1970s.
Useful information about Fourni
The central street is lined with stone slabs and lined with mulberry trees, and it ends in a small square with two huge plane trees, between which a Hellenistic sarcophagus found in a neighboring field flaunts. A conical mountain rises above the square, on top of which is the ancient acropolis. Nearby - post office and ATM, as well as shops, surprisingly rich in goods. The housing of Manolis and Patra Markakis is in the greatest demand - they are waiting for you in the house at the pier, on the left hand side, if you, having gone ashore, stand with your back to the sea.
The Markakises range from simple rooms, some with balconies, to superb apartments for up to 4 people in a multi-tiered mountainside complex. If it's busy, try your luck at the Bilios Resort on the south slope near the summit, or at the 2007-built Archipelagos Hotel by the fishing port, with its designer double and single ensuite rooms. There are taverns on the waterfront, with locals more fond of Nikos, where the menu includes astakos (except from September to January), a local dish from the Aegean lobster.
Grilled meat is good at Koutouki tou Psarakou, located on the upper street. For breakfasts and desserts, please visit the terrace under the tamarisk trees and the sign Archondiko tis Kyras Kokonas - this is under the inn of those same Markakis, and the terrace is also the property of the same family. The island has an amazingly lively nightlife, with half a dozen music bars, uzeris and clubs often going on until 5 am.
On the island of Fourni
If you follow the path south from the elementary school that skirts the cemetery and runs along the top of the windmill ridge, in 15 minutes you will reach Kambi, a handful of scattered houses with access to a couple of coves where tamarisks grow and dry on sandy shores. fishing boats. There are a couple of cheap and quite tolerable taverns: "Kambi" (Kambi) with tables right on the sand and a slightly more sophisticated "Yiorgos" (Yiorgos) on the edge of the valley, away from the sea.
The path continues to go south and, bending around one cape after another, passes many secluded bays, where, as in the creeks near Kambi, yachts often anchor, with the only difference that in summer these beaches are full of open-air and naturists . To one of these bays - Elidaki - there is a path that is also accessible for a motorcycle, and there (as in Kambi) a sea taxi runs from the port. The only paved road on Fourni ends at the southern farm and the eponymous Forerunner Monastery of Agios Ioannis Prodromos. From the highway, before reaching the farm, branching dirt paths lead to the isolated bays of Blikhada and Vitsilya, where, like almost all other local beaches, there are no amenities.
In general, the south of the island is better, since the two beaches north of the harbor are badly damaged, and the village of Chrysomilla in the northernmost part of the island is much easier to get from the port by sea taxi or the Samos Sun ship than by a terrible road (18 kilometers). This village itself is divided into a seaside village and a mountain farm and has a decent beach, nearby and on both sides of which there are others, better, although not so accessible. Two taverns are open near the pier and you can find some rooms, although they do not really count on visitors.
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