The Greek myth of Icarus comes alive on this elusive picture-perfect island

This mythical ‘red rock’ was once the home of exiled poets, writers and famous intellectuals (Picture: Tom Jastram/Shutterstock)

For decades, Greece has drawn travellers from across the globe with its natural beauty, ancient history, and rich cultural heritage.

But this year, the European country — specifically its thousands of islands scattered like jewels across the sea — have been getting even more attention than usual.

It’s all thanks to The Odyssey, Christopher Nolan’s epic retelling of Odysseus’ voyage home after the Trojan War.

As Homer’s world of gods, monsters, and distant lands springs to life on screen, industry insiders tell us that demand for Greece has surged by 72%.

But as Ithaca — the island at the centre of The Odyssey — gets its flowers, there’s another Greek island shrouded in even more mystery.

Ikaria, in the Aegean Sea, is known for being a Blue Zone. In other words, a place where people live unusually long and healthy lives, often making it to 100 or more.

Tied to the myths of Icarus and Dionysus, this elusive, otherworldly island has everything you look for in a blissful getaway: a slow pace, therapeutic hot springs, authentic villages and dazzling azure waters.

Mythical and mystical

Ever heard the phrase ‘don’t fly too close to the sun?’

While it’s now used to warn against greed, arrogance and recklessness, it stems from the actions of Icarus, a famous character in Greek mythology.

Legend has it that when Icarus — the son of the master inventor Daedalus — flew too close to the sun, his wings made of wax and feathers melted, and he plunged to his death in the Aegean.

His body washed ashore on an unnamed island, later named Ikaria in his honour.

Today, you can visit the Rock of Icarus, where he supposedly fell.

Time slows down in Ikaria (Picture: Georgios Tsichlis/Shutterstock)

Located in the sea about 50 metres off the coast of Vaoni beach, and near the villages of Vaoni and Chrysostomos, it features a local statue and a nearby small outdoor stone amphitheatre.

In summer, the theatre is used for cultural events and community festivals.

Most notably the Icarus Festival, which is also spread across towns on the island.

Every July and August, expect world music concerts, traditional Greek and ethnic performances, plus art and book exhibitions.

Alongside the myth of Icarus, there’s also Dionysus, the son of Zeus, who was born on Ikaria.

He was supposedly raised near Mount Drakano, which also features the ancient Tower of Drakano, a 4th-century BC watchtower.

Dionysus, the ancient Greek god of wine, is said to have helped winemaking thrive on the island.

A Blue Zone

Ikaria marches to the beat of its own drum.

The phrase ‘siga siga’ is used widely across the island, and translates to ‘slowly slowly,’ or ‘little by little.’

(Picture: Milan Gonda/Shutterstock)

People let life happen at a natural pace, focusing on living in the moment and enjoying the company of others.

That’s partly because of their history. During the Civil War in Greece (1946-49), which followed on directly from WWII, Ikaria became home to some 13,000 communist exiles, among them many Greek poets, writers, composers and intellectuals who lived on the island for several years.

The communist presence gave Ikaria the name ‘red rock’ and is said to have left its people with a a free-thinking, down-to-earth and creative identity.

Ikarians are healthier and live longer because of their physical activity, too.

But it’s not all about smashing the gym. Rather, the rugged, mountainous terrain forces residents to walk up steep hills daily.

Locals also enjoy midday rests and follow a healthy Mediterranean diet of legumes, potatoes and whole grains.

Plus, moderate amounts of extra virgin olive oil and local red wine — often enjoyed with family and friends over long lunches — contribute to this lifestyle.

There’s also a natural wellness culture: hot thermal springs across the island have been used since Roman times, while Halarari Gorge is a protected nature reserve and scenic hiking route with flowing streams, waterfalls, and rock pools.

Island culture

If you really want to experience local life, immerse yourself in Ikaria’s villages and cultural events.

Christos Raches is known as the ‘village that never sleeps,’ and runs on an inverted daily routine: shops and cafes stay open well into the night, while people rest in the day.

Throughout the island, villages host ‘Panagiria,’ traditional feast days that celebrate the Saints’ name days and other religious holidays.

Panagiria typically starts in the early afternoon and goes on until the next morning, with live music, dance and flowing wine.

If you’re planning on an August trip, you’ll likely experience this cultural event — there are 15 feasts on the calendar so far, from Agios Dimitrios to Faros.

Get away from it all (Picture: Getty Images)

Beaches for days

Finally, no trip to Ikaria — or anywhere in Greece for that matter — is complete without a beach trip.

Ikaria is blessed with stunning spots, but perhaps the most famous is Seychelles Beach, a hidden cove with azure waters and brilliantly white pebbles.

To combine history and relaxation, take a trip to Nas Beach, an unspoiled spot by the Chalares River gorge, and the historic 2,400-year-old ruins of the Temple of Artemis.

Comments Add as preferred source