Your Guide to Ikaria
What to See and Do

Unwind on the Unforgettable Beaches of Ikaria

Taking a Deeper Look at the North Aegean Island Ikaria

Cultural Treasures and Fun Activities on the Aegean Island Ikaria
What and Where to Eat and Stay

Food from Greece’s ‘Blue Zone’ Island, Ikaria

Wine Experiences on the Rugged Island of Ikaria

Best Places to Stay in Ikaria, the Blue Zone Island
Useful Information

Useful Telephone Numbers – Ikaria

Getting There and Around – Ikaria

Your Driving Tips for Ikaria

Although the local cuisine is renowned globally and has been the focus of scientific research, with experts attributing the residents’ longevity largely to their diet, you can still enjoy slightly westernized versions at select locations. Local meats, freshly caught fish, and garden vegetables serve as the foundation for delectable dishes. Experience the unique flavors, enticing aromas, and diverse cooking techniques at the island’s charming tavernas.

11

Mary Mary: Traditional meat dishes on a terrace above Armenistis Beach with a view of the endless blue of the Aegean. Mary Maryserves up a number of different foods, from local specialities with a twist to a more diverse vegetarian and gluten free selection. Info: Mary-Mary, Facebook: www.facebook.com/marymaryikaria ,Ikaria, Armenistis, 2275 071595

Anna: For local delights under the cool shade of a huge Plane Tree. This is a top spot for fresh fish and seafood. Amazing lobster spaghetti, prepared with fresh lobster, as well as soft octopus and delicious prawn spaghetti are all served here. Also try the eggplant salad and grilled calamari. The taverna is situated close to Nas beach and is terrific to visit for sunset. The service is swift and friendly. (Anna, Ikaria, Nas, Raches, 693 214 9155)

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Photo: Mary-Mary/Facebook
Photo: Anna’s taverna/Facebook
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Photo: Sto Kambi/Facebook
Photo: Sto Kambi/Facebook

Kambi: Situated at a charming cobbled square with shaded by olive trees at the village Agios Dimitrios, the restaurant Sto Kabi is a favoured hangout of locals. What keeps them coming? Greek flavours, slightly tweaked made from fresh local ingredients. Trahanoto (made with trahana, a type of Greek rustic pasta) with chicken and mushrooms is one of the taverna’s most popular dishes. The grilled sardines are tasty, as are the local pies with greens and the meat balls. (Ikaria, Agios Dimitrios, 2275 041641)

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Photo: Platanos/Facebook
Restaurant Platanos Ikaria / Photo: Facebook

Platanos: The olive oil, vegetables, goat meat and cheese are all local at Platanos and are part of the traditional recipes dished up at this taverna. The eatery’s menu changes according to the season and availability. Zucchini fritters, local kathoura cheese (soft and made with goat’s milk), veal cooked in a clay pot, Ikarian goat in lemon sauce, and the local soufiko (casserole recipe with mixed summer vegetables) are favourites. (Ikaria, Ag. Dimitrios – Rahes, 2275 041151)

Kialaris (a.k.a. Kelaris): Located on the shoreline at a quiet spot in Gialiskari with fishing boats moored out front, this fish taverna is an ideal setting to enjoy fish and seafood. In business since 1960, its fresh fish is grilled to perfection, crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside. Go for the catch of the day, which usually includes seabreaman and red mullet, as well as fried calamari. The hand cut fries, homemade eggplant dip and delicious pumpkin pie are not to be missed. (Kialaris, Gialiskari, Ikaria, tel. +30 22750 71227)

Sotiris: Diners at this family taverna feel the hospitality of an Ikarian home. The vegetables are grown in the family garden, the meat is from the local, and everything served at the taverna is handmade. Try the kokoretsi (grilled intestine-wrapped seasoned offal), chops, stuffed bifteki (mince patty), rooster in wine sauce and the stuffed courgette flowers. (Agios Polykarpos, Ikaria, tel. +30 22750 40033)

Read also:

Ikaria’s leading food spots

Value-for-money accommodation in Ikaria

The true colours of one of the most talked-about islands in Greece