Gialiskarion

A coastal village with its own distinctive landscape

The northern coastal village of Gialiskari is shaped by intensive fishing activity. About 0.5 km west of the village lies the Myrsonas River estuary, the Messakti wetland. This natural coastal wetland covers 25.5 acres and adds a distinctive landscape to the area's maritime character.

Gialiskari’s coastal and fishing character offers a practical starting point when choosing where to stay.

Surfing in Gialiskari

The Ikaria Surf School offers surf lesson packages. Ask the school about current availability. Nearby Messakti Beach is suitable for surfing; conditions and suitability may vary. The surfing options thus add another aspect to the fishing activity and coastal setting that may be of interest when planning your trip.

Ikaria: Landscape and Activity

On Ikaria, a hiking trail passes through the Halari Gorge. Another trail runs from Therma to the Loumakia thermal spring, which is still in use. The mouth of the Halaris River on Ikaria is also a natural coastal wetland covering 19.9 acres. It is a distinct landscape feature on Ikaria, not the Messakti wetland near Gialiskari.

The Randi Forest, also known as Gaia, lies in central Ikaria, west of the Atheras range, and covers about 16 km². The island’s protected areas belong to the Natura 2000 network; Ikaria is also designated an Important Bird Area under the international code GR143-Ikaria Island. Cycling is possible throughout Ikaria, especially mountain biking. The island’s thermal springs are located mainly on the southeast and northeast coasts.

Festivals, Wine and History on Ikaria

Ikaria’s villages hold festivals throughout the year for religious and some non-religious holidays; the dates of individual festivals vary. Panygiria feature rasko, or boiled goat meat, Ikarian wine and live music. People dance the traditional Ikariotikos to a song from Ikaria. Those interested in the island’s culinary scene can sample various Ikarian wines and learn about how they are made at four wineries. Check availability before visiting. Kolokasi (Colocasia esculenta) is rare in Greece and is found only on Ikaria.

The Archaeological Museum of Agios Kirykos displays finds relating to the history of Ikaria and its inhabitants, from the Neolithic period (6800–3800 BC) to Roman times. The museum is housed in a neoclassical building that once served as the area’s secondary school and was later designated a protected monument. Other historic sites on Ikaria include the ruins of the ancient spa town of Thermae, east of the present-day village of Therma, and the ruins of Oinoe in the present-day area of Kampos, the island’s ancient capital. The Theoskepasti Chapel is located in a cave covered by a rock above.

Choose the right focus

When choosing a holiday apartment, you can first consider whether Gialiskari’s coastal and fishing character, or the broader natural, cultural and historical themes of Ikaria, will be the focus of your trip. The island offers a range of points of interest, from trails and landscapes to festivals and archaeological sites.

Discover more destinations: Armenistís, Magganitis, Fourni, Ágios Kírykos, Ikaria.

Back to the main travel overview: Ikaria.