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

A Whirlwind Tour of Ikaria’s Finest Tavernas

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

Wine has long been central to Ikaria’s culture and history, with many locals proudly growing grapes and producing their own wine. Much of this homemade wine is consumed young, especially during summer festivals known as “Panagiria” (Saints Day Festivals). While much of the wine is made for personal use, a few commercial wineries exist, such as the Afianes Winery in Profit Ilias, which has won international awards. Wine production on the island is growing, expanding into new markets.

9

Ikaria’s wine reputation dates back thousands of years, with mentions in ancient texts like Homer’s Odyssey. The island produced the famous “Pramneios Oinos,” a strong red wine valued in the ancient world. Some believe that Dionysus, the Greek God of Wine, was born on Ikaria, and traces of his cult can still be found in local archaeological sites. Today, the island produces various wines, including white, red, and rosé, with indigenous grape varieties like Fokiano (red) and Begleri (white) central to the island’s wine tradition.

01

Afianes Wines

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The Afianes winery revives ancient winemaking techniques combined with modern practices and has a globally recognized range of wines. It offers tours, tastings and wine appreciation classes. They include the Classic Tour, the Professional Tour and the Vertical wine tasting of Pithari Red / White tour. Aim to visit toward sunset when you can sample labels looking out to a magnificent view from the wine bar. The winery also hosts concerts and theatrical performances, weddings and celebrations.

50m From The Church 83301 Profitis Ilias, Western Ikaria

Website

02

Karimalis Winery

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The vineyards here are certified organic by the biological farming organization. In an area of 15 acres, local varieties of vines such as Reteno, Koundouro (Mandilaria), Fokiano, Begleri and Asyrtico are grown. The millennia long tradition of producing the ancient ‘Pramnios’ wine of Homer’s time has been preserved in our their production. All produced wines are Protected Geographical Indication Ikaria (PGI) and are produced with minimal intervention. Apart from organizing wine tastings and cooking classes, it also has a guest house and restaurant and offers agricultural activities.

Pygi, Evdilos

Website

03

Tsantiris Winery

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It cultivates the indigenous varieties of Ikaria, which are Begleri, Fokiano and Mandilaria. The cultivation is organic and the production of wine is carried out with traditional methods. It offers wine tastings, tours and has a shop. The winery also hosts periodical art exhibitions.

Proespera, northwest

Website

04

Ikarian Wine Cooperative

It was founded in 1964 and is the first wine cooperative in Ikaria. It produces wines from the local varieties of Ikaria, such as Fokiano, Begleri, Mavrotragano, Mandilari and Aidani. It offers wine tastings and has a shop. (Evdilos, Phone: +30 22750 31210)