Icaria the Greek Island of Longevity, No Stress, Surf, Good Food and Music

Hey!!😁 I’m Alexandra from Greece and I’m organising a trip with my childhood friend and TripLeader Irini. Check her profile here (https://www.joinmytrip.com/en/profile/qN5HzPfBDuhppveyppv8rioGfuR2?fbclid=IwAR3CLmeeT1gO9vHKQsk2k-IH4p1zTs-cuIjh_haEGwgDMg9tTc5_D0h6Jjw) The trip will take place at one of our favorite places, Icaria.🌊 We spent our last summers on this majestic island. We discovered this place for the first time while we were on vacation, and after that, we wanted to return. So the last years we spend our time there while having a summer job on the island. In this way, we got to meet the locals that showed us the real Icaria. 🌻 Ikaria is a unique Greek island. The name is tightened with the myth of Icarus, a symbol of youthful enthusiasm and search for freedom. This may have influenced the warm hospitality of the Ikarian people that are also distinguished for their optimistic and carefree approach to everyday life. Ikaria is said to be the island of longevity, no stress, and no time. Everyday life here moves at a slow pace and the locals seem to enjoy every moment of their day! The island also belongs to one of the five Blue Zones. 🌍 Dan Buettner, the founder of the Blue Zones, who is a contributor to National Geographic and the author of several New York Times bestsellers, identified 5 spots around the world with impressive longevity and called them "Blue Zones". This characteristic is said to exist because of their good diet, working out, and the healthy social ties that enhance good psychology. The old Ikarian people didn’t use to have a lot of money, so they were trying to make everything from scratch. They grow their own vegetables, feed their animals, fish with their small boats, and make their own wine, desserts, and cheeses. So that’s why there are many interesting delicacies to try! The island fascinates with its contrasts: wild landscapes and calm seas, clear blue waters and rivers, picturesque seaside villages, and traditional settlements hidden in dense vegetation. If you are a lover of nature and summer sports, then Ikaria is the destination for you. Surf at the beautiful sandy beach of Mesakti and climb the numerous rock formations that the island offers. If you want to spend a quiet holiday under the sun, then Ikaria again will not disappoint you. However, in the event that you are looking for a fiesta, the island can offer you this at the famous Dionysian festivals, where you will drink local wine and dance Ikariotiko until the morning!💃 Last but not least, we sure have to highlight the musical tradition in Ikaria. Two or three times per week, there are panigiria at different villages but every night at small local bars or taverns, different bands from around Greece gather and perform rempetika music. Also, a thing you should know about this place is that Ikaria is the capital of hitchhike in Greece. Everyone here gets around by 👍 WAYS TO COME TO ICARIA There are 2 ways to approach the island. - By airplane ✈️ -By ferry - From Pireaus (the port of Athens) to Icaria.🚢 IMPORTANT NOTICE Icaria is a big island, and it would be more convenient to rent a car. Nonetheless, as we mentioned above, all the previous years we were moving around by hitchhiking. If someone is into driving, we could all together rent a car. (We are both new drivers, so we are not allowed to rent a car yet) What's included?🎉 - Accommodation in a shared room -Surf lesson 🏄 - Wine tasting at Afianes Wines 🍷. They have established themselves worldwide as unique and special in their kind, while they combine and utilize the ancient wine tradition of Ikaria, with exquisite grape varieties and innovative wine-making methods. - Health insurance for German and Austrian citizens - Welcome dinner 🍲 What's NOT included? 🎉 - Transportation - Personal expenses Let me know if you have any questions in the Q&A, else see you soon in Greece.