Family trip to Ikaria Island with children. Ideas on where to go with your child

Ikaria is a perfect place to introduce your child to the myths and legends of ancient Greece. According to the legends, Icarus, the son of an architect Daedalus, made his fatal fall from the sky during his flight from Crete because his wax and feather wings melted. It is either directly from this legend that the island is called Ikaria and the sea is called Ikarian. Nobody knows whether the legend is true or not, but it can interest your child in exploring the history of Ancient Greece.

However, Ikaria attracts people not only with myths and legends. Ancient Greeks understood that some of the local springs have healing properties. It attracts many people from Greece and all over the world. It is believed that Herodotus was the first to explore the springs. Ikaria’s hot springs are ranked with the most radioactive in the world and are classified as superheated. There are 8 springs on Ikaria. They are Pamfyli, Thermo, Armyridas, Chlio-Thermo, Litza (Asclepius), Agios Kyrikos, Kratsa and Apollon. The temperatures in the springs range from 31°C to 58°C. So here you can strengthen the immune system of even a naughty child who doesn’t want to swim for a long time.

Be sure to visit The Archaeological Museum in Agios Kirykos, the capital of the island. It has a considerable collection of household items, armour and weapons of bygone eras. There also the ruins of the ancient Acropolis in the town. Take your child to this place and acquaint him with the hard work of archaeologists. Your child may also be interested in cult buildings in the capital. For example, the Monastery of Mounte Evaggelismos (The Annunciation). It has a dining room, two guesthouses, a lot of auxiliary spaces and inside, it has a wooden temple with scenes from the Old and New Testaments. The church of the capital of Ikaria is called Agios Kirykos. Be sure to visit small local villages which are ancient settlement where you can see how people lived in the past. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

There are the ruins of the ancient fortress of Oinoe in Kambos village. Spend some time walking along the streets of the village where you can see modern houses and ancient constructions which were a part of the ancient capital of the island. The ruins of the Byzantine Odeon are located at the village of Kampos in the northern part of the island. These remains are dated back to the 1st century AD. They will definitely amaze young historians. The Archaeological Museum of Kambos stands on a hill which was once the ancient fortress of Oinoe. The museum contains over 250 artefacts, including Neolithic tools, pottery vessels, clay statuettes, columns, coins and carved headstones.

Christos Rachon is an unusual settlement. You should better visit it at night. Local inhabitants sleep during the day and do things at night. Its inhabitants open shops at sunset. Nas was an important island port in antiquity. Nowadays you can see the remains of the port here. Chalari Gorge will attract young ornithologists. Rare birds live in this reserved place. Lagkada was inhabited by the Byzantines a long time ago. There is an ancient prison, churches and a Guildhall. The Castle of Koskina was built by the Byzantines in the 10th century, in order to have sight of the entire neighbourhood. It will amaze those children who love stories about dragons, knight and princesses.

There are many caves on the island where you can get with a small child. Archaeologists have repeatedly found evidence of ancient people who lived inside the caves. The cave Katafygi is located in the settlement Xylino, under the church of St. Nicholas. Ikaria is a mountainous island, you can climb Atheros Mount, reach its highest point and admire amazing views. Young sportsmen will love sports grounds where they can play football, basketball and tennis. Young swimmers can learn to dive or try snorkelling. You can enjoy windsurfing, waterskiing or just sunbathe on picturesque Messakti, Livadi or Nyfi beaches. If your child doesn’t like crowded places, go to Agios Georgis. In case your children want to meet new friends, take him to Faros beach.