(143 n. m. from
Piraeus - Area: 255 sq.km - Population : 9,000.)
Originally called Dolichi, in Greek Mythology, the island was
linked to the winged man, Icarus (the man who could fly),
reminding us of his fall.
 Icaria
(Nicaria, as locals call it) is an island of surprising
alternations. To the south, steep and barren rocks; inland, calm
and peace; to the north, marvelous coasts. The capital and port is
Agios Kerykos, with two-storied mariners ' houses and balconies
full of flowers. Taking the road to the left of the capital,
amidst the sea green landscape, we see Therma Lefkadas with it's
warm mineral waters spring from its coast. Syrtiko, a tiny calm
port, is a pleasant discovery. Then we meet Xylosyrtis, where
roofs of houses are made with stone and gardens are full of
apricot trees. The coast here is full of brilliant white pebbles.
Suddenly we see another picturesque tiny village - Chrysostomos -
as if immobilised within a serene beauty often encountered in
Greece.
Not far to the east of Adios Kerykos lies Therma (1km). Its
radioactive springs have been renowned since Antiquity for their
marvelous medical qualities. The asphalt road to the north leads
through a chain of tiny villages, up on mountain slopes, in dense
greenery. Karavostamo, on the northern coast of the island, is
such a garden of a village with white houses sweeping down to the
sea. A mountain road leads to the chapel of Agioi Pantes, built in
the 17th Century, with a Byzantine temple of rare artistic
quality.
 Not far
away is Evdilos, a beautiful little port. There are marvelous
nearby coasts and beaches, tavernas with fresh fish and delicious
snacks. Here, an unpaved road begins and reaches to the edge of
the island. After 2.5 km we reach Kampos, where the ancient city
of Oinoe used to stand (also called Dionysias, because Dionysus
was said to like her wines.) Ruins of the ancient city still
stand. The small museum here houses remarkable archaeological
items. Always to the west, we are surprised to meet villages of
unusual beauty, we reach Armenisti, an area with a dense pine
forest, lots of springs and a marvelous beach. From here an
excursion to the Raches area will reveal to us villages full of
greenery eventually leading to the village Christos of Raches.
Here the village square looks like a giant stone balcony
overlooking the whole island and the sea.
From Armenisti we shall visit the picturesque tiny port of Nas. In
Antiquity, stood here one of the most famous temples of Artemis.
The pier still stands off the ancient port. From Edvilos a side
road to the south leads to the beautiful village of Messaria. Near
Kosoikia village there is the Byzantine castle of Nicaria, built
in the 10th Century.
From Agios Kyrikos we use a motor-boat to reach the northern edge
of the island: Fanari. This area has many natural beauties and is
of particular archaeological interest. On a height Drakanos Tower
still stands, a circular Alexandrine building of the 3rd Century
BC. Again by motor-boat, now to the south, we shall discover
picturesque fishermen's villages. Opposite we see the small island
of Fournoi, its waters abounding in delicious lobsters. |
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