Ikaria
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| Ikaria
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 Satellite View of Ikaria |
Ikaria (Ικαρία) or Icaria or Nikaria is a large and mountainous island 10 nM W of Samos. It has an area of 255,303 km2 and about 8,000 inhabitants. Unfortunately there is only one really safe harbour, Evdhilos (see below), where one can leave a yacht and explore this beautiful island and even Evdhilos is uncomfortable in strong NE winds.
The island has a fearsome reputation as a windy place, much of which is justified, since with a moderate to strong meltemi blowing on the northern side of the island fierce gusts will be experienced on the southern side. In these conditions, a yacht on passage is advised to keep at least five miles offshore unless bound for one of harbors on Ikaria. Similarly, in fresh to strong southerlies near gale-force gusts will be experienced along parts of the northern coast, especially in the vicinity of the small airport at the eastern end of the island. Finally, the Fournoi Channel between Ikaria and Samos tends to funnel the winds and an increase in wind strength of around Beaufort 2 compared with the surrounding sea area is typical.
Charts
- BA
- 2682 Kólpos Patalion to Nísos Nísiros
- Imray-Tetra
- G32 Eastern Sporades, Dodecanese & the Coast of Turkey
- NIMA
- 54400 Nisos Samos to Nisos Rhodhos
- Greek
- 42 Andros to Chalki Island
- 422 Naxos to Samos & Opposite Coast of Asia Minor
Weather
See Aegean Sea.
Passages
Popular passages/routes, timing, etc.
Islands
Communication
- Coast Guard - VHF channel 12, Tel. +30 2750 22 207
- Olympia Radio - VHF channels 25 & 28
Also see World Cruiser's Nets.
Warning: While approaches to Ikaria are straightforward fierce gusts are very common on the S side of the island during the prevailing northerlies. If you are just transiting in the area it is best to sail at least three miles south of Ikaria. Equally, if approaching Evdhilos on the N side from the direction of Fournoi or Samos, strong gusts will be experienced off the airport at the eastern end of the island whenever the wind direction is southerly.
Berthing
Ikaria has only two harbours and a couple of anchorages. Of the two harbours, unfortunately only Evdhilos offers any real security with the recent improvements to the harbour, although considerable swell is experienced even here in strong northeasterlies.
Ports
Ayios Kirykos
Ayios Kirykos also referred to in some charts as Ayios Kiristos is the main harbor of the island. The main harbor is exposed to dangerous swell and it can at times be dangerous.
It is best to anchor off west of the jetty, or even better go to Thermia.
Warning: There are very strong Easterly gusts.
Evdhilos
Evdhilos is the second harbour of Ikaria. It is a small harbour on the N side of the island, ten miles SSW of Cape Dhrepanon at the eastern tip of Ikaria. An extension to the outer breakwater has made Evdhilos a rather more secure port of call than hitherto. In addition, over the past two years a new ferry ramp and viaduct, together with a small yacht and fishing boat basin, have been constructed inside the harbour, affording visiting yachts much better protection than before. However, the outer harbour is still very exposed to strong NE winds and a swell develops even in the new yacht basin in these conditions (force 6/7 and above). Nevertheless, the port police advise that the swell is uncomfortable rather than dangerous.
Tie up alongside on the inner side of or on the bottom end of the L-shaped jetty (see photo). Alternatively – and in settled conditions only - either lie alongside the outer side or do an anchor moor back to it. Beware of the pile of rocks at the ‘elbow’ of the jetty (where there are two steps up), as depths here are reduced to less than 2.0 metres over the rocks. Otherwise depths along both sides of the jetty are between 2.5 and 3.0 metres, in spite of the mooring blocks seemingly dumped there.
Electricity and water are available from three silver-coloured stanchions at the eastern end of the basin (you will need a 50 metre-plus extension/hose if right on the end of the jetty). There is a bank with an ATM, several tavernas and three supermarkets in the town.
Warning: A large Hellenic Seaways ferry enters the port four times a week on its way to Piraeus, creating a considerable surge that lasts for up to twenty minutes. Make sure you are well fendered and securely tied up and stay out of the bosun’s chair if a ferry is due! (Mo & Fr 23h.40 and Tu & Su 05h.30)
With the recent extension (work is still ongoing in 2014 it is possible to anchor off just east of the new inner basin and west of the cliff. Anchor in 5.0 – 6.0 metres on sand. Good holding.
The extension of the new harbour and the bridge for the road are finished. End of August 2016 the ferries (1 - 2/day) still use the N breakwater for disembarkation.
The - new - harbour in the S, at the E-end of the new mole is cramped with locals and shallow. You can go stern-to at the N-side of this new mole (there seem to be water and electricity) or to the W part of the N outer mole (old part). Tab in the middle of the old mole, no electricity. Caution: There are rocks with less than 1.6m app. 4m from the mole. With wind force 2-3 there is a permanent swell – may be worse with meltemi.
Marinas & Yacht Clubs
Ayios Kyrikos Marina
This is a new marina.
As of September 2018. Open for business but unfinished. Some water taps operational, others not. No-one ashore to charge fees. Quieter than this time last year, plenty of space for several yachts. Lots of shops, bars & restaurants close by in village.E of Dhrepano
Anchorages
Thermia
Akra Dhrepano
Amenities
| Facilities | |
|---|---|
| Water |
|
| Electricity | Evdhilos: possible |
| Toilets | N/A (Not Available) |
| Showers | N/A |
| Laundry | ? |
| Garbage | Trash cans in the harbors |
| Supplies | |
| Fuel | Only from fuel stations with cans |
| Bottled gas | Evdhilos: store with Camping Gaz |
| Chandlers | Only fishing supplies |
| Services | |
| Repairs | N/A |
| Internet | In Internet cafés |
| Mobile connectivity | Good 3G signal in most of the island |
| Vehicle rentals |
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Provisioning
Ayios Kirykos [[Ikaria#Ayios Kirykos|Ayios Kirykos]] Several food stores.
Evdhilos [[Ikaria#Evdhilos|Evdhilos]] Several food stores.
Eating out
- A few tavernas.
- Several tavernas.
- Good food here.
Transportation
There are a few flights per week and daily ferries to Athens. A ferryboat connects Evdhilos to the Cyclades and Karlovasi in Samos.
Tourism
History
The name Ikaria derived from the myth of Daedalus who was being kept in Crete against his wish by king Minos. In order to escape he made wings for himself and his son Icarus. They flew from Crete but when they were over the island of Ikaria, Icarus with the exuberance of youth he flew higher and higher until the wax that held together his wings melted and he plunged into the sea.
Ikaria's first inhabitants were the Pelagians. In historic times it colonized by Greeks from Miletus. In 538 BC it became part of Samos under Polycrates. After the Crusades it was for a while under the Knights of St. John of Rhodes and then it was taken over by the Genoese who were in their turn succeeded by the Ottomans. Ikaria participated in the Greek War of Independence and was for while part of the new Greek state but then it reverted back to the Ottoman Empire until 1912 when it joined Greece.
Places to Visit
Ikaria is a beautiful island well worth a visit. Now that Evdhilos is secure it is possible to tour by car or motor scooter this lovely island.
Friends
Contact details of "Cruiser's Friends" that can be contacted for local information or assistance.
Forums
List links to discussion threads on partnering forums. (see link for requirements)
Links
References
See Greece.
Comments
We welcome users' contributions to the Wiki. Please click on Comments to view other users' comments, add your own personal experiences or recommend any changes to this page following your visit.
- Recent research from the University of Athens reveals that Ikaria residents have the greatest longevity in Europe, living 10 years longer than average. Residents ascribe it to the local wine and olive oil, healthy lifestyle and clean air. Yachtsmen visiting the island, however, know differently. It's the ferocious winds that blow all the germs away before they can get inhaled ... --Athene of Lymington 12:27, 7 January 2013 (GMT)
- On my recent visit I was able to anchor off inside the harbor of Evdhilos and tour the SW side of the island. It is unforgettable and plan to return for more land explorations. --Istioploos 15:26, 31 August 2016 (BST)
Verified by
Date of member's last visit to Ikaria and this page's details validated:
- July 1994 (Ayios Kirykos) --Istioploos
Travels with S/Y Thetis
- August 2010 (Evdhilos) --Athene of Lymington 15:06, 2 September 2010 (UTC)
- October 2010 (Dhrepano) --Istioploos
- July 2013 (Ayios Kirykos) --Daphnoula, I spent 4 very wind days here. When I entered the harbor the north wind was in excess of 45 knots but inside there was no swell. Most of the harbor was filled with local boats but I was able to find room to go alongside
- August 2016 (Evdhilos) --Istioploos
- September 2016 (Evdhilos) --Blue Goose
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Names: Lighthouse, Istioploos, Athene of Lymington, Nereus |
