Explore and experience the foods and wines of Blue Zone Island of Greece.
Photograph by Christian Burri
“Ikaria is known for two things - its rugged beauty and the longevity of the locals’ lives.”
The Greek Island of Ikaria lies about 30 miles off the western coast of Turkey. It’s known mainly for two things - its rugged beauty of jagged ridges of scrub-covered mountains rising steeply out of the Aegean Sea, and the longevity of the locals’ lives. It has one of the highest rates of centurions per head of population in the world!
There are two experiences we recommend on Ikaria:
A beginner-friendly hike of the island’s Chalaris Canyon which offers dramatic views of the island and during which your guide will point out some of the natural herbs the people of Ikaria use in their cuisine, which is a major attributor for their long lives.
Afterwards, head to a local winery for a behind-the-scenes tour and tasting of wines the locals drink every day, and finish with a multi-course, family-type meal.
Our second recommendation is a cooking class on a local vineyard where you will learn to cook four to five local recipes. Local gastronomy is inextricably linked to longevity.
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