Home to mountainous landscapes, picturesque beaches and therapeutic hot springs, this understated island in the Aegean Sea holds the secrets to a long and happy life
Wellness travel is on the rise for 2025, so it may be worth visiting this little island where residents have garnered a reputation for their long and active lives. Here, the secrets to longevity include a healthy and sustained dose of sun, beach and delicious fresh cuisine.
The Greek island of Ikaria has long drawn tourists attempting to understand and embody the longevity secrets of its residents. The island situated in the Aegean Sea gained notoriety in 2012 when it was labelled a Blue Zone, denoting it as an area where inhabitants have unusually long life expectancies. According to the Blue Zone website: “Ikarians are almost entirely free of dementia and some of the chronic diseases that plague Americans; one in three make it to their 90s.”
The rare health statistics of Ikaria’s inhabitants are reportedly attributed to a combination of factors, including diet, life outlook, culture and the topography of the island. Whether or not you’re interested in unlocking the secrets to a longer life, a trip to Ikaria is bound to be a revitalising experience.
One of the distinguishing features of Ikarian life surrounds its highlands. According to Blue Zone, the Ikarian’s highland residents live the longest because of the constant activity their daily lives demand, including frequent social walks and gardening work. Travellers interested in mimicking the active lifestyles of Ikarians have many adventures to choose from.
In addition to exploring the mountain landscape of the island, trekking through the Halari gorge is a must. The area’s natural beauty is defined by lakes, rivers and waterfalls and the gorge can be easily traversed by stone bridges and trekking paths.
Ikaria is also home to incredible beaches that are ideal for swimming and home to rocky cliffs that offer spectacular sea views. The pebbled Seychelles beach and Nas beach are two of the most popular, but there are plenty to choose from depending on your preference. If you’re looking for sand beaches, head to the north side of the island. The south side of the island has more pebble beaches and is also typically less crowded.
Ikaria is well known for its hot springs, which have become a huge attraction for those seeking to demystify Ikarian longevity. Ikaria’s geothermal springs are, in fact, quite unique. As a result of the island’s unique geological and tectonic structure, temperatures in the spring range from 30C to 58C. Additionally, the Ikaria springs are some of the most radioactive in the world, classified as ‘superheated’. It is the combination of radon content and heat that are said to make the waters so healing.
Finally, one of the key drivers of Ikarian longevity is the fresh-first Mediterranean diet. The Ikarian diet predominantly consists of fruits and vegetables, with olive oil and fresh fish other staple components.
You will find no shortage of tavernas to sample the island’s refreshing cuisine. To really embody the Mediterranean lifestyle, end your with with one of the island’s signature herbal teas of wild rosemary and sage and take a midday nap in between.
The slow and measured pace of Ikarian life is certainly worth experiencing for yourself. Whether you’re travelling alone or with company, be sure to chat with the locals for the best recommendations. In fact, a fondness for social connections is one of the secrets to a long and healthy life.