[Pictured above, the beautiful beach of Messakti, Gialiskari, Ikaria]

ΚΑΛΩΣ ΗΛΘΑΤΕ!

Welcome to

Walk Ikaria

More than a simple walking holiday - an encounter with a truly unique island

 Who Are We?

Walk Ikaria is run by Simon Corble (pictured below in the amazing landscape of the Pezi Region) and his partner Judy Meetham, and between them they have 14 years of experience of the Greek Islands

 He and Judy now consider the Island to be their second home and have built up an impressive amount of knowledge and information about Ikaria. Simon is also a more than competent Greek speaker, able to translate and interpret in a wide variety of situations.

Both worked for the award-winning UK Tour Operator Laskarina Holidays for a number of years – Simon as Island Manager and then walking guide on Ikaria, and Judy in the Derbyshire-based office as "Ikaria Specialist".

They live on the Derbyshire / Staffordshire border in wonderful walking country and are both experienced hikers. Simon is also a writer, theatre director and actor, currently writing audio-trails for the National Trust in the Peak District.

Simon fell  in love with Ikaria when he was first sent there by Laskarina Holidays in 2001, and lived there for the next two summers, before being contracted to run their walking programme in 2005 / 6.

Below, you will find out why Ikaria is a walkers’ paradise, what we offer, how to book, and a range of other cultural possibilities available to anyone wishing to explore this unique Greek Island.

Why Walk Ikaria?

Judy and Simon on Ikaria

Ikaria is all mountain. The south coast is virtually one long sheer cliff rising over a thousand metres up from the sea; by contrast the north side has steep but more manageable slopes and is cross-cut by countless ravines and canyons; these are blessed by fresh water streams that can run all summer long, trickling out of the sponge-like Atheras Mountains.

Year-round water enables a fantastic array of flora and fauna to thrive here, while this diversity in species is aided by an astonishing range of habitats at altitudes from seashore to mountain top.  In the cool, hidden depths of the canyons, plane trees, alders, oaks and bay trees flourish; pine forest dominates the intermediate slopes, while the high peaks are a tangle of holly-oaks, hawthorn, wild pear and pyracantha, twisted and stunted by ferocious winds amongst a jumble of astonishing rock formations.

Bird-watchers, botanists, or anyone with a general interest in the natural world will find Ikaria fascinating.

Below: Our walking group on one of the high points of the Island

All of the above might be enough to entice any walker, but adding spice to these natural wonders are the contributions made by native Ikarians through the centuries; the ancient terracing; water mills; temples, churches and homes built in improbable-looking locations, protected by totemic rocks, and everywhere an abundance of cultivation, of vegetables, of chestnuts, of apricots and above all of vines sprouting from every corner of this fertile, hidden piece of Eden.

Below: the extraordinary hidden church on the walk near Pigi

The walks on offer here astound and delight in equal measure and many will wind up in a village taverna, or perhaps a traditional festival where the sounds of the wild Ikarian folk music conspire with the heady red wine to produce a euphoria enough to revive the most tired of limbs.

There are walks for all levels of ability, too, for those who want a scented stroll through olive groves and vineyards, to more challenging over-the-island hikes, often into a blanket of mist, even in the middle of summer.

Below: the end of a hike at the pristine beach of Messakti and little church in the harbour of Gialiskari.

Walking with an experienced guide

is more than just an assurance against being lost; Ikaria has virtually no established tourist infrastructure and even basic signposts are few once off what passes for a main road. Guided walks on Ikaria are far more than just walks, they are real encounters with the true spirit of the island, its landscape, its wildlife, its history and above all with its people who proudly uphold their unique traditions through music, food, wine and legendary hospitality...

Below, your guide Simon Corble, about to lead the group into a panagyrie (village festival) at Agios Isidoros, high in the mountains. 

 What we offer

We offer a week or fortnight of walks, tailored to suit all needs and abilities, which will provide a gateway into the heart of the island, in every sense.

There is no compulsion - you make your own plan

Your program of walks includes a whole range of cultural activities – organic wine tasting, traditional island food, Ikarian music and dance, birds, flowers, Greek language for beginners or intermediate-level speakers – all incorporated within the walking experience.

Below: Georgos Karimalis, one of many organic wine producers, explaining methods at his vineyard; the end of a walk to the village of Pigi.

The price of Walk Ikaria is £180

For this you are able to choose up to six walks from a menu which spans a fortnight – enabling you to be as flexible as you wish, whether you are staying for one week or two. You will have earned a day or two to relax and enjoy the wonderful beaches, hot springs and tavernas.

Transport at the start or end of the walk is included, if necessary and some taverna or picnic meals are included in the price, which makes it really great value.

Not included is the cost of accommodation, or of travel to and from Ikaria / the ports - but we can expertly advise on all of this - see below.

Below: some of our group at the top of the Xalaris Falls

Dates: - 15^th – 29^th May 2008

Accommodation

There is not much that Judy does not know about accommodation and travel in relation to North coast Ikaria

Walk Ikaria has been established alongside Indigo Holidays who have the experience to provide you with the very best in self catering accommodation on Ikaria.  Go to the Indigo Holidays website to see the some of the rooms on offer: (www.indigo-holidays.co.uk).

 Email:  sales@indigo-holidays.co.uk/ info@indigo-holidays.co.uk

or speak to Judy on 07967 64 81 36

- between the hours of 10am and 6pm only, please.

Travelling Independently?

Anyone making their own way to Ikaria is welcome to book the walking programme, but numbers are limited to 16 people on any one walk, so please check beforehand.  You need to stay in the Armenistis / Nas / Gialiskari area of the island.  See link "island-ikaria" below.

Above: one of many beautiful creatures to discover in the cool watery canyons

Excellent Links

- Click on the underlined link to access these pages

1. Hiking Ikaria discussion group

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/hikingIkaria

(A group devoted to preserving the best things about the island, its paths and facilities for walkers.)

2. Island Ikaria

www.island-ikaria.com

(General site about the island inc. travel, agents, hotels, rooms etc.)

3. Simon's photographs of Ikaria on Yahoo's Flickr site.

       http://www.flickr.com/photos/99527475@N00/sets/72057594054251552/

4. The "Ikaria Group" photos of the island on Flickr

       http://www.flickr.com/groups/ikaria/

(Many fabulous images of the island on both pages.)

5.  Ikarian Wine

www.ikarianwine.gr

(Georgos Karimalis' vineyard)

6. Indigo Holidays

www.indigo-holidays.co.uk

(A trusted way of arranging your stay on the island)

Last Photo! -  Below...Κάτω...

The ancient bridge and Loupastra Rock - the hike around Xalaris Canyon

  ΤΕΛΟΣ

The End