Dutch Icarian Longevity chooses the island of Ikaria not without a reason! It is a beautiful, mountainous Greek island in the west of the Aegean Sea. Unspoilt and untouched by mass tourism.
The natural, wild beauty of Ikaria is impressive. You will relax in the fantastic backdrop of mountains, rocks, gorges, hiking trails, great beaches and lovely villages. Wonderful to spend time on yourself here.
Island of long life
Ikaria belongs to the five so-called ‘Blue Zones‘, where research has shown that people there live longer than average. The inhabitants of the island easily live ten years older than other Europeans. They have very active lifestyles and mainly use local crops such as vegetables, fruit, beans and herbs and products such as olive oil and goat’s milk. This is also called the Mediterranean diet. They also take some time at lunch to eat quietly and take a nap. Moreover, the island is traditionally known for the hot springs, which are said to have a healing effect.
Geography
The locals also call their island Nikaria. The capital is Agios Kirykos. The highest point of Ikaria is Atheras (1037 meters), the second highest point is Ammoudia at 913 meters. These mountains, which run across the length of the island, separate the north and south. The northern part is flatter and slopes gradually towards the sea. This is also the most fertile part of the island. The southern part is much steeper. In the east of the island are the famous hot springs from ancient times.
Excellent backdrop for the Dutch Icarian Longevity programs
When you experience the island, it becomes clear why Dutch Icarian chooses Ikaria. It’s not just the peace and quiet it offers. The many sights and special places easily pull you out of your normal environment. And the power of omnipresent nature helps you to connect deeply with yourself. Add to that the exceptionally tasty and above all healthy food and it is clear why we chose Ikaria.
