Ikaria is very spacious and there is no public transport. Even if you feel like hiking, not everything can be done on foot and you will miss the most beautiful Blue Zones hikes or excursion destinations. So I definitely recommend a rental car at least temporarily. This means you can explore the island unhindered from day one.
In comparison: car vs scooter
Scooter: Scooters and motorcycles are really something for enthusiasts and experienced people, as the roads in many places are natural, i.e. gravel roads, and are quite curvy. The asphalted streets are littered with sometimes large potholes. I would prefer a car in all cases, because of the safety, not to mention the dust!
Car: In my experience you don’t need a 4×4 jeep to explore the island. A normal car is much more practical; it makes it easier to park or turn around on a small dirt road. Even I drive everywhere in an ordinary small car. The 4x4s are expensive, have poor suspension and drink far too much petrol. In addition, the Jeeps are mostly covered models, so no convertible feeling…
You can easily book a cheap rental car directly via this/my partner link at Booking.com, then I receive a small commission from Booking.com. Thank you very much! This will not incur any additional costs for you. However, it is a small appreciation for “Ursula’s Ikaria” and helps cover the costs – of course I am very thankfull about that. P.S. in the Booking.com search mask, only enter *Icaria, Greece*, not *Ikaria Airport*
Last but not least…
I definitely recommend a trip to Raches, the trademark of Ikaria, some call it “the Asterix village” of Europe! In Raches the clock ticks differently… it is famous for its very own relaxed atmosphere under the hundred-year-old plane trees and it is the epitome of the mentality of the Blue Zones, the island of the immortals…
The best hiking and road maps
Ikaria’s nature is simply indescribable! To discover the most beautiful places in the Icarian wilderness, you have to set out. You can find the best hiking and road maps here.
Still looking for the right hotel?
Here you will find an overview of the best accommodations. Also browse in my article about hotels and guesthouses. Do you prefer peace and more space? Would you rather have a holiday apartment or even an entire holiday home? Read my article on villas, holiday homes and bungalows.
You can also book directly via this/my Booking.com partner link, in which case I will receive a small commission from Booking.com. There are no additional costs for you. For “Ursula’s Ikaria”, however, it is a small appreciation and helps to cover the costs of this site – I am of course very happy about that. Thank you very much!
Cheap flights in comparison
Haven’t found the right flight yet? With one click you can see which flight is the cheapest, the fastest or the best combination of both on which day. Click here
