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!

Auto: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 “Ursulas Ikaria” and helps cover the costs – of course I am very happy about that.

Booking.com

Not least…

I definitely recommend a trip to Raches. Raches is 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…