Ikaria (Greece)
Blue water, home grown food, slow pace, strong community and beautiful people. This place might just be heaven. No wonder people are forgetting to die.
Lessons from a blue zone
We just spent a week in Ikaria, an Island of Greece. What makes this island so special or different to other parts of the world is that it’s one of the blue zones. Meaning there is a higher percentage of centenarians (people who live over 100).
I think being in the food industry I was particulary interested in what they eat and what role this might play in their longevity. What I discovered was it’s not only what they eat but how.
They eat primarily plant-based with lots of fresh home grown fruits, vegetables, legumes, seaweeds, a small amount of dairy and goat milk products and other local whole foods from the Island. Meat and fish is eaten weekly as a celebration.
We cook and cater for our clients along similar lines so it was nice to see it has in someways withstood the test of time.
The major difference for me was the rate at which they live their lives and where their priorities lie.
The food may be similar but the way they prepare and eat the food is different.
Ikarian’s prioritise above all joy, giving and receiving love, family and friends. A lot of this is experienced when tending to the garden, cooking in the kitchen and around the table with delicious food and lots of laughs. Eating is part of the joy but not all of it. The way you share it is one very imporatnt ingredient to a long life.
There are many theories with the blue zones but what stood out for me the most is connection. The importance of slowing down, spending time in the garden and taking time to eat with love ones over a long lunch with no technology, no emails and to do lists. Quality time with people we love.
This is what I believe is the secret to a good and potentially long life.
Flavours of Ikaria
Greek salad, Fava dip, lots of fresh herbs
Favourite ingredient
Feta
Favourite Restaurant
Karimalis Winery and Farmhouse Restaurant
It’s definitely hard to have a favourite restaurant on this island because honestly everywhere we went was amazing. Lots of incredible fresh food, using ingredients from the island and age old cooking techniques.
Karimalis was one of a kind. Using home grown ingredients and a whole lot of love. Out of everywhere we have eaten on this trip Karimalis has inspired me the most. Simple, packed with nutrients and delicious. We were lucky enough to attend on of their cooking workshops (I would highly recommend).
Other recommendations
Restaurants
Kozi Blue
Wine, rooster pasta (yep a male chicken and it was delicious), stuffed eggplant, the best sourdough, vibrant salads not to mention the beautiful view.
Platano Restaurant
If this restaurant was in Byron it would go off. The food was delicious and the setting is absolutely beautiful. Paved floors, greek titles and cute tables. We dreamt of opening a restaurant that looks like this.
Hikes
Back in the day, Ikarian’s used to walk everywhere. Walking trails linked the small towns and villages, taking them to the sea and over the mountain range. The local community has restored many of these trails and you can still traverse much of the island by foot. It is steep for such a small island, jutting up quickly from the sea to a peak elevation over 1000m. The trails take you through countless old towns, olive groves and historical ruins, offering breath taking views of timeless landscapes. We used Alltrails and the local tourist website to scout some good routes, the trails can be a bit hard to follow so best to take your time and not try to do to much. It’s also Ikaria, so take it easy.
Hot tips
Make sure you get a car!
Check out if there is any “Panagiria" (traditional feast days) on while you are there.
