Ikaria Island harbours

Ikaria is not well known to sailors because it is notorious for strong winds and lack of safe harbours. The two main harbours, Evdilos on the north side and Agios Kirikos on the south side of the island offer limited shelter in settled weather. 
However, a new marina has been built east of Agios Kirikos that might encourage few more yachts to stop here.
The following video and images were taken in February of 2017 during relatively good weather. 

This is Evdilos harbour on the north side of Ikaria during a 20-30 knot northerly wind. Note how far from the quay the boats are tied down.

Evdilos harbour from above.

Agios Kirikos on the south side of the island seems like a safer bet during the winter. There is a new marina here and a few boats left in the water for the winter. The ferry from Piraeus comes twice a week (in winter, probably more often during the summer), there is a small ferry that sails weather permitting to the village of Karkinagri further south, and another one to Fourni Island. Even the fishing boats venture out now and then.

Entrance to Agios Kirikos main harbour and the new marina on the right. Photo taken facing south west.

Two boats that have remained in Agios Kirikos inner harbour during the winter. Note the number of mooring lines.

New marina just east of the town of Agios Kirikos. Photo taken in February 2017 facing north east.

Entrance to the new Agios Kirikos marina.

Boats tied up in the new marina.

Small boat launching area.

Office building in the new marina.

View of the new marina towards east and the entrance.

Drive around Ikaria

Anytime I rent a car, I fill out all the paperwork the night before, so that I have it from early morning all day. I rarely drive after dark and on Ikaria it would be suicidal, especially the first time. 
I was only allowed on the main, paved roads, which I thought limited me to no end, but after seeing what the main roads looked like, I agreed that it was wise advice. Furthermore, notice how low the front of the car is - insurance that the person who rents the car obeys the limitations of the contract. Here is the map of my six hour trip.

Sculpture outside of Agios Kirikos

Main road from Agios Kirikos to Evdilos. Very narrow, with steep drop-off on one side and steep mountain on the other side. With the wind blasting through the passes, I was afraid of being blown off this road.

Monastery on top of a rocky crag. Protection and view point against the pirates.

The north coast of Ikaria during northerly 20-30 knots in winter.

Evdilos harbour

Even the bank has rooms for rent.

Another view of Evdilos.

No wonder the people here live longer - talk about stair master.

Kampos beach in winter.

Analipsi Church near Gialiskari, Ikaria.

Surfing anyone?

One of the homes on the north coast of Ikaria.

Armenistis village.

Mountain village and road cling to the cliffs.

View south after crossing the mountain pass.

Katafigio village

Lefkada hot springs.