A Greek island, which is constantly occupying the global tourism scene for the lifestyle and diversity it offers to locals and visitors, Ikaria, is included in Lonely Planet’s list for the best of 2024. Best in Travel 2024 is divided into five parts, suggesting different locations and unique experiences – just choose the category that will excite you.
Longevity in Ikaria: The secrets of life, the diet and the famous festivals
Ikaria: Longevity, Blue Zones, and Festivals

The G. Dr. Darili explained on behalf of exploringgreece.tv that longevity on Ikaria is due to a combination of factors. In addition to eating habits, social relationships, and lifestyle play a role.
Holidays in Ikaria

Ikaria is all of the above, but it is also a beautiful island in the North Aegean that is worth discovering – if you haven’t already visited it or remember it again. In Ikaria, you will find one of the most famous beaches in Greece. The Seychelles beach! Nas, Messakti, Armenistis, Gialiskari, Livadi, Kampos Beach, and Nealia, will also enchant you on the island where time stops and the inhabitants live many years.
Top destinations by value
1. Midwest – USA
2. Poland
3. Nicaragua
4. Danube Limes – Bulgaria
5. Normandy – France
6. Egypt
7. Ikaria – Greece
8. Algeria
9. Southern Lakes and Central Otago – New Zealand
10. Night trains in Europe
Top countries
1. Mongolia
2. India
3. Morocco
4. Chile
5. Benin
6. Mexico
7. Uzbekistan
8. Pakistan
9. Croatia
10 . Ag. Lucia
The best local–regional options
1. Trans Dinarica Western Balkans Cycling Route
2. Kangaroo Island – South Australia
3. Tuscany – Italy
4. Donegal – Ireland
5. Pais Vasco – Spain
6. South Thailand
7. Swahili Coast – Tanzania
8. Montana – USA
9. Saafelden Leogang – Austria
Top cities
1. Nairobi – Kenya
2. Paris – France
3. Montreal – Canada
4. Mostar – Bosnia and Herzegovina
5. Philadelphia – Pennsylvania
6. Manaus – Brazil
7. Jakarta – Indonesia
8. Prague – Czech Republic
9. Izmir – Turkey
10. Kansas City – Missouri
Top destinations based on sustainability
1. Spain
2. Patagonia, Argentina and Chile
3. Greenland
4. The trails of Wales
5. Portuguese Road / Camino Português de Santiago
6. Palau
7. Hokkaido
8. Ecuador
9. Baltic Trails of Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania
10. South Africa’s Eco-Homes
Travel to Greece – Google News – Follow us
Holidays in Fourni: One of the last untouched paradises in the Aegean
Mirror-like crystalline water at Antisamos beach
Frequently Asked Questions
Ikaria is recognized as a Blue Zone due to a combination of factors including the Mediterranean diet, strong social relationships, and a healthy lifestyle. The Greek island's secrets to longevity were featured in the Netflix series 'Blue Zones'. According to Dr. Yianna Darili, the inhabitants' eating habits combined with their social connections and daily lifestyle practices contribute significantly to their extended lifespans and overall well-being.
Ikaria earned a spot in Lonely Planet's Best in Travel 2024 list because of its unique combination of lifestyle diversity, cultural richness, and recognition as a longevity hotspot. The island offers visitors authentic experiences, world-famous beaches like Seychelles Beach, and the opportunity to explore the Mediterranean way of living that contributes to the long and healthy lives of its inhabitants.
Ikaria features several stunning beaches that attract visitors from around the world. The most famous is Seychelles Beach, known for its pristine beauty. Other popular beaches include Nas, Messakti, Armenistis, Gialiskari, Livadi, Kampos Beach, and Nealia. Each beach offers unique charm and the opportunity to experience the island's natural beauty in a place where time seems to stand still.
The Mediterranean diet is a cornerstone of longevity in Ikaria and is one of the primary reasons the island is classified as a Blue Zone. This diet, combined with the island's social traditions and lifestyle practices, promotes long-term health and wellness. The eating habits of Ikarian residents have been extensively studied and documented, including in the Netflix series 'Blue Zones', as a model for healthy aging.
Ikaria ranks 7th among the top destinations by value according to Lonely Planet's Best in Travel 2024 list. This ranking recognizes Ikaria as an exceptional travel destination that offers outstanding experiences and value to visitors, placing it alongside other renowned destinations like Normandy, Egypt, and New Zealand's Southern Lakes and Central Otago.







