Ikaria is among the fifty destinations worldwide recommended by the world-renowned travel guide Lonely Planet in its edition, "Best in Travel 2024", which has just been released.
The eastern Aegean island of Ikaria ranks 7th in the 'Best Value Destinations' category, with the editors describing it as 'the most 'quirky' and charismatic Greek island'.
As they say “The Greek island of Ikaria seduces with aquamarine waters and wild terrain, plus an independent spirit.
"As spring unfolds, Ikaria comes alive with delightful weather and vibrant natural landscapes, creating the perfect setting for island tours and outdoor activities. Embark on sailing adventures, explore the waters through kayaking or pedal along scenic cycling routes.
"Ikaria is also a popular spot for stargazing."
Also included in the same category are the US Midwest, Poland, Nicaragua, the Roman Danube frontier forts in Romania, the Otago region of New Zealand, Egypt, Algeria, Normandy and night trains in Europe.
Two new categories - the top 10 'value' and top 10 'sustainable' destinations - have also been introduced this year, to mark Lonely Planet's 50th birthday.
The best cities have been unveiled as Nairobi in Kenya (first) and Paris (second), with three North American destinations in the top 10 - Montreal (third), Philadelphia (fifth) and Kansas City (10th).
Meanwhile, the best regions are the Trans Dinarica Cycling Route in the Western Balkans (first) and Australia’s Kangaroo Island (second), with the U.S state of Montana eighth and Far North Scotland ranking 10th.
Midwest USA has been named the best destination for value, while Spain is the best for sustainability – with the trails of Wales ranking fourth on the sustainability list.
Lonely Planet says it has awarded Mongolia the gold medal as it’s ideal for seekers of ‘wide-open spaces, adventures and culture’ and boasts a capital, Ulaanbaatar, that’s ‘teeming with people and unique attractions’.
Lonely Planet adds: ‘Squeezed between Russia and China, Mongolia seems hard to reach given recent geopolitical events in its two large neighbours. But Mongolia’s doors are open and a tourism campaign has eased visa restrictions through 2025.’
Runner-up India is described as ‘the world’s most colourful country’. Lonely Planet adds that ‘India’s railways are in for a revamp, with stylish new trains rolling out across the network’.
It also recommends that travellers ‘take a 2,000-mile boat trip on the MV Ganges Vilas, the world’s longest river cruise’.
Morocco claims third place on the countries list, followed by Mexico (fourth) and Chile (fifth). The rest of the top 10 ranking comprises Benin (sixth), Uzbekistan (seventh), Pakistan (eighth), Croatia (ninth) and St Lucia in tenth place.
BEST VALUE
Elaborating on why Midwest America has been named best for value in 2024, Lonely Planet says that it offers ‘cooler-than-you-think cities full of creativity, diversity, and food to rival those on either coast’.
It continues: ‘Over the last decade, chefs, artists, and designers have been lured to cities like Chicago, Milwaukee, and Detroit, offering more space and lower costs.
'Now, old warehouses have transformed into art studios, new eco-design hotels and many Michelin-starred restaurants.’
Poland – a country that offers a ‘superb range of quality travel experiences’ - ranks in second place, while Nicaragua, complete with ‘surf, sun, colonial villages, tropical forests, lost islands and more’ for budget travellers, ranks third.
The rest of the top 10 is made up of the Danube Limes in Bulgaria and Romania (fourth); Normandy in France (fifth); Egypt (sixth); Ikaria (seventh); Algeria (eighth); Southern Lakes and Central Otago region of New Zealand (ninth) and the night trains of Europe (10th).
Commenting on the ranking, Nitya Chamber, SVP Content and Executive Editor says: 'Our picks for this year seek to both inspire and follow the instincts of 2024’s traveller.
'Best in Travel is Lonely Planet’s heart and soul of travel inspiration, responding to the enthusiasm of travellers who want to explore the world in a way that is authentic, led by local guidance and has sustainable values at its core.
'With new takes on iconic destinations and 50 fresh ideas across five categories, we’re confident Best in Travel opens up a year of incredible adventures.'
READ MORE: Karpathos in the 6 most romantic and sustainable destinations on the planet.
