Ikaria: The Greek island of relaxation and friendly locals

You will hardly understand Ikaria unless you read about it, get into its rhythms, listen to the stories of the locals in the old cafes, and walk and drive on rough dirt roads to discover forgotten and beautiful landscapes.

Armenistis, Nas, Messakti, Therma, Evdilos, Agios Kirikos, Theoktistis, Halari Gorge—surely you have heard of these, and if you have not, you must visit them!

The "Anti-piracy" houses and the "Menhir monuments," the Kavo Papas lighthouse, Koskina castle, and the towers at Drakano and Erifi cannot be missed either.

Ikaria is an authentic place with hidden secrets and attractions. That's the way it was, and that's how it remains.

The island does not have gourmet restaurants, luxury villas and boutique hotels. What it boasts, though, are delicious traditional recipes, wine from its vineyards, and a few modern places of hospitality.

And with its long-living residents - a third of whom live to be over 90 years old - Ikaria has a global reputation and people searching for the secrets to their longevity so they can duplicate.

READ MORE: These 3 Greek islands are the most affordable for summer holidays.