What comes to mind when you think of Ikaria Island? For many, It’s known for being one of the 5 Blue Zones in the world, where longevity is prevalent. To others, it’s just another Greek island. To me, it is a home away from home. It’s full of wisdom, simplicity, and an unscathed authenticity. It offers a wealth of knowledge that you can adopt into your life with ease.

Let’s for a minute pretend that you know nothing of Ikaria Island, and what you want to understand is how these inhabitants live (the Ikarian way of life), the convictions they lead by, and what the secret sauce to their longevity is. Well, that’s exactly what you’ll come to understand and learn here. The truth is, there are no secrets. It comes down to a way of life, one in which you choose to live by (and maybe also some of the most biodiverse herbs and Ikaria honey you ingest).

I had the pleasure of experiencing life in Ikaria in 2023, a far-from-random encounter. This stay was enriched by the knowledge and hospitality of Karimalis Winery, perched within the mountainous village of Pigi, Ikaria. The Karimalis Winery is an organic winery and farm on the island of Ikaria which also operates as a farm stay. The best farm stay.

George and Eleni, the husband and wife duo behind the business, opened their home and life up to us in ways I never thought imaginable. George, a successful economist, and King of Organic Viticulture and Agriculture, is the mentor we all need in our lives. His wealth of knowledge in nutrition and his way of living is invaluable. A ‘no excuses’, lead by example, and live with conviction, type of man. Eleni is the master of the blue zone kitchen, encompassing traditional cooking methods with an in-depth knowledge of nutrition, eating with the season, and utlising what lies in nature.

Before we explore further into life in Ikaria with the Karimalis family, let’s dive into a little about what makes Ikaria Island so damn divine!

Why Is Ikaria Greece A Blue Zone?

It is said that Blue Zones are regions around the world where the average life expectancy surpasses the global average. Their longevity has become the talk of the town and, has left the world stunted asking the question ‘What is the secret to living longer?’

These unique pockets of the world are vastly different regarding their culture and inhabitants, but the similarity, and that which Ikaria possesses, comes down to these key principles. They all have a strong sense of community and purpose, their diets largely focus on whole foods with a plant-based approach, engage in regular physical activity, and embody a stress-free lifestyle. Seems simple right?

Often at first glance, Ikaria is seen as another idyllic Greek Island with some of the best beaches, clean air, natural hot springs, and mountainous terrain (that is seriously epic though no joke). While this does contribute largely to the identity of the island, it is also a haven for the most biodynamic flora and fauna of Ikaria. With 92 families and 829 species of plants, there’s no wonder why Ikaria’s ecosystem is one of the most diverse throughout Greece.

This bio-availability is what constitutes a large portion of the Ikarian Diet (some with almost 8-10 times more antioxidants than red wine) and allows the people of Ikaria to utilise this in natural remedies to treat acute illnesses, as well as, incorporate them into their blue zone kitchen, the cherry on top. Their way of life and rich landscape make Ikaria a region where the living seem to thrive for centuries at a time.

I’ve always questioned the secret to living longer. The blueprint may be simple though it’s rarely as easy as it seems. The choice to actively practice and adopt these principles can be difficult in a world (especially in Western countries) where we are told that success, and the way to achieve our deepest desires, isn’t by slowing down or stripping back our practices, to those much simpler than what we’re used to, but to move faster and aggressively to keep up with the demand of life.

The hamster wheel only increases with speed as we move through the years… When will it slow down? A better question is, how can WE slow it down and learn from those who have continued living by these principles? How can WE adapt this into our Modern world, without feeling like we will miss out on opportunity or not keep up with the ever-expanding world around us? Spend time in Ikaria and I can assure you that you will learn the Ikarian way of life and, want to adopt these methods as soon as you’re back on home turf.

The Ikarian Way Of Life

Ikaria Island is sheltered from the hustle of Cosmopolitan Mainland Greece and other surrounding islands. It is an untouched beauty with a lot of potential, it has a rich and ragged natural landscape, and twinkling turquoise coastlines (you might even catch some waves here). It offers a sense of community often missed in other Islands, their sense of togetherness and openness to share this with visitors influences you deeply as you begin to embrace their way of calm, humility, and hospitality.

Touching down in Ikaria for the first time was a shock. A delightful shock. The mountains and landscape of the island are so breathtakingly raw, that it feels like you are in another dimension. The grandeur of this Island is indescribable at best. NOTE: Let me know your experience of visiting Ikaria in the comments below!

The only downside to this mountainous beauty is the accessibility to towns on the Island. Ikaria has two key roads that follow the Northern or Southern coastlines. This means that if you want to drive from one side of the Island to the other, it will take well over 3 hours per trip. It’s also worth mentioning that many of these access points are still dirt roads and underdeveloped (they’re working on this). Be sure to take care when zooming about and if you are planning to drive on these roads, maybe don’t tell your car rental office. *Kidding*

TIP: I advise that your mode of transport be a small SUV or some sort especially if you plan to drive along the dirt roads to explore the south and west part of the island. They can damage your vehicle if you are not careful, and drive at a reduced speed.

The Ikarian way of life is simple. Unlike the hustle and bustle of modern living, it is slow-paced and laid-back. There is no rush to be somewhere as one will always arrive and complete their tasks in divine timing, and as they should. The people of Ikaria tend to, and cultivate, their lands. They have a rich knowledge of the natural landscape, planting and growing crops with the seasons, and raising their animals. It is this, homesteading lifestyle, that keeps the mind sharp and their constitution strong, eating mostly organic homegrown produce. There’s no other way.

Something I’ve noticed about Europeans and the centenarians of Ikaria is that they lead a highly active lifestyle. Where one can walk, one does so. Greece is no stranger to steep hills, rocky terrain, and a labyrinth of stairs (have you been to Athens? You’ll be ascending for days on end).

Growing up with a tough self-sufficient lifestyle, the will to persevere throughout the day, and complete the necessary tasks that they have always known to tend to, is enough to keep the people of Ikaria on their toes and afford them a purpose in life, a contributing principle to the secret to living longer.

Experience Ikaria Island With The Karimalis Family

There was no coincidence when booking the farm stay at the Karimalis Winery in Pigi. My partner and I had booked to stay right before the pandemic hit, and to our misfortune, we had to cancel our stay. Fast forward 3 years later and here we are. When you arrive at the estate, all that is visible are traditional stone houses, the beautiful restaurant perched above the vineyards, and seas (and seas) of luscious green.

Ascending down the steep hill with a large suitcase is fun, and now that I think of it, it probably would have been better to have just hopped on and enjoyed the ride down. You will be greeted by George (or one of his daughters) and shown to your stay. It’s the type of accommodation that warrants you to switch your phone off immediately (if not forever) and melt away in the blissful sounds of nature, never to return home again.

What to do In Ikaria Greece: Farm Stay Style

There is no set program, no to-do’s, and nowhere to rush to. Your day-to-day at the Karimalis Winery Farm Stay often goes a little like this; Awaken to the sound of birds chirping (or gentle chitter chatter from other residents), open all doors and windows of your lodge to allow that FRESH waft of mountain air to circulate through, and make your way to the front garden at the communal kitchen (overlooking the abyss of the ocean and endless vineyards, the best area to stay in Ikaria in our opinion).

Unlike other accommodation in Ikaria, staying at the winery is like staying at your grandparents. You are HOSTED, nurtured, and taught about the essence of the blue zone living in Ikaria. I felt right at home and it was reassuring to know that you were under the watchful guidance of knowledgeable people, given all the tools needed to have an enriching stay, or to heal.

George would often than not join us every morning for Breakfast. The morning spread is prepared by George’s beautiful daughter Theodosia, where 100% of the produce comes from the Karimalis garden and farm animals (some of the best eggs I’ve eaten, the yolk was a vibrant radiating orange).

As you stack up your plate with fresh-picked vegetables, eggs, homemade jams, Ikaria honey, (and a chocolate tahini spread that you LATHER on top of Eleni’s pre-leavened hand-kneaded bread) the sun creeps into the garden and those who are staying in the guest homes prepare for another valuable morning conversation. There was not a day that went by that I couldn’t help but pay close attention to how Mr. Karimalis nourished himself, often with a large plate of tomatoes, fresh-picked herbs and greens, and Keffir yoghurt with a generous sprinkle of Spirulina. Adding leafy greens to all meals “facilitates healthy blood glucose levels,” George advised.

The conversations are always colourful and full of meaning. They can range from politics, the myths of the people of Ikaria, the journey that brought George to Ikaria, and embarking on the wellness train, or (and most often during summer) GRAPES! All I remember from our mornings was George picking fresh grapes, giving them a thorough clean, and distributing them out, claiming they were the BEST of the best “Do you taste how sweet? These will make great Ikaria wine.”

“The key is not to stop. The moment you stop moving or lose purpose, you are at a disservice to yourself. Use it or lose it.”

George Karimalis

Do you taste that? It’s the Ikarian Lifestyle.

After breakfast, you’re free to roam and graze around Ikaria Island as you wish to. The Karimalis Farm stay offers cooking classes (more on this to come), sporting activities, and the opportunity to participate in seasonal farm work. Leave the nest or perch yourself at the sunset lookout spot, the choice is yours.

TIP: Go for a walk around the neighbourhood and up to Theoktistis Monastery and the Chapel of Theoskepasti. The chapel has been built into boulders of rocks, withstanding the testament of time, and inviting you to explore the history of the
Anti-Pirate Houses of Ikaria.

The Ikarian Diet: Blue Zone Kitchen

Have you ever met someone so deeply passionate about food, nourishment, and cooking? I didn’t think I had until having the pleasure of cooking with Eleni Karimalis and learning the secret to the Ikarian diet.

Travelers near and far, and guests at the farm stay, make their way to Pigi to learn about the Blue Zone Kitchen and all the secrets to longevity that come with it. Eleni hosts cooking classes, with a rich focus, on Ikarian plant-based recipes that are lightly cooked (not fried) to ensure all the nutrients remain as perfectly untouched as possible. *It is also why the eggs on the farm are poached and not fried.* These dishes vary from fragrant rice-stuffed vegetables to home-made dips, like Tzatziki and Fava, organic hand-kneaded sourdough bread, beetroot salad, and a nutrient-dense super salad with nuts and grains (the best salad EVER).

You’re probably wondering, “What do they eat in Ikaria Greece?“

We live in a world today with access to almost anything we could desire. This includes meat, fish, fresh produce, and imported goods, you get the picture right? The centenarians in Ikaria did not always have this luxury, as up until the 1990’s the Island was still quite underdeveloped. This resulted in disparate ways of eating, where those who resided in the mountains would eat a lot of vegetables and meat from animals they raised or hunted, and those next to the ocean well… you guessed it, they would eat a diet rich in seafood.

“I love cooking, it brings me much joy to be able to do this for work and teach other people the way of the Ikarian Diet.”

Eleni Karimalis

We were lucky to have had a chance to join this cooking class, it was a private affair (with a lovely soul, Giana, who joined us before she departed home). The class teaches you how to make some of the key recipes of the Ikaria Blue Zone Kitchen from scratch, with the produce coming from the Karimalis farm or provided by trusted distributors in Ikaria and greater Greece. Staying true to the Ikarian diet, we’re talking about creamy fava dip with the sweet and salty taste of high-quality Greek olive oil drizzled on top, and Pitatakia filled with wild greens (Spanakopita essentially). And for mains, fresh homemade pasta with ‘Soufiko’ (Braised vegetables) and a generous grating of cheese… *licks lips*

Eleni’s great-grandmother and mother were miraculous cooks and she learned how to knead dough (for bread and Greek phyllo), cook with native Ikaria herbs, and with what the seasons afforded. The way Eleni whips out the phyllo dough with force is a site to be seen. You also get your chance to master the phyllo, and boy is it harder than it looks. You feel uncoordinated like a toddler taking its first steps, but slowly get the jist of it (sort of).

What else can you expect from this class? A whole lot of laughter, some dancing in the intermissions, and a well of wisdom. I’ll let you in on a beautiful moment shared about the secret to living longer (and insight into the healing power of herbs.)

Eleni’s Grandmother would pick Fresh Rosemary from the garden and place it behind her ear, her everyday jewellery. Her grandmother lived well into her late 90s and her mind remained, as sharp as a knife. Rosemary is known to improve memory and cognitive function (though I doubt this was known knowledge a century ago). On the other hand, Eleni mentioned, that her mother did not grow a liking to herbs, like her mother before her, and a little down the track lost the sharpness of her mind and suffered from a cognitive illness.

It is a tale of mystery with many unanswered questions, however, I think it is safe to say, that with that lesson, I’ll be wearing my Rosemary jewellery religiously from here on out. 

Come one, and come all, because there is no better feeling than celebrating the fruits of your labour once the class is complete, sitting perched above a luscious cloud of green, under the vine-wrapped canopy shading you from the blistering sun, and being in the company of those who share the same values. *Sips on some of the finest wine* This is the Ikarian way of life.

An Endless Sunset Paradise

The Enigmatic beauty of Ikaria Island and life in the mountains is unrivaled. There are locations that demand your urgency, Ikaria however, is not one of them. Staying at the farm feels like you’re in Greek heaven. Perched high in the clouds, with no road or ocean bed in sight, you bear witness to some of the most divine sunsets. Pair this with one of the many fabulous 3-course dinners had at the restaurant while sipping on natural wine, and dancing the night away. A blissful retreat.

Staying at the farm is a privilege. You’re blessed with a wealth of stories from people all over the globe, finding golden nuggets of wisdom. It is like looking into a mirror, where you’re able to see yourself a little better through the words of others. You will be privy to the secret to living longer, the stories of the elders who are not fragile, but resilient and as sharp as ever, as they recount hardships and countless blessings in their lives. You will uncover the unique gastronomy of the Island and, the way the Ikaria people are so interconnected.

The Lifetime Blueprint of Ikaria Island

By now it is abundantly clear what the secret to living longer is. The lifetime blueprint to health and longevity is this;

MOVE TO IKARIA ISLAND! YES, JUST MOVE… right now!

Kidding… I’m kidding!
*I should probably stop with the jokes…*

The Blueprint is split into 5 Pillars:

1. FOOD – A diet that is based on whole foods and natural ingredients. Eating with the intention to nourish ourselves, not dictated by emotion or guilt. Eating seasonally and mindfully.
2. LIFESTYLE – Live actively. Our bodies were designed to move, not stay stagnant. Move in any way, shape, or form. Remember, “Use it or lose it.”
3. MINDFULNESS – The world is as chaotic as it has ever been. It is important to practice a stress-free mindset. Live in the present, not the past, or the future.
4. PURPOSE – The centenarians of Ikaria have an active role in their families and communities cultivating a strong sense of purpose. Purpose offers you meaning in life, it is goal-driven, and it reiterates your importance in the world and those around you. Everyone is blessed with a sense of purpose.
5. CONNECTION – The most important 2 pillars are intertwined, without one the other crumbles. It is one’s purpose in life, which is directly linked to a sense of belonging and connection to community, family, and tradition. In a technologically advanced world, loneliness is what most fear or feel most. A strong sense of connection is imperative if you want to live a healthy and long life and it is demanding our attention now, more than ever.

The Ikarian people embody these pillars, and after getting a taste of this lifestyle, you too will see the glorious benefits of adopting them. It is your lifetime blueprint to health and longevity. 

To the Karimalis Family, I’d like to thank you for your hospitality, lessons, and generosity during our stay. George, you reminded me a lot of my grandfather, a nostalgia I could not shake whilst being at the farm. These are the moments that will be cherished forever.

Now that you know the recipe, how will you apply the secrets of longevity right now?