Tsantiri winery produces trhee of Ikaria’s native wines, including Begleri, Fokiano and Mandilaria. The organic vineyard covers 50 stremmata of land which forms terraces, as is the traditional way of grape cultivation throughout the island. Located in the north-western village of Ano Prospera and reaching altitudes between 350-450 m., Tsantiri winery gives its visitors the opportunity to tour its grounds as well as witness the wine-making process up close and personal.
Built in 199, the estate’s winery continues a legacy of over 1000 years of winemaking on Ikaria. Modern production methods in combination with a passion for wine, create an inviting atmosphere for visitors to learn about one of the island’s oldest traditions. The winery is kept at a constant temperature of 18 degrees Celsius and includes aging and storage units in oak barrels. As a certified organic wine producer, Karimali Family Estate offers guests the unique opportunity to witness winemaking in its purest, most natural form.
In Skafidia there is a venerable monastery with the same name complete with a tower from Venetian times dating from 1686. Not far is the Monastery of Frankavilla from Frankish times and that of Agios Nikolaos of the Frankopidima.
Afianes Wines was created in 1997 with the aim of putting Ikarian wine in its rightful place on Greece’s winemaking map. The winery is located within its vineyards on the edge of the village of Profitis Ilias, sitting at an altitude of 650 m. Here, the entire winemaking process takes place, from the vine to the bottle. Visitors can tour the lower level of the complex which houses the fermentation and bottling systems as well as the maturing and storage areas. The upper level consists of the winery’s showroom and exhibition centre, where guests can sample the finished product whilst enjoying views of the Aegean.
Constructed recently, this monastery's claim to fame is its amazing murals and beautiful location overlooking Kyparissia and the port of Katakolo. It is only 2 kilometres from Epitalio.
This monastery near Kilini, built around the 12th or 13th century and related directly to Constantinople, features artistic as well as architectural elements from east and west. Its frescoes are of particular beauty.
This is an 11th century church on a steep rock over the Tritona river. The name may come from respect or it may be of Czech origin ('sopot' for waterfall). Get there from Andritsaina or from Olympia (more complex but beautiful road).
As the birthplace of Dionysus, it’s no wonder that Ikaria’s wines have been famous since antiquity. The god of revelry is said to have been born in a cave near Drakano, and the island’s strong red wine known as Pramneios wine, was particularly connected with ceremonies devoted to his worship. Dark red in colour, it’s a naturally strong wine, reaching upwards of 16% alcohol content, something that occurs in few other places outside of Ikaria. Its beneficial qualities are cited numerously in mythology and Homer mentions a cocktail known as “kykeon” which was derived from Pramneios wine, barley flour and local cheese. It was given to warrior to both strengthen and heal them during battle.
Built on a rocky hill among the wild trees of a forest, this castle-like monastery features a stone channel to collect water and cells built close to each other in true castle style. The small chapel on the left is quite interesting.
Probably built on an ancient site during the Mystras or Crusader years, this monastery hosts extraordinary and invaluable frescoes. It features a Byzantine church with a cross-shaped roof dedicated to the Virgin and her miracles.