Ikaria – Purple Travel Official Blog

Purple 10: Ultimate Greece Beaches

Apr 10 2013

So you want the perfect beach for your summer holiday, but can’t decide where? It’s well known that Greece has some of the most jaw-dropping beaches you’ll ever see in your life and this year, it’s better value than ever before. So, with that in mind, we’ve asked some Greek friends to tell us their favourite secluded little hideaways along the Hellenic Coastline. It was hard to get them to reveal their secrets, but they did eventually, so use this information wisely! Here’s the ultimate list of the best Greece beaches.

1. Xigia Beach – Zante: If you’re driving to this glorious beach in Zante, you’ll need to get ready to abandon it and pop down a small path to a practically undiscovered beach.

Image via @ travelnblog

2. Fokos Beach – Mykonos: A quiet and secluded one, Fokos is surrounded by fabulous scenery, very different to the rest of the island. It’s ideal for sunbathing and eh, nudism! “A quiet beach on a noisy island. Definitely worth a visit!” – Nikos

Image via @ GanMed64

3. Seychelles Beach – Ikaria: Seychelles is one of the most scenic beaches on Ikaria Island. The pebbled seashore is surrounded by rocks and caves creating a breathtaking spot to completely soak up the sun. You can access the beach by walking on a path along the river bed. “Boasting stunning turquoise waters, this beach makes you think you are on an exotic island away from the hectic routine” – Elina

Image via @ www.lookabout.gr

4. Anthony Quinn Beach – Rhodes: The beach is named after the well-known actor, as it was used as the shooting place of the film ‘The Guns of Navarone’. It’s small but perfectly formed. It’s around 200 meters long with beautiful sand and some pebbles and rocks both in and out the sea.

Anthony Quinn Beach via @ Wikicommons

5. Sarakiniko – Milos Island: This beach on Milos could be added to the list of natural wonders of the world, thanks to its moonscape-style landscape. “I recommend Sarakiniko beach on Milos Island for swimming, diving or photo shooting on the whitewashed rocks” – Maria

Image via @ Roban Kramer

6. Agios Sostis – Parga, Western Greece: Surrounded by lush greenery, this isolated beach has small pebbles and great waters for swimming and snorkelling. At the end of the beach, you’ll also find a small church carved into the rocks! “I recommend Agios Sostis beach in Parga for absolute relaxation, as it is guaranteed that you’ll have the whole beach and crystal clear waters to yourself ” – Paris

Image via @ www.trekearth.com

7. Achla – Andros Island: Achla is only accessible by sea or on off road Jeeps The calm bay is totally protected from strong winds and is the ideal stretch of sand to completely unwind.

Image via @ www.in.gr

8. Egkremnoi – Lefkada Island: A charming beach that equals those of the Caribbean, thanks to its turquoise waters and long stretches of powder white sand. The beach is named after the giant rocks forming a natural cloak. Ideal for those seeking secluded beaches for absolute relaxation, but are fit enough for the 300 steps leading there. “My personal favourite beach on Lefkada. Amazing waters and idyllic scenery. Stepping down felt like flying!”- Eleni

9. Mpalos (Gramvousa) – Chania, Crete: The warm, crystal clear waters, together with the stunning colour of the sand and the peaceful atmosphere create an idyllic setting at Mpalos Beach. This tranquil slice of perfection is only available to a select few dedicated enough to access it by rocky roads and long walks.

Image via @ www.jenny.gr

10. Plateia Ammos – Kefalonia: The beach of Plateia Ammos in Kefalonia is where to go to rejuvenate body and mind. It’ll likely be deserted thanks to the tricky access via 400 steps, but when you get there, we promise it’s well worth it.

Image via @ kefalonia-tours

Holidays help you live longer: Ikaria Greece

Sep 20 2012

Holidays to help you live longer: Ikaria Greece

Do you fancy a holiday that not only boasts beautiful sunshine, but could actually help you live longer? Then head for Ikaria Greece.

A small mountainous Greek Island in the Aegean, the residents there tend to reach an average age of 90. The remote island has long been intriguing scientists, who have been trying to find out why there are more healthy people in their 99^th year than anywhere else on earth.

Apart from sunshine, which does wonders, here are a few reasons Ikarians live so long.

Eat your greens Ikarians obviously listen to mum’s advice about eating their greens. There are over 150 varieties on the island, and most of what they eat they grow themselves. There are lots of veggies and beans and little meat and sugar. As well as that, their diet is dipped in extra virgin olive oil, which holds lots of natural antioxidants.
Goats Researchers found that most of the people aged over 90 have been drinking goat’s milk almost every week. It’s easier to digest than cow’s milk and is said to be high in a hormone called tryptophan which reduces stress.
Herbal teas the Ikarians are famous for their herbal teas which contain ingredients to lower blood pressure and even reduce the risk of dementia.
Walk this way Ikaria is a mountainous place – so by default residents get lots of daily exercise by simply walking around, strolling to meet a friend for coffee, or heading down to the beach.
Siesta Ikarians love a nap. A little mid afternoon snooze is said to decrease the chances of a heart attack and make you look and feel younger. So, not only are Ikarian’s a healthy bunch, but good looking to boot! Sleeping-in is a big priority too; people don’t really begin to start their days until around six in the evening.
Laidback That phrase, ‘so laidback they are horizontal’ could have originated here. They don’t wear watches and there’s no hurry… anywhere. If you ask for the time, you won’t get an answer as most Ikarians don’t know, or care. Even other Greeks know it as a laidback island. If for example, you go to a restaurant be prepared to wait… and wait… and wait. If the baker doesn’t want to open up, then he won’t until he is good and ready.
Hot Spring Ikaria has radium bearing hot springs that have been in use since way back in the 4^th century BC. It won’t turn you into Superman, but a dip is likely to relieve joint pain and skin conditions, keeping you feeling fit and healthy.
Dancing the night away Ikarians do love a party. Make sure you go to one of the famous feasts, where you can drink the special wine which Homer called “Pramnios oinos” and where you can learn traditional Ikarian dances.

Book a cheap holiday to Greece with ABTA member Purple Travel today.

Tag - Ikaria