Portal North. ISSUE 2 - Magazine - Page 21
Greece has over 6,000 islands, with between 200 and 227 of
these inhabited. That’s a lot of Grecian coastlines just
waiting to be explored. Ticking them off by staying on one
island at a time is going to take… well, at least a lifetime.
But that’s not the only reason why cruising the smaller, less
touristy islands is the best way to experience them.
Boarding a small motor-sailer yacht, I was lucky enough to
visit a different island each day, making it possible to hit
seven in a single week.
Of course, not all will be your perfect cup of tea, but cruising
them is a like a taster menu. Get a 昀氀avour of what’s on offer
and pick the islands where you’d like to arrange a longer stay.
IKARIA
One of the world’s 昀椀ve blue zones, locals live longer on
average in Ikaria than anywhere else in Greece.
Just why there are more people living to the age of 100 on
this island is debatable but the natural hot springs could
have something to do with it.
A walk along the promenade, past the row of tavernas by
the sea, brings you to a pool of radioactive, hyperthermal
hot spring water. There are no facilities but that only adds
to its charm.
You can climb down the steps, leaving your belongings on
the wall, or swim over from the beach.
Move around and 昀椀nd the hot springs while the Garra Rufa
昀椀sh nibble on your feet. The waters are said to heal skin
conditions, arthritis, and even respiratory issues.
I met a local man while I lounged in the pool, who told me he
was 50 and had never been to a doctor. Here’s hoping my half
an hour in these radioactive waters leads to longevity.
21
