Icaria, also spelled Ikaria (Greek: Ικαρία), locally Nikaria or
Nicaria (Νικαριά), previous name: Doliche (Δολίχη), is a Greek
island 10 nautical miles (19 km) south-west of Samos. It derived its
name from Icarus, the son of Daedalus in Greek mythology, who fell
into the sea nearby. It is one of the middle islands of the northern
Aegean, 660 km² (255
mi²) in area with 102 miles (160 km) in coastline and a population
of about 7,000 inhabitants. The topography is a contrast between
verdant slopes and barren steep rocks.
The island is
mountainous for the most part. It is traversed by Aetheras range,
whose highest summit is 1,040 metres. Most of its villages are
nestled in the plains near the coast, with only some of them on the
mountains. Icaria has a tradition in the production of strong red
wine. Many parts of the island are covered by large bushes,
especially ravines, making the landscape lush with green. There are
no rare species of fauna on the island. Besides pets, only small
goat herds make their presence known, disturbing the serenity of the
island with their bells. Icaria's climate is considered mild.