In the Eastern Aegean, this large island has a curious history and family-run hotels and guest houses with rooms for less than £60 a night
“Just follow the music”, Rania, my guide, had said. We stumbled along the forest path in the pitch-black. It felt like we were going in circles. The sound of folk violins and strumming seemed to be getting quieter. Had we gone wrong?
A tiny Orthodox church was stooped underneath the pines. In front, a seven-person band meddled out folk tunes as people hopped and twisted slowly then faster and faster in concentric circles. They had already been playing for hours and would continue until the sun rose the next day.festival that has taken place on various saints’ feast days for hundreds of years.
As we zipped along the craggy roads to Armenistis, Rania explained how Ikaria had, for centuries, been cut off from the rest of the world by its rough tides, lack of natural ports and attacks by the pirates that inhabited the neighbouring island of Fourni. Still today, she said, it receives far fewer visitors than better-known islands.
Entry to the panigiri is also free and the food and wine are cheap . Any profits are spent on necessary works in the host village, such as repairing roads or signs.
United Kingdom Latest News, United Kingdom Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Swap Dubai for UAE’s cheaper holiday destination with 30C temperatures & sandy beaches...RAS Al-Khaimah is a great – and cheaper – alternative to Dubai. We found deals to the UAE’s northernmost emirate from £621pp next year – working out at £88pp a night. UAE…
Read more »
Aberdeen vs Paok live stream and Tv details for Europa Conference League clashThe Dons face stiff opposition in the shape of Greek cracks POAK Thessaloniki.
Read more »
Christian McCaffrey appears to decline jersey swap in awkward footage after 49ers loss...Most NFL players go out of their way to swap jerseys after a game, win or lose. Not Christian McCaffrey. The league’s most dynamic running back appeared to shut down a jersey swap request on …
Read more »
Eva Longoria debuts new look in suit - but did you notice her shoes?The Desperate Housewives star showed workwear can be cool in this fun shoe swap look
Read more »
Slice of horror: Papa Johns launches Jack-O’-Lantern pizzaAs pizza lovers swap trick or treating for pizza eating this Halloween, popular pizza delivery chain, Papa Johns launches its spookiest pizza yet: the Jack-o’-lantern.
Read more »
Four key words from Jurgen Klopp helped Ryan Gravenberch make Liverpool transfer decision...Ryan Gravenberch has revealed what Jurgen Klopp said to persuade him to swap Bayern Munich for Liverpool. The 21-year-old had been a long-standing target and joined the Reds on transfer deadline da…
Read more »