I would also like to mention the tour agent you use at Armenistis, 'Dolihi Tours', and in particular the agent Urania Mytika , and her super calm, patient and expertly safe driving husband (especially on all the high and winding roads of Ikaria).
I took two trips with them, one around the island and another on a wine tasting tour; taking in the ancient artisan processes (now revived by the truly special vineyard of Afianes wines) and tasting the wine in the most magical setting, amongst the vines. This was followed by an evening at Christos Raches, the town in the hills which never sleeps and comes to vibrant life at night.
These were probably the best tours I have every experienced anywhere. Small and tailored, they were a perfect balance of beautiful scenery, ancient sights, nature, and an introduction to the island and the uniqueness of the people who live there. Urania was superb providing fascinating, personal, historical, folklore, artistic information and knowledge of the area. We were taken to some of the most secluded sleepy villages, drank coffee with the locals, tasted local delicacies (which Rania had ordered ahead for us at no extra cost). We also hlked amongst the herb scented forests, swam in Thermal hot spring caves and visited the most tranquil and unusual monastery on an idyllic and verdant hillside setting ,with such an awe inspiring view of the sun setting over the valley below .
All filled with Urania's vibrant humour, utterly engaging storytelling and true love for the island she was born on. Set to a soundtrack of uniquely picked and unusual Classical Greek songs playing in the minibus, which only added to the beauty and the theatre of it all.
I don’t know how they have the energy to give and provide so much on their tours, but I cannot recommend them enough to other visitors with Sunvil. They really help you to get to know and understand the spirit of this most unusual yet blissful island. Truly memorable.