Ikaria is among Greek sites of great value as habitats and natural landscapes, comprising a variety of flora and fauna and an important wealth of caves, springs, lakes, rivers etc., due to its geomorphological and climatic conditions. But with large areas threatened by degradation due to intense human pressures, they need to be protected by locals and visitors.
Ikaria has many important habitats worth visiting or studying, and being respected for future generations. Most, but not all areas are included in a protection scheme, but they are worth mentioning as important natural monuments.
Scheduled by national law and international agreements, Ikaria’s protected areas are included in the Network Natura 2000 (either as a Site of Community Importance or as a Special Protection Area), listing places of exceptional natural beauty and Important Bird Areas and CORINE biotopes.