Book a Flight to Ikaria from €36

Picturesque villages: Agios Kirykos is the capital and big port of the island. It is a small town with picturesque mansions, much quieter than Evdilos, the second port of the island, which attracts more visitors. Other villages worth visiting are Armenistis in the North, the most popular part of the island with tourists, with its vast and famous beach, and the picturesque fishing village, Gialiskari. In the spa-town of Therma, just 2km from Agios Kirykos, you will find the famous radioenergic hot mineral springs, known since antiquity and considered extremely beneficial for a number of conditions. Near Therma, stretches the area of Faros and Drakano cape, where the ruins of the ancient Acropolis and the tower of the same now stand today.

Christos Rachon: You will have to get to the beautiful mountain and verdant village, Christos Rachon, to see for yourself what everybody says about the sense of time of the locals. According to the village tradition, nothing works in the day, so even shops open after sunset. Enjoy the dense pine forest surrounding the village, framing the amazing view of the big blue in the background. Walk on the cobbled narrow streets and admire the traditional architecture, the churches and the traditional product shops and visit the beautiful 15th century monastery of Evagelistria.

Tavropolion or Nas: An ancient town where, according to mythology, Naiads used to live. In antiquity there used to be one of the most famous Sanctuaries, dedicated to goddess Tavropolos (Attending to the Bull) Artemis. Today, the quay of the ancient port and the floor of the Sanctuary survive. It is located to the west of Armenistis.

Thermal Springs: The good fortune of Ikaria offered the island the priceless wealth of thermal waters. There are eight thermal springs on the island, in various areas, with the most well known being those in Therma, which is a very popular attraction for spa lovers. In the area of Xylosyrtis there is another thermal spring, 10 metres from the sea, named “Athanato Nero” (Immortal Water).

Museums: The Archaeological Museum on Agios Kirykos, has more than 200 artefacts from the Classical period, such as vessels, tools and amphorae found in the bottom of the sea. The Archaeological Museum of Kambos, on the hill of ancient Oenoe, the first capital of Ikaria, has a collection of many artefacts from the neolithic period, found in the ancient town.

Beaches: Fantastic beaches, most of them hidden by the mountains of the island, await you to discover them. Between Gialiskari and Armenistis, stretches the organised beach of Mesachti, which is the longest on the island measuring a length of one kilometre and ideal for surfers. There you will find beach bars and infrastructure for amateur beach volley tournaments. Nearby is Livadi beach; a more quiet, also sandy beach, with its small island in the middle of the bay challenging swimmers, while Armenistis, on the north part of Ikaria, attracts many visitors. The beach of Nas, famous for its magnificent sunset, is a favourite among nudists and ideal for young campers. Other good beaches are Aris, Fytema, Daimonopetra and Faros. At Therma and Athanato Nero, waters are thermal, while the unique - though hard to access - Seychelles beach, with its crystal waters and the caves in the sea is definitely worth a visit! Generally, you should be careful when swimming, because the sea currents around the island can sometimes be quite strong.

In Ikaria you can buy excellent local goods. Try “kathoura”, a traditional goat's milk cheese maturing in brine. The meat of the island is also famous, particularly the “rasko”, free range wild goats. Buy original honey, sweetened rose-petals in syrup as well as pottery and woodcarving goods. You can also find old gravure printings in some shops.

In Ikaria visitors can try in many places of the island fresh fish, the variety of which depends on the season. Fish is usually grilled, while local delicacies, such as smoked herring and grilled sardine fillets with onion, pepper and tomato, are very well known. Some of the dishes that are worth trying are courgette balls and chickpea balls, celebrated local delicacies usually accompanied by the famous “pramneio oino” (wine). The kid goat of the island, in the oven or baked in waxed paper, is perhaps the best you ever had! Other exceptional dishes are stuffed tomatoes and peppers and “soufiko”! The pies baked by the housewives - taverna keepers are delicious, with “fouskopita”, with green peppers and melted local cheese, being top. To enjoy your coffee or drink, opt for the bars of Armenistis for a sea view, or to Raches for a mountain view.

• Fairs: If you want to explore the true face of Ikaria, you must go to at least one fair and dance along with locals a traditional dance of Ikaria! In these all-night-long fairs lots of wine and local specials are offered. Especially on 15 August there are at least 10 fairs on the island celebrating the Mother of God! The best known fairs are in Langada, Akamatra, Kosoikia and Karavostamos.
• Eleftheria: In late July, Ikaria hosts “Eleftheria”, commemorative events for the liberation of the Ottoman rule. The events include book fairs, exhibitions of folk art, painting, music and dance events in various locations on the island and in Fournoi, while every year the theatre company “Exodos Aigeou” holds ancient drama performances, having a special preference for open spaces in the fascinating mountain landscapes of Ikaria.

Transportation from the airport

Aegean Airlines land on “Ikaros” airport of Ikaria, located 12km from Agios Kirykos. This small airport has a café and a car rental agency. For your transportation there are bus services to suit the flight hours, while you can also opt for a taxi, as long as you agree on the fare in advance. Generally, due to limited public transportation, the best way to get around the island, is to rent a car or motorbike.