The 6 things to do in Ikaria

Travel to the Aegean Sea, on the Greek islands: here is a top 6 of the things to do to visit Ikaria!

Greek island in the form of a spilled ship located between Samos , Mykonos and Chios, Ikaria is one of the largest islands of the eastern Aegean and houses a permanent population of 8,400 inhabitants. Its coast extends over 160 kilometers long and its total area is 660 km2. In addition, it is with Chios and Samos, one of the Greek islands closest to the Turkey . Several regions of the island are registered in the Natura 2000 network to protect biodiversity and the natural environment. The island has thus been able to maintain a wide variety of biotopes.

The island has a rich history from the periods of Prehistory, Hellenistic and Roman, Byzantine, Ottoman and Greek. Because of the help of the inhabitants to the communist prisoners (more than 13,000), deported during the civil war (1945-1949) by the Americans and British, the island is known to be in favour of socialism and is nicknamed the “red island”.

What are the things to do in Ikaria? The beaches, Mount Atheras, and that's all? No, there are myriad things to do by visiting Ikaria. Here is our list of these activities to explore if you ask that to do in Ikaria!

1. Agios Kirikos

Located northeast of the island, Agios Kirikos is the administrative capital of the island and also the main port of Ikaria. This is where you will be disembarked if you arrive by sea. It is a quiet city, animated only during the passage of the boats. In Agios Kirikos, you can visit the church of Agios Kirikos, dedicated to Saint Démetrius (Demetrios) - the protector of the sailors - and the archaeological museum of Ikaria. The city contains about ten sources of radioactive hot water, known for their therapeutic virtues (to treat rheumatism or sterility), and very frequented by the elderly.

2. Evdilos and company

What do Ikaria do? The road that leads to the west coast to Evdilos and Armenistis, then Kambos winds up in the hollow of deep canyons and allows to have stunning and dizzying views of the sea and the landscape cut off from the island. Evdilos is a small picturesque fishing port but remains the second city of Ikaria. Visiting Evdilos is therefore recommended because the commune has preserved its charm and traditions of old, including its famous wine – visit the cellars of Ikaria, Dyonysos would have been born on the island -, its old houses paving the docks of the port. A boat allows to leave for the islands of Siros and Karlovasi. The surrounding villages are worth a visit. Visiting Karavostamo and Fitema, for example, are a must if you visit Ikaria to see typical Greek villages.

3. Kambos

Are you asking me to do Ikaria? Do you like beaches, mountains, typical villages and Gallo-Roman ruins? In this case, visit Kambos, which brings together these four parameters at a time. A museum exhibiting ancient vestiges of the city Oinoé is located close to the church Agia Irini (12th century), also to be visited. Not far, we will find the ruins of a Byzantine Palace. Accommodation in Kambos is a good point of fall to go on a hike, many trails leave the village, to walk through a lush pine forest to the medieval monastery of Theoktisti and its troglodyte chapel. The surrounding beaches are simply sumptuous.

4. Armenistis

More to the west, Armenistis is the seaside resort of the island. Surrounded by two large sandy beaches wet by turquoise waters, the town of Armenistis has many advantages: two beautiful beaches – Livadi and Messakti (where you can also let yourself be tempted by a surf course ) -, one of the largest forests of the island and tourist infrastructure: to include places to stay, bars and restaurants to eat.

5. Magganitis

What are you still looking for in Ikaria? If you prefer remote and isolated areas, go to the southern coast of Ikaria, targeting the village of Magganitis. Unveiling an accidental, ciseled landscape with steep cliffs and wild nature, far from all civilizations. Or almost: very few tourist infrastructures if not a few season bars, because there is a major attraction that makes tourists come: the beach of Seychelles, with its sublime anchorage reminding this tropical archipelago of the Indian Ocean.

6. The light of Kavos Papas

Located on the southwest tip of the island, Kavos Papas Lighthouse is one of the must-sees to visit Ikaria. A public building belonging to the Greek state, it was listed as a cultural heritage by UNESCO. Built between 1886 and 1890 by the Société Française des Phares for the Ottoman Empire, he marked one of the most difficult passages of the Central Aegean Sea, between Mykonos and Ikaria. Access to the lighthouse is only on foot. To get there, take the asphalt road from Karkinagri to Evdilos and follow a dirt road a few meters away, then walk to the lighthouse. You will enjoy beautiful views of the coast and the sea.

How do I go to Ikaria?

It is very easy to get to Ikaria. The island is connected to continental Greece by ferries from Le Pirée in Athens. You will have to first choose a flight to Athens if you leave France: you will find a cheap flight on our partner’s website Ulysses . Ferries also provide daily connections with the neighbouring island of Samos. Other shipping lines exist with the Cyclades and Chios. Finally, Ikaria joins from the port of Kavala (16h45 crossing) to the east of Thessaloniki.

A small airport has recently been built on the island and almost daily flights have been connecting to Athens airport as a result of the tourist enthusiasm for this destination.

Where to stay in Ikaria?

Guests can find accommodation in Ikaria in the three largest municipalities on the island: Agios Kirikos, Armenistis and Evdilos. Several hotels are at your disposal and various Airbnb .

The west coast offers the most beautiful beaches and the most beautiful views. Therefore, we think it is better to target hotels and apartments in Evdilos .