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What to see in Ikaria

Take a stop at the port of Agios Kirikos, the island’s capital, to admire the sculpture of the wings of Ikaros, as envisioned by the sculptor Ikaris. In the village of Chrysostomos, close to Agios Kirikos, you will find the rock of Ikaris. According to mythology, this is the point where Ikaros lost his wings and fell into the sea.

In the Folklore Museum of Agios Kirikos and in the folklore collections that are on exhibit in many of the island’s villages, you will be able to discover the culture of Ikaria through the items of folk art and the everyday objects.

The Archaeological Museum is a major attraction that houses over 200 exhibits from the classical period that were found on the bed of the sea.

Above Agios Kirikos, the villages of Oxe, Mavrato, Mavrikato and Perdiki, on the road to Evdilos, will impress you with their glorious natural landscapes and view over the port and sea of Ikaria.

The lush green landscape at Raches, with its plentiful running waters, does not give you the feeling that you are on an island. In geophysical terms, this region is more reminiscent of areas that are at a high altitude. The shops are open all night long here, a custom that intrigues tourists. The explanation that is given goes back to before the period of Turkish rule. The islanders of the era would build their houses at points where they were not visible from the sea in order to avoid pirate raids, and so it looked as though the island was uninhabited. The locals would move around at night so that they would not be noticed from the sea.

The “capital of Raches” is Christos Rachon, the largest village on the north side of the island. Its cobbled lanes make it perfect for a stroll, during which you will be able to admire the traditional architecture, churches and shops with their traditional products. You can also visit the beautiful Monastery of Evangelistria.

Visit Kavo Papa with the amazing lighthouse of the same name in Karkinagri, a picturesque fishing village on the coast that stretches from the mountains to the sea. In the same region you will find the ancient city of Drakanos, with its Acropolis and Tower.

The Museum of Mikis Theodorakis in the village of Vrakades, which is essentially the old stone house in which the composer lived.

The little church of Agia Sophia to the north of the village of Monokampi, built on a rock.

The beaches of Ikaria

There island has many beaches, with the huge beach of Armenistis attracting the most visitors. Seychelles beach is the most famous, with its crystal-clear waters and caves that have formed within the sea. Also well-known is Mesachtis beach which is one kilometre long. In addition to being the largest beach of Ikaria, it is very popular with surfers. The beach on Livadi, the islet located in the middle of the gulf, provides a great swimming challenge.

What to do in Ikaria

Visit the island’s thermal spas, which have been known since antiquity for their therapeutic qualities. Their temperature and their radon content as well as that of other rare minerals make the thermal spas of Ikaria a valuable ally in maintaining one’s health. The spa town of Therma, 2 km from Agios Kirikos, along with the hydrotherapy centres of Asklipios, Spilaios, Agia Kyriaki and the Baths of Lefkada are the best known. In the region of Xylosyrti, the thermal spring known as Athanato Nero (Immortal Water) gushes out just 10 metres from the sea.

Thanks to the geology of Ikaria, you can enjoy many water sports as well as climbing over the granite rocks. Cycling and walking are other options made possible by the “wild” natural landscape of Ikaria. One route that you will always remember is that through the Na Gorge at Raches, a route that passes through streams and running waters. At the end you will come to the beach of Na, where the remains of the ancient port (the jetty and floor of the temple) which are still visible will leave you speechless. At this beach, which is a popular with nudists, you can admire, among other things, the most gorgeous sunsets.

Excursions around Ikaria

From Ikaria, it is definitely worth visiting the nearby Fournoi. In the central village of this island complex to the southeast of Ikaria everything centres around the whitewashed paved road, the so-called “lane”, the street with the mulberry bushes. Visitors, little shops and the tables of the cafes are all there. The idyllic landscape is rounded off by the village square, with its large plane tree that offers generous shade to the charming little coffee houses. Swimming next to the ancient quarry of Petrokopio, where the marble used to build temples and buildings in ancient Miletos which lies opposite was mined, is an experience you will remember for the rest of your life. You can reach Fournoi from Ikaria either by small boat, hydrofoils or motorboat.

Samos, Chios and Patmos are other nearby destinations that are worth exploring on day trips. Alternatively, you can “escape” to the Turkish coasts.

Entertainment on Ikaria

The nightlife of Ikaria is of a traditional kind and the best way to enjoy the island is to go to an Ikariot fair. Let yourselves be swept away by the joyful atmosphere of the fairs and dance to the folk songs of Ikaria and other island tunes – the party lasts until the small hours.

The fairs are held all year round, although most take place in the summer. They are organised by local associations for culture and urban improvement, and include rasko (a local goat dish) and plenty of “Kariot” wine, which has been known as "Pramnian wine" since antiquity. Drink it in moderation, as it is strong.

If you want to learn more about the varieties of Kariot wine and the secrets of its production, visit one or all four of the wineries that can be found on the island.

For coffee or a drink with a view over the sea, choose one of the bars in Armenisti. If you prefer a mountain setting, try Raches.

Enjoy fish meze dishes, such as anchovies grilled with spring onions, peppers and tomatoes, and fresh fish accompanied by a local tsipouro or ouzo. Try the courgette, tomato or chickpea patties, little cheese pies made with “kathoura”, the local goat cheese, and “fouskopita”, which contains green peppers and melted local cheese. The local goat dish, cooked in a baking tray or wrapped in baking paper, is also delicious.

Don’t leave Ikaria without having tried kolokasi (Jerusalem artichoke) – Ikaria is the only place in Greece where this particular plant grows. It is served mainly as a salad, accompanied by garlic dip and Kariot wine.

Buy spoon sweets made with kaisi (an apricot variety) or rose, as well as excellent-quality honey.

Getting from the airport to Agios Kirikos

Once you have landed at Ikaria Island National Airport, the next thing to do is figure out your transportation. Taxis are available from the square outside the airport (tip: agree on the fare with the driver before getting into the vehicle). In the summer season only, there is also a bus for Agios Kirikos, which is 12 km from the airport. Alternatively, you can rent a car or motorbike from the rental agency located inside the airport.

If we had to describe the journey to Ikaria with one word, that word would be “experience”. Fly to Ikaria with Olympic Air and discover this beautiful island of the eastern Aegean, the homeland of the most intriguing inhabitants, the place where Dionysos is said to have been born!