IkariaNorth Aegean Islands · Greece

All About Ikaria

 Named after Icarus, the son of Daedalus, who is said to have fallen into the sea here after his wax wings melted, Ikaria is one of those islands that has become mythical for other reasons too. It is well-known for the longevity of its local residents, as well as the magnificent beaches and alluring landscapes. Taking a ferry to Ikaria is easy, just use Ferryscanner to compare ferry companies and book ferry tickets.

Life on Ikaria moves to a different beat from its busier neighbor Samos and is a favorite escape for all those seeking the simple pleasures in life of unspoiled natural surroundings, delicious healthy cuisine, and local red wine worthy of the Greek gods.

Inhabited since at least 7000 BCE, Ikaria sits in the middle of the North Aegean islands and has a population of around 8,000 inhabitants. It is a land of verdant slopes, with the highest mount reaching 1,037 meters, and many of its villages are hidden between the hills or nestled around the coastline. It remains untouched by modernity in many parts and is home to a variety of wildlife, such as the European otter, jumping spiders, and green toads.

Visit ancient monuments, archaeological museums, Byzantine monasteries, and thermal baths while there, or follow one of the hiking routes through spectacular ravines on an island blessed with eternal charm.
 

Routes and Ferries to Ikaria

When you book your ferry tickets to Ikaria with Ferryscanner, you can be sure of a wonderful trip. The fastest ferry from the port of Piraeus in Athens to Ikaria takes only 6 hours and 55 minutes with Blue Star Ferries, and other crossings from the port can last up to 8 hours and 55 minutes, with an overnight itinerary involved. You can even book ferry tickets to sail to Ikaria from the city of Thessaloniki, although the trip takes around 24 hours.

Ferries to Ikaria are available from many of the Greek islands, such as Tinos (2.55 hrs), Syros (3.35 hrs), and Mykonos (2.10 hrs). Book your ferry tickets to Ikaria from the Dodecanese islands and sail from Rhodes with Hellenic Seaways (11.20 hrs), and Kastelorizo in 13 hours, 15 minutes. You can also sail to Ikaria by booking ferry tickets with Dodekanisos Seaways from Lesvos (2 hrs) and Patmos (1 hr). Ferries also depart from the island of Samos and the journey can take between 1.30 to 3.25 hours, depending on the connection.

Domestic flights are available to Ikaria Island National Airport from Athens, Lemnos, and Thessaloniki on a regular basis. Upon arrival, you will need to secure transportation as the airport is about 10 km from the island’s capital, Agios Kirikos.

If you have booked your ferry tickets to Ikaria from the port of Piraeus, you can take the X96 express bus on arrival at Athens International Airport for the 45-minute journey. You will also find many taxis waiting to transport you to the port and there is a regular train service from the Athenian city center.
 

Ports of Ikaria

Ikaria has two main ports that serve the ferry traffic from other destinations. Agios Kirikos lies to the south of the island while Evdilos is about one hour away on the north side.

Make sure to check which port you will be arriving at when you book your ferry tickets to Ikaria in order to avoid confusion. Both offer all of the services that you will require during your visit, such as ATMs, supermarkets, pharmacies, and medical centers, as well as car rental options and petrol stations.
 

Capital & Villages 

Agios Kirikos

Thought to be one of the most picturesque settlements in the Aegean, Agios Kirikos was first founded by sailors over three hundred years ago on the island’s southeastern coast. It is the capital of Ikaria and the gateway to the Aegean Sea, offering visitors the opportunity to wander its enchanting cobbled streets lined by two-story captain’s mansions and bloom-filled balconies.

Visit the hot springs of Asclepius for some natural spa therapy before stopping off at the mulberry tree-shaded village square for a traditional Greek coffee. Enjoy the sea views for Agios Kirikos across to the islands of Patmos, Fourni, and Samos, or head inland for a mountain trek through oak-tree forests and fruit orchards.

Evdilos

Evdilos is the second port on the island and can be found on the northwest side. It is a relatively new settlement that was built after 1830 when piracy ceased once and for all in the area and was the temporary capital before Agios Kirikos took its place.

The small harbor features a picturesque pier and old captain’s mansions sit next to more modern homes while retaining the traditional architectural style that sets it apart. Stroll around the narrow streets and sit at one of the inviting waterfront fish taverns to enjoy fresh island flavors and charismatic sea views.

Armenistis

Armenistis is a small seaside hamlet in the north of Ikaria and only has about 70 permanent inhabitants, most of whom are fishermen by trade. The village is a slice of traditional island life worth savoring and boasts a picturesque port and lovely little church dedicated to the patron saint of fishermen, Agios Nikolaos.

Armenistis is a great spot from which to embark on a walking excursion, with the pine forests and freshwater streams promising an unforgettable day out. Relax on your return in one of the welcoming waterfront coffee shops, bars, and taverns.

Therma

Renowned in ancient times for its therapeutic hot mineral springs, Therma is the main spa town on the island. Set in a picturesque bay with a small inlet, the small white-washed houses are surrounded by rolling hills and a rocky gorge that leads down to the settlement.

The hot springs have been said to help alleviate a range of afflictions such as rheumatism, arthritis, and neuralgia, as well as promising to cure infertility, and have been a point of pilgrimage since the days of Asclepius. You may also find the sea views from one of the cozy coffee shops or taverns equally therapeutic and totally relaxing.

Agia Irini

Agia Irini is located about 40km north of Agios Kirikos. It has quaint streets and an abundant freshwater source, coming straight from the River Voutsidis. At the attractive village square, you will get a good view of the small, 11th-century hilltop church named after Saint Irene, which is the oldest of its kind in Ikaria.

The Archaeological Museum of Kambos is located on the same hill and also well worth a visit, as is the archeological site that bears witness to where an ancient city once stood.

Plagia

You will find the village of Plagia at the foot of the mountain slope, from where it takes its name, and it is set amongst verdant pastures that end abruptly at the clifftops. Tiny houses straddle the area while the central village square is the location of the main church, a few shops, and a small school.

You can visit a traditional olive press to see how things used to be done here and if you are lucky enough to be visiting the island on September 8th, you can enjoy the annual festival with the townsfolk, who don traditional costumes to celebrate with music and dancing.
 

Best Beaches

If you are on a quest for the perfect beach, Ikaria may grant your wish. The clarity of the water is uncontested and the sandy beaches are much more exotic-looking than you would expect.

The north side of the island boasts some pristine coastlines while the southern beaches are rockier and less frequented. Both fun-loving beachcombers and solitude seekers will find a range of excellent beaches to choose from on the island.

Nas Beach

Nas beach (from the Greek word naos, or ‘temple’) is an idyllic spot just 6km west of Armenistis. It can be found at the delta of the Chalares River and the Aegean Sea, and it is here that a 6th-century temple once stood in honor of the goddess Artemis.

From the beach, you can hike up to a small waterfall and pool before enjoying a rustic meal in one of the taverns above. You will also be able to enjoy the best sunset on the island at Nas and relax surrounded by total splendor.

Kerame Beach

Kerame is a beautiful beach just 10km from Agios Kirikos and it has the most powdery sand and crystalline waters, with rock formations offering some shelter.

The area has become more popular in recent years and although you will find some nice accommodation nearby, the beach is still largely underdeveloped with few facilities apart from some showers and a tavern.

Kambos Beach

Kambos is a long sandy stretch located 40km to the northwest of Agios Kirikos and its clear shallow waters make it a lovely swimming spot.

You will find a beach bar and snack bar on the beach, as well as sunbeds for hire, and it is a great place to enjoy the sun, sea, and sand while enjoying the peaceful surroundings.

Messakti Beach

Messakti is another long beach 47km northwest of Agios Kirikos that has pristine golden sand and transparent waters. Two small rivers flow down to the beach to create small freshwater lagoons that you can bathe in and relax.

There is a canteen as well as a few sunbeds for rent, with restaurants and bars on the main road near the beach serving scrumptious culinary delights and refreshing cocktails.

Iero Beach

You will find Iero beach in the northwest corner of Ikaria near Faros, where it is thought that the ancient site of a temple dedicated to Dionysus (Bacchus) once stood.

It is actually a great location for snorkeling as it is in a protected cove with some intriguing rock formations. You can walk along the beach and follow a marked path that leads the way to the cave area too, which makes for a truly adventurous visit.

Seychelles Beach

This is possibly Ikaria’s most stunning beach and one that locals would prefer to keep secret. A mix of pebbles and stones, the beach has been formed around some interesting rock morphology to create a private cove with transparent waters.

It can be accessed via a rather steep path that begins at the main road and descends along a river bed, so sturdy shoes are advisable. You can also reach the beach by water taxi from the fishing port of Mangganitis, as well as from Armenistis and Agios Kirikos.

Lefkada Hot Springs

While on Ikaria, you must visit the hot springs located 2 km west of Agios Kirikos on the main road. The natural hot saltwater spring pool of Lefkada is encircled by boulders to create a pool, from where several streams of hot mineral water and salts/mud from the streams can be used as a natural skin and spa treatment.

Reach it by walking down the path that leads to the beach and enjoy a swim on arrival to experience the shallow rock pools and the warm undercurrents.
 

Transportation Around Ikaria

Ikaria has a good public bus service that runs to and from the main settlements, while car and motorbike hire is also available if you prefer to discover the island independently.

The roads are quite narrow and winding so caution is recommended if you do so. Taxis are in abundance to transport you to your desired destination and can be found across the island. On Ferryscanner you can easily compare prices or ferry companies and book cheap ferry tickets to Ikaria.