Atheras
Évdhilos - Main Street
Atheras Hotel, located in the centre of Evdilos town, only 50 metres from the nearest beach, offers accommodation with reception service, and features spa facilities.
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Ikaria is one of the most authentic and unspoilt destinations in the North Aegean, world-famous for being one of the bluest parts of the planet, where inhabitants live longer than the world average. This mountainous island offers a unique bathing experience, characterised by wild, windswept beaches and crystal-clear waters that alternate with natural hot springs and thousand-year-old traditions.
The island is distinguished by its rugged coastline that hides secret coves that can only be reached on foot, and by its thermal winds that have been attracting visitors in search of natural wellness for centuries. The south coast offers the most sheltered and accessible beaches, while the north side offers wild landscapes and crystal-clear waters for those seeking solitude and unspoilt nature.
The shores of Ikaria offer an authentic and wild bathing experience, with beaches that retain their natural character and waters with beneficial properties that have been recognised since antiquity.
The most photographed beach on the island owes its name to its turquoise waters reminiscent of tropical seas. Located on the south-west coast, Seychelles Beach is a white pebble cove protected from strong winds and offers a crystal-clear seabed ideal for snorkelling. The beach can be reached via a 15-minute path through the Mediterranean bush, which keeps it relatively isolated even in high season.
Messakti is the longest beach in Ikaria and stretches over 1.5 kilometres along the northern coastline, characterised by golden sand and deep blue waters. Messakti is famous among surfers for the constant waves generated by the summer meltemi, while it also offers quieter areas for families. The presence of a traditional taverna right on the beach guarantees refreshment with local fresh fish specialities.
Don’t miss Nas, a pebble beach located at the mouth of a stream that forms a natural lagoon during the winter months. Surrounded by high cliffs and lush vegetation, Nas was sacred to the goddess Artemis in antiquity, as evidenced by the remains of the temple visible on the hill above. The waters are particularly cool and clear thanks to the fresh spring, creating a unique microclimate.
Armenistis is the most developed seaside resort on the island and offers two adjoining beaches of dark volcanic sand, protected by a natural bay that makes them ideal even when the north winds blow. The presence of hotels and restaurants along the seafront promenade provides comprehensive services, while the fishing harbour adds authenticity to the landscape. The shallow waters make it perfect for families with children.
We have selected the top beaches in Ikaria on our Ikaria Beaches page.
Ikaria’s natural and cultural heritage offers unique experiences ranging from world-famous radioactive hot springs to traditional villages where time seems to stand still. The thermal springs of Therma flow directly on the beach at 45°C, offering natural healing baths for arthritis and skin problems, in a wild and evocative setting.
Trekking trails criss-cross the mountainous hinterland connecting isolated villages such as Christos Raches, famous for its cafés that open after midnight, keeping centuries-old traditions alive. The 10th-century Koskina Castle offers breathtaking views of the north coast, while the windmills of Campos testify to the island’s ancient agricultural civilisation.
Local wine production has characterised the island’s economy for millennia, with indigenous grape varieties such as Fokiano growing on terraces built by the ancient Greeks. Traditional wine cellars offer tastings in unique settings, often carved into volcanic rock. For archaeology enthusiasts, the remains of ancient Oinoe preserve evidence from the classical era.
The neighbouring island of Fourni, reachable in 30 minutes by ferry, offers an archipelago of islets with deserted beaches and crystal-clear waters, perfect for those seeking absolute solitude. The uninhabited islets of the archipelago can be reached by small local boats and hide coves of rare beauty.
The villages of the central plateau such as Pigi and Karavostamo preserve traditional architecture and offer refuge from the summer heat amidst chestnut groves and centuries-old oak trees. The Halaris gorges present trekking routes through natural canyons with rock pools and lush vegetation, ideal for day trips.
The Armenistis area on the north coast is the main tourist centre of the island, with beachfront hotels and traditional guesthouses offering panoramic views of the bay. This area provides easy access to the best beaches and a good selection of tavernas, while maintaining a relaxed and authentic island atmosphere.
Agios Kirykos, the capital and main port, offers cheap and convenient accommodation for those arriving by ferry, with family-run hotels and guest houses in the old town. The port area has essential services, pharmacies and connections to the hinterland, making it ideal for short stays or as a base for exploring the entire island.
Inland villages such as Christos Raches and Armenistis offer authentic experiences in traditional houses and small guesthouses surrounded by nature, perfect for those seeking tranquillity and direct contact with local traditions. These accommodations, often run by local families, include hearty breakfasts with island produce and offer genuine hospitality typical of Ikarian culture.
We offer a selection of hotels at Ikaria to suit all categories of travellers. The most booked by tourists are the sea-facing hotels, often right on the beach. If you want to play it safe, choose one of the following: they are among the most booked hotels in Ikaria, sorted by number of reviews.
If you prefer space, privacy and the ability to prepare your own meals to a hotel holiday, book a holiday home at Ikaria. We recommend a few below, but in this case we advise you to book early because houses and apartments for rent at Ikaria are in high demand.
Ikaria is connected to the port of Piraeus by ferries that operate 3-4 times a week throughout the year, with the journey taking approximately 7 hours. Summer connections also include routes from Syros and Samos, while smaller ferries connect the island with the Fourni archipelago daily during the tourist season.
Ikaria Airport (JIK), located in the centre of the island near the village of Faros, receives flights from Athens operated by Sky Express with a frequency of 3-4 flights per week and a duration of 55 minutes. The airport is 17 kilometres from Agios Kirykos, the capital, which can be reached by local buses or taxis. During the summer, the air service intensifies with additional flights from the Greek mainland.
The main port of Agios Kirykos on the south coast is connected by a 40-kilometre scenic road to the secondary port of Evdilos on the north coast, where some ferries dock during the summer. Local buses connect the main centres of the island, while car or scooter hire remains the most flexible way to explore the more remote beaches and inland villages.
What's the weather at Ikaria? Below are the temperatures and the weather forecast at Ikaria for the next few days.
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