Ikaria - an unspoiled destination with great beaches

[by o_xenos]

Last September I spent 10 days or so in Ikaria and I recommend it for anybody who want a Greek Island experience without the millions of tourists, jewellery shops and general hoopla that you get in the more popular destinations. Ikaria has gorgeous unspoiled beaches, is rugged and mountainous inland, and is perfect for somebody more into the outdoors (lots of hiking opportunities) and village (non ancient) Greek culture. It's not a place for a honeymoon perhaps (that's Santorini), but it will give you a more true "Greek" experience.

There are some good festivals (paniyiri) in the summer too.

Anybody else been there??

[alexis]

I have been there and was also impressed by the island.
I have spent many holidays on the island of Naxos and its incredible beaches. But once in Ikaria I was so impressed by the beauty of the beaches and the color of the waters. Had never seen so beautiful beaches in Greece... until I went to Lefkada Island in the Ionian Sea

[by Caterina Pavesi]

I just read the message on how beautiful Ikaria is and I am so happy about it . I will be there from 11th to 22nd August and I chose this island without knowing much about it . I guess I was lucky.
What I'd like to know is which town I should choose once I get there. I am not interested in night-life, but I'd like to be reasonably close to shops and a couple of restaurants. I'd like to find accommodation with a small kitchenette and cooking facilities, like a fridge and a small gas cooker. Only, I have no idea how much it could cost us (2 people) per night.
Also, what I'd really like to know is: what is the best beach, the one I should never miss?
Thanks a lot.

[by o_xenos]

Hi Caterina, glad you are going to Ikaria - you won't be disappointed.

As to where to stay, I would recommend the area around Armenistis. There are several beautiful beaches, and the town has enough facitilites (grocer, kava, restaurants, tavernas, etc) without being too big. You would have to travel a bit to get there as the airport is near the eastern tip of the island (closer to Agios Kirikos). If you come by ferry there are ports at both Agios Kirikos and Evdilos - Evdilos is closer to Armenistis. Taxi service is not expensive and car rentals are available at the airport and ports.

There is another small town nearby called Gialiskari (very close to Armenistis) which is equally suitable.

Nas has nice beaches, but there are no facilities other than hotels for the tourists and such (it's not a 'real' town) so I would not stay there.

In Armenistis you are also very near the inland wooded area of Christos Raches. The villages in Christos are beautiful and peaceful, and are surrounded by pine forests and mountains. There is an excellent hiking trail called the Rounds of Raches if you're into that type of thing.

I stayed at the Atsachas which has studios and apartments with kitchenettes and balconies overlooking the ocean. Can't recall the prices but it was not expensive at all. There are stairs that go directly down to the beach and the hotel has their own restaurant. Normally I advise strongly against eating in hotels, but this place is local and is excellent, highly recommended. Get a sea-view, otherwise you'll face the road with the noise of Vespas and cars, etc.

I'm jealous, have fun!

[by o_xenos]

Well, I'm booked to travel to Greece in the fall - planning on a return to the beautiful island of Ikaria. I'm planning on taking a 2-week intermediate language course there at the Ikarian Centre (www.greekingreece.gr). Is there a chance that anybody here has some experience with that particular program? It's in the fairly remote village of Arethousa.