Anyone who’s been to Ikaria will agree: this Aegean island makes you forget about time.. and clocks altogether.
But if you really want to explore it, you’ll need at least a loose plan. Otherwise, you’ll probably spend endless hours on one beach. Not that it’s a bad thing – lying under the sun with the sound of the waves is magical – but if you only have a few days, you’ll miss most of what the island has to offer.
That’s where I come in. I’ve put together a 5-day guide to Ikaria with the must-see spots and the most convenient routes to get there. I’ve also included plenty of tips for where to stay, eat, grab coffee, or enjoy a drink.
Don’t worry – you’ll still get the slow, laid-back vibe of the island. This plan just makes sure you experience Ikaria without feeling like you blinked and missed it.
Where to stay in Ikaria
Let’s start with the big question: where should you stay if you want to explore Ikaria without wasting time on the road?
The island has plenty of villages with accommodations scattered around, but in my opinion, the north side is where you want to be. Areas like Evdilos, Gialiskari, Armenistis, Nas, and Christos are ideal. From here, you can easily reach the lively beaches and enjoy Christos’ small but fun nightlife.
Here are a few places I personally recommend:
- Atheras – A cozy 3-star hotel just 150 meters from the port of Evdilos. Perfect if your ferry arrives there. It offers a small spa, breakfast, charming traditional décor, and surprisingly fair prices for what it offers.
- Erofili Beach Hotel – Another 3-star gem with a pool, spa, and a view over the Aegean that you’ll never forget. It’s in Armenistis, just a short stroll from Livadi and Mesakti beaches—two of my favorites.
- Artemis Studio – Nas – One of the loveliest budget stays I’ve ever tried. Simple but well-kept rooms, and the view… wow. You look straight over Nas beach and the wild little gorge behind it.
By going through the guide “Where to Stay in Ikaria”, which breaks down the character of each part of the island, you’ll have everything you need to choose the right area – and the perfect place to stay!
How to Get to Ikaria
Reaching Ikaria is pretty straightforward. The classic way is by ferry from Piraeus, with boats heading either to Agios Kirykos Port or Evdilos Port. If you’re planning to stay in the northern part of the island, Evdilos is definitely the handier port. Depending on the route, the trip takes around 6 to 8 hours.
👉 Check the Piraeus–Ikaria schedules and book your tickets early!
Flying is also an option. Ikaria has its own airport, “Ikaros,” with daily flights from Athens. It’s quick and convenient if you prefer to skip the long ferry ride.
Tip: Exploring Ikaria without a car is a tough mission. The island is big, and the distances add up quickly. Either bring your own vehicle on the ferry or book a rental in advance – especially in summer, as cars get snapped up fast.
1st Day in Ikaria
Start your morning with a swim at Nas Beach, where the Halaris Gorge meets the sea. If you skipped breakfast, grab something at the café of Artemis Studio – their terrace overlooks the beach, and it’s the perfect spot for a slow start.
To reach the beach, you’ll go down a small flight of stairs with a view of the cove, the river, and the gorge. Nas is a tiny bay with crystal-clear waters, often with strong waves. Bring shade and snacks – the beach is wild and unorganized.
If you’re into hiking or just love nature, follow the Halaris Gorge trail to its waterfalls. It’s an easy walk, but you’ll need sneakers or at least sturdy sandals. Along the way, you’ll find little pools, and yes – you can jump in for a refreshing dip right under the waterfall.
After soaking in the nature, drive about 40 minutes to Lagkada village. If you’ve heard of its legendary August 15th festival, you know why it’s famous even outside Greece. The village sits in a lush valley and is a designated traditional settlement, full of charm.
On your way back toward Christos, hunger will probably kick in. I’d go for “Maeriko” if you’re craving homemade dishes, or “ma’mu ikaria” if souvlaki and burgers are more your style.
When night falls, Christos comes alive. This is the heart of the island’s nightlife – unless there’s a panigiri somewhere stealing the show. For drinks, locals swear by “Skhnipa Rock Bar” for late-night vibes and “Dendrospito”, a cozy bar with a gorgeous garden.
2nd Day in Ikaria
Start your morning with a solid breakfast. If your hotel is near the water, jump in for a quick swim – it’s the best wake-up call. Then, set off for Seychelles Beach, the most famous beach of Ikaria and one of the most talked-about beaches in Greece.
The drive from Evdilos takes about 30 minutes, but the road is full of curves, so take it slow and enjoy the scenery.
The beach itself is a hidden cove with turquoise, almost tropical waters, framed by dramatic rocks. Getting there requires a short hike, and the final stretch involves scrambling down the rocks. If that sounds like too much effort, you can also reach it by boat from Magganitis.
Seychelles is wild and completely unorganized, so pack water, snacks, and fruit. Even so, it’s rarely empty – arrive early if you want a quiet spot.
Right next to the beach is Magganitis, one of the larger villages in the island, set in a ruggedly beautiful landscape. Don’t skip “Sto Gialo Kanei Fourtouna”, the legendary spot by the port where you can have anything from a morning coffee to a full meal or a drink by the sea.
If you decide to keep driving instead, make a stop in Akamatra, another well-known village, and try “Sta Perix Tavern” for authentic Ikarian food.
Tip: If your trip coincides with a full moon, rearrange your plans. The island hosts an unforgettable full moon party that’s worth experiencing at least once.
3rd Day in Ikaria
This day comes with a fair bit of driving, so plan your departure wisely. Your final stop will be Agios Kirykos, the capital of Ikaria.
First, set your GPS to Nealia Beach – one of the island’s prettiest spots, with clear blue-green waters and a calm atmosphere. It’s rarely crowded, which I love. You’ll need to park and walk about 300–400 meters to reach the sand, but it’s an easy stroll and worth it.
Next, head to Therma, less than ten minutes away. This seaside village is famous for its natural hot springs, with a tiny harbor and a simple beach. At the west end, you’ll find the thermal pools where you can soak and let all tension melt away.
After your dip, grab a bite at one of the small taverns. I really liked “Kritikos”, which serves fresh seafood meze. If you’re craving something sweet afterward, walk a bit further to “Melissa”, a local pastry shop that’s perfect for dessert.
End the day in Agios Kirykos. Wander around the narrow streets, sit for a coffee at the harbor, or have a proper meal if you skipped lunch in Therma. There are plenty of choices here.
Just make sure to leave before it gets too late – the drive back takes about an hour.
4rth Day in Ikaria
Today is all about slowing down and enjoying the northern beaches of Ikaria. No rushing – just swims, sun, and maybe a drink or two by the sea.
Start with Aris Beach, roughly a 20-minute drive from Evdilos. It’s a small cove with pebbles, sand, and clear turquoise water. One thing to keep in mind: it’s exposed to northern winds, so skip it on a windy day. You can drive almost to the shore, and there’s a small canteen with a few sunbeds and umbrellas if you want a bit of comfort.
Next, head to Kambos Beach. It’s wide, sandy, and partly organized – perfect if you want to lay out your mats and umbrellas in peace, but also convenient if you like a few facilities nearby.
After that, make your way to Mesakti Beach, one of the island’s most famous spots. It’s known among surfers, though you definitely don’t need a board to enjoy it. Mesakti is lively all day, and sunset here is something special.
When you’re ready for a break, grab a cold beer or a cocktail at “Mesakti Beach Bar”, a laid-back wooden bar right on the sand.
If you still have energy for another swim, walk over to Livadi Beach – Google Maps will show it as Armenistis. It’s just around the corner.
By now, you’ll probably be hungry. Pack up and head to the small beach at Armenistis, where a tiny pier gives the village a postcard look. Several tavernas line the shore, and I recommend “Taverna Paschalia” for a relaxed, sea-view meal.
5th Day in Ikaria
If you still have the energy for one last adventure, set your GPS to Iero Beach and hit the road. This quiet, almost hidden gem sits on the northeastern tip of Ikaria, a little over an hour from Evdilos.
When you arrive, you’ll find a small cove with crystal-clear waters and a few tamarisk trees holding their ground against the sea breeze. If you’re into snorkeling or diving, this spot will feel like a secret paradise.
If you’re craving a bit more exploration, hop back in the car and head toward Agios Georgios Beach, just about ten minutes away. You’ll need to leave the car by the Drakano Tower and follow the path down to the shore – expect a 10–15-minute walk.
Agios Georgios is untouched and serene, with a mix of sand and pebbles and usually hardly anyone around. Bring your own shade because there isn’t a single tree or umbrella in sight.
On your way back, make a detour to the seaside village of Karavostamo, about an hour from Agios Georgios. Stop at “Mantouvala”, a fish taverna with a tiny balcony hanging right over the water – exactly the kind of place that makes you want to linger.
Return to your accommodation, freshen up, and enjoy your last night on the island of Icarus.
Honestly, five days are barely enough to experience Ikaria’s magic – you could easily spend a week or more here. But with this itinerary, you’ll leave with vivid memories and a real sense of the island’s every corner.
