A hiking trail runs through the Halari Gorge; from Therma, a path leads to the Loumakia thermal spring, which is still in use. Ikaria connects these routes with a landscape that stretches from the island’s interior to the coast. The island’s history is also reflected in specific places—from the Archaeological Museum in Agios Kirykos to ancient ruins at various locations around Ikaria.

Forest, Coast and Protected Areas

Randi Forest, also known as Gaia, lies in the centre of Ikaria, west of the Atheras mountain range, and covers about 16 km². At the mouth of the Halaris is a natural coastal wetland covering 19.9 acres. The forest in the island’s centre and the coastal wetland are two distinct geographical reference points. Ikaria’s protected areas are part of the Natura 2000 network. The island is also designated an Important Bird Area; its international code is GR143-Ikaria Island.

Trails and Activities

Ikaria’s thermal springs are located mainly along the southeast and northeast coasts. A path leads from Therma to the Loumakia spring, which is still in use. Another hiking trail runs through the Halari Gorge.

Cycling is also one of the activities described: you can cycle anywhere on Ikaria, especially by mountain bike. The island is also suitable for surfing. These options add further activities to the hiking trails, with opportunities to explore the island as a whole.

Traces of the Island’s History

The Archaeological Museum of Agios Kirykos is housed in a neoclassical building. It formerly housed the local secondary school and was later designated a protected monument. The collection includes finds relating to the history of Ikaria and its inhabitants from the Neolithic period (6800–3800 BC) through to Roman times.

Ancient sites with different connections to the island’s history are also identified outside the museum. The ruins of the ancient spa town of Thermae lie east of the present-day village of Therma. The ruins of Oinoe, the ancient capital of Ikaria, are in the present-day area of Kampos. Koskina Castle lies near the village of Kossoikia, a few kilometres outside Evdilos and approximately halfway along the island. At the eastern end, in the area of Faros (Fanari), stands the ancient tower of Drakano.

The chapel of Theoskepasti near Pigi, close to Kampos, has a distinctive structure: it is situated in a cave covered by a rock above.

Festivals and Local Highlights

Ikaria’s villages hold festivals throughout the year for religious and some non-religious holidays. The dates of individual festivals may vary; if a particular festival is part of your travel plans, check the latest dates.

Visitors can sample various Ikarian wines and learn more about how they are made at four wineries. Check in advance whether a visit is possible. Another local highlight is kolokasi (Colocasia esculenta), a rare plant in Greece that is found only on Ikaria.

Getting Around the Island

Ikaria has two main ports: one on the north side and one on the south side. The airport is at the eastern end of the island near the village of Faros, about 12 kilometres from the island’s capital, Agios Kirykos. Check the latest flight schedules before travelling.

Discover more destinations: Armenistís, Fourni, Gialiskarion, Ágios Kírykos, Ikaria, Magganitis, Lesbos and Samos.

Return to the main travel overview: North Aegean.