The Towns and Villages of Ikaria
Therma
This laid-back town has a history that dates back to Roman times, when emperors came here to soak their ailments away. The natural hot springs still bubble today, and many are open-air and free to access. The town itself is dotted with humble rooms to rent, traditional cafés, and an atmosphere that says, “take your time.”
People soak in the natural sea springs, or in old spa buildings like Apollon and Asclepius Baths. Some springs are so close to the sea that you can cool off with a salty dip between sessions.
Evenings in Therma have a gentle rhythm — locals playing cards, travellers drinking by the sea, the occasional guitar strum echoing off the stone walls. It’s a unique town centred around the restorative powers of the baths, but its got plenty of charm and authenticity to which makes a destination on its own.
Agios Kirykos
The capital of Ikaria, Agios Kirykos strikes a balance between sleepy island life and elegant seaside charm. With its neoclassical mansions, cobbled alleys, and old-school kafenia, it feels like a town with stories to tell.
The waterfront promenade bustles gently with locals and ferry passengers, especially in the golden hour when fishing boats return and the tavernas come alive with clinking glasses and grilled aromas. It’s a great spot to catch the sunrise, enjoy a morning frappe by the harbour, or wander up into the backstreets for panoramic views of the Aegean.
While still wrapped in the island’s relaxed pace, Agios Kirykos is also where you’ll find a few more practical comforts — banks, bakeries, pharmacies — making it a convenient base without sacrificing character.
Christos Raches
Perhaps the island’s most infamous village, Christos Raches, is affectionately dubbed “the village where time stands still”. This mountain village is located about 500 meters above sea level in the lush, forested heart of Ikaria, just five kilometres inland from Armenistis.
Shops and bakeries serve delicious home-made cakes, pies and more, and the Women’s co-operative in particular has desserts to die for. This village is the beating heart of Ikarian independence and oozes charm, authenticity and local culture.
Armenistis
A more traditional beach town with golden sand, relaxed tavernas, and sunbeds for those who like their paradise with a side of iced coffee. Once a sleepy fishing village, it has quietly blossomed into a low-key hub for travellers seeking a mix of comfort and authenticity. Its main beach is a long, golden stretch of sand lined with tamarisk trees, and the small beach in the villages is quiet and often calm.
Cafés spill out onto the waterfront, offering fresh seafood, cold coffees, and unbeatable sunset views — all served at an Ikarian pace, of course. From here, it’s a short stroll to Messakti Beach and a great base for exploring nearby trails or booking a boat trip.
Evdilos
This is a picturesque village that’s perched amphitheatrically on Ikaria’s northern coast.
Established after 1830, following the suppression of piracy in the region, Evdilos briefly served as the island’s capital from 1834 to 1912. Today, it functions as Ikaria’s second port and a central hub for the northern, central, and western parts of the island.
The village is characterised by narrow cobblestone streets, traditional two-story mansions with red-tiled roofs, and blooming courtyards that exude a timeless elegance. The harbour area is particularly enchanting, lined with colourful fishing boats and offering a selection of tavernas and cafés where visitors can savour fresh seafood and local delicacies.
Magganitis
A tiny fishing village nestled among dramatic cliffs, home to warm-hearted locals, a handful of stone houses, and some truly off-grid charm.
It has a small fishing harbour and a couple of good tavernas and is a popular spot for visitors to the southern beaches.
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