Always bestprice Travel · Travel itinerary
7 days / 6 nights · Sea, villages, hot springs, archaeology
Icaria, Greece
Always bestprice Travel · Contents
7 days / 6 nights · Sea, villages, hot springs, archaeology
An itinerary best done by car, designed to explore the island by area: from the capital, Agios Kirykos, head toward the southeastern coast, then on to Evdilos, the northern shoreline, and the inland area of Raches. The days alternate between swims, walks, and cultural visits, while leaving room for the relaxed pace typical of Icaria. The roads are often narrow and mountainous: it’s best not to plan too many stops after sunset and to check the opening hours of museums and hot springs on site.
Day 1 · Walking · 7.4 km · 94 min · Source: Mapbox · walking
Get to know the island’s capital and its eastern thermal coast.
10:00
Walk in Agios Kirykos
Start from the port and walk through the uphill streets of the capital, among traditional houses, cafés, and sea views. Set aside about an hour for the stroll; a coffee or a simple breakfast costs approximately 3–8 €.
Park near the port and explore the center on foot.
11:30
Archaeological Museum of Agios Kirykos
If open, visit the small museum for a first introduction to the island’s history and artifacts. Allow 45–60 minutes; admission may be free or require an indicative contribution of 2–5 €, but opening hours are not always regular.
Check the hours locally, especially outside the high season.
13:00
Lunch in the center
Stop at a taverna in the capital to sample home-style dishes, local vegetables, and fish depending on availability. Expect about 15–25 € per person for a simple lunch with a drink.
15:00
Swimming at Therma Beach
Drive to Therma in a few minutes and take a swim in the bay, known for the area’s thermal waters. The beach is freely accessible; bring water and suitable shoes for any rocky sections. Nearby, some thermal facilities may have indicative prices of 5–15 €.
The springs and services may have seasonal opening times.
18:00
Lefkada Beach and return
End with a peaceful stop at Lefkada Beach, checking the sea conditions and access path on site. Return to Agios Kirykos for dinner: an informal dinner can cost around 18–30 € per person.
Explore the southwestern coast with swimming stops and a walk to one of the island’s best-known coves.
09:00
Xylosirtis
From Agios Kirykos, reach Xylosirtis by following the coastal road; the journey takes about 15–25 minutes. Stroll through the small settlement and take in the coast, planning for a short stop before continuing.
Travel times vary: the road is winding.
10:00
Seychelles Beach
Continue toward Manganitis and reach the trail that leads down to the beach, among pale rocks and crystal-clear water. The descent can be steep and uneven: allow about 20–30 minutes each way and bring sturdy shoes, water, and everything you need, as facilities are limited.
In high season, consider arriving early; there are no guaranteed services on the cove.
13:00
Lunch in Manganitis
After walking back up the trail, stop in the village or at a local taverna for a simple lunch. Plan on around 15–25 € per person; options may be limited outside the summer months.
15:00
Walk in Manganitis
Spend some time at the small harbor and along the village lanes, tucked between mountain and sea. It’s a relaxed stop to watch local life and buy a drink or a snack, roughly 3–8 €.
17:00
Scenic return to Agios Kirykos
Retrace the coast with one or two short stops at safe pull-offs, without stopping on the roadway. The return may take about 45–60 minutes, depending on traffic and road conditions; dinner in town with a budget of around 18–30 €.
Get to know the island’s eastern side by alternating between a beach, an ancient site, and stops in small villages.
09:00
Transfer to Faros
Set off from Agios Kirykos by car toward Faros, allowing about 25–40 minutes depending on the route and road conditions. The drive crosses a dry, scenic landscape: take it easy and refuel in advance.
Gas stations are not evenly distributed across the island.
10:00
Faros Beach
Spend the morning at Faros Beach, near the eastern tip of Ikaria. Bring sunscreen and check the wind before getting in the water; any sunbeds or refreshments have seasonal prices, typically 5–15 € for beach service and 3–8 € for a drink.
12:30
Lunch in the Faros area
Choose a taverna or open venue nearby and enjoy a relaxed break. A simple meal costs roughly 15–25 € per person; in the off-season, it’s wise to check in advance which places are open.
14:30
Tower of Drakano
Head to the ancient Tower of Drakano, one of the island’s most recognizable historic landmarks, and take in its commanding sea views. Visiting the outdoor area takes about 30–45 minutes and is usually free; avoid climbing on structures that are not accessible or stable.
16:00
Agios Georgios of Drakano and return
Stop at the church of Agios Georgios and enjoy the rural scenery before heading back. Allow about an hour for the visit and the initial transfer; dinner in Agios Kirykos will typically come to around 18–30 € per person.
Explore the main historic center of the central north coast without rushing from one visit to the next.
09:30
Evdilos
Reach Evdilos by car, allowing about 40–55 minutes from Agios Kirykos, and stroll along the seafront and harbor. Between cafés, neoclassical houses and boats, the visit takes about an hour; breakfast or coffee costs roughly 3–8 €.
If you are staying in the northern area, you can reverse the order of the trip.
11:00
Kampos
Continue to nearby Kampos and visit the village and the surrounding archaeological area. Spend about an hour observing the remains and the valley landscape; access to the outdoor areas is generally free.
12:00
Archaeological Museum of Kampos
If open, step into the museum to learn more about the history of ancient Oinoe and the finds uncovered in the area. Allow 45–60 minutes; admission may be free or have an indicative cost of 2–5 €, with opening hours subject to change.
Check opening times in advance: small museums may keep reduced hours.
13:30
Lunch in Evdilos
Head back toward the harbor and have lunch in a taverna overlooking the sea, choosing local produce and the catch of the day. Approximate budget: 15–25 € per person for a simple meal.
16:00
Oinoe and a walk through the valley
Spend the afternoon at the remains of Oinoe and the archaeological setting of Kampos, following the accessible paths and not crossing any barriers. The outdoor visit lasts about an hour; end with a break in Evdilos, where a drink or dessert costs roughly 4–10 €.
Follow the coastline between Armenistis, Gialiskari and Nas, alternating between accessible beaches and an important archaeological site.
09:00
Armenistis
Reach Armenistis and take a walk through the village before the coast comes alive. It’s a good area for breakfast and planning the day; expect about €3–8 for coffee and a snack.
Ask locally about the wind and sea conditions.
10:00
Gialiskari
Head to Gialiskari, a small coastal settlement with a harbor and places to eat close to the sea. A 30–45 minute stroll is enough to get your bearings and decide where to stop later.
11:00
Mesakti Beach
Save the middle of the day for Mesakti, one of the island’s best-known beaches. The sea can be rough and currents call for caution: always check the conditions and consider renting a sunbed and umbrella for about €10–20 per day.
14:00
Lunch break and Livadi Beach
Have lunch between Gialiskari and Armenistis, with an estimated cost of €15–25 per person, then head to Livadi for a quieter stop. Bring water and sunscreen; beach access is usually free.
16:30
Temple of Artemis Tauropolos
In Nas, take in the remains of the sanctuary of Artemis and the landscape at the mouth of the stream, a place of particular historical interest. The visit is outdoors and free; proceed carefully, as the area can be uneven and slippery.
18:00
Nas Beach and sunset
End the day at Nas, where the sea meets a dramatic coastline. Conditions can change quickly and swimming is not always suitable: check the sea before heading down and only stay for sunset in safe spots.
Discover the island’s mountain character through a lively village, a monastery, and a natural area.
09:00
Christos Rachon
Head to Christos Rachon, the main hub of the Raches area, and stroll among little squares, shops, and cafés. The village is known for its distinctive evening rhythm, but opening hours and activities vary: a breakfast costs roughly 3–8 €.
The inland roads are narrow: drive slowly and use the pull-off areas.
11:00
Monastery of Theoktistis
Continue to the monastery and visit the accessible areas, while respecting the religious nature of the place. Allow about an hour for the transfer and visit; admission is usually free, but appropriate clothing and silence may be required.
Check opening times and bring something to cover your shoulders and knees.
12:30
Lunch in the Pigi area
Stop at a taverna in a nearby village for a lunch of home-style cooking. Allow about 15–25 € per person; in the low season, it is useful to call ahead or have a backup plan.
14:30
Pezi Reservoir
Head to the Pezi reservoir area for a walk and a break in nature. The trails are not always consistently marked: wear closed shoes, bring water, and keep the hike to sections that suit the daylight and your condition.
17:00
Return and dinner in Christos Rachon
Head back to the village at a relaxed pace and spend the late afternoon on one last stroll through the streets. For dinner, allow about 18–30 € per person and do not rely on standard hours: some places may serve later than expected.
End the trip with a visit to the westernmost part of the island, among local history, villages, and scenic roads.
09:00
Transfer to Vrakades
Set off early by car toward Vrakades, allowing plenty of time for mountain roads and possible stops. The route from Agios Kirykos can take over an hour and a half: check your fuel and bring water and a snack.
This is a less suitable day if you have a ferry or flight soon after.
11:00
Walk through the village of Vrakades
Explore the small village on foot and take in the traditional architecture and rural landscape. Allow about an hour for the visit; a coffee or snack nearby may cost around 3–10 €, depending on the services available.
12:00
Vrakades Folklore Museum
If open, visit the ethnographic museum, a useful way to learn about the island's everyday life and traditions. The visit takes about 45 minutes; admission may be free or require a small contribution, around 2–5 €.
Opening hours may be limited: check before you set off.
13:30
Lunch in the west of the island
Have lunch in the village or along the route at an open establishment, without expecting as wide a choice as in the larger coastal towns. Budget guideline: 15–25 € per person; bring a backup snack.
15:30
Scenic return and final stop
Head back while there is still enough daylight, choosing only safe pull-offs for photo stops and allowing about 1.5–2 hours of driving or more. If time allows, stop for a drink in a village along the way, around 3–8 €, and plan dinner near where you'll be staying.
| Simple or mid-range accommodation (6 nights, per person in a double room) | €240–€660 |
| Meals and drinks (7 days) | €175–€350 |
| Rental car and fuel (indicative per-person share, when sharing the car) | €180–€420 |
| Entrance fees, museums and thermal baths | €0–€60 |
| Extras, coffee and beach services | €35–€120 |
Indicative estimates per person in euros (€), the local currency in Greece, and they vary depending on the season, how far in advance you book, accommodation, and whether you use a car. They do not include travel to reach Icaria, ferries or flights, nor any excursions; check prices, availability, and schedules directly with the providers.

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