Go to the Beach

The beaches on Ikaria are some of the prettiest in all of Greece! Because the island itself is filled with stunning natural scenery, this only makes the beaches that much more spectacular. Seychelles Beach is one of the clear highlights, and visitors and locals alike flock here to soak up the sun and relax by the crystal clear water. In fact, each of the beaches on this island, such as Nas Beach and Yaliskari Beach, have their own unique time. If you spend enough time on the island, you should try all three!

 Visit a Monastery

Many Greek islands have a Greek Orthodox monastery and Ikaria is no exception. The Theoktisis Monastery, which is especially worth a visit because of how peaceful it is. If possible, you should organize a tour guide to take you around the monastery. You won’t want to miss the beautiful frescoes, beautiful scenery, and witness the traditional way of life of the monastery’s inhabitants! Be sure to learn the dress code rules before visiting the monastery so that you can be sure to dress properly.

Drink Some Wine

One of the things Ikaria is known for is its delicious wine made by the locals. Many Ikarians tend their own vineyards and make homemade wine for their families. There are also some larger wineries, many of which are open for tours and to do some wine tasting. The Afianes Winery is especially worth a visit, and the wines here are some of the finest on the island. In fact, Ikarian wine is considered an important part of the traditional way of life on the island and many believe it is one of the reasons why the people live such long, healthy lives.

Enjoy Outdoor Sports

Because the island is filled with such great natural beauty, it is the perfect haven for those who enjoy outdoor sports. Whether you spend your days surfing or wandering the countryside, you will no doubt get plenty of exercise while you’re here. It’s also a great place to scuba diving and snorkeling.

Once you spend any amount of time here, it is easy to see why the people live such long lives. It’s a stunning place and one that is filled with great food, plenty of opportunities to get some exercise, and a high quality food supply based on the local culture. This is the perfect island to take a step back, relax, and get away from it all!

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Livadi Beach

The long beach of Livadi is located near the village of Armentis and 48 km northwest of the capital of Ikaria, Agios Kirikos. The sand is golden and the waters are torquoise, making it a beautiful destination. The beach of Livadi is surrounded by greenry. Livadi Beach has umbrellas and sun beds as well as a canteen on site. What makes Livadi Beach so unique is that it’s set around a river lagoon. The setting is different than you’ll find at mny beaches.

Agios Georgios Beach

If you’re looking for a more secluded beach, Agios Georgios Beach is locted on the eastern side of the island of Ikaria. The beach of Agios Georgios in Ikaria is suitable for families. The beach is sandy and the water is crystal clear. The beach is located in a protected cove. You will find the Chapel of Agios Georgios and the Tower of Drakano. Getting to the beach of Agios Georgios can be done via an unpaved road from the village of Faros. The walk to the beach from the end of the road takes about 15 minutes.

Seychelles Beach

Considered one of the most beautiful beaches in Greece, Seychelles Beach is located on the south side of the island of Ikaria, 20 km from Agios Kirikos. The white sand, pebbles, and emerald water make Seychelles Beach idyllic. The beach is surrounded by impressive rock formations incuding white cliffs. Seychelles Beach is a popular spot to snorkel and expore the impressive seabed.

Kerame Beach

Located 10 km northeast of Agios Kirikos, Kerame Beach is popular due to its proximity to the capital of the island. The crystal waters and sandy beach are surrounded by some trees that provide shade during hot and sunny days. There are some rock formations that lead into the sea and provide sheltered areas. There aren’t many amenities close to the beach, but there is a tavern and if you need more you can get to Agios Kirikos via the road that leads there.

Aris Beach

Aris Beach is perfect if you’re looking for a quiet afternoon on the beach. The beach, located on the northern side of Ikaria Island, is sandy with pebbles and torquoise waters. This beach is mainly frequented by the residents of the nearby village of Karavotamo. The water at Aris Beach is cool due to the fact that the river of Aris empties at the beach. When visiting Aris Beach in Ikaria, you might want to bring your own supplies, food, and water as you won’t find amenities around.

While visiting Lemnos, Greece, you won’t want to miss the chance to soak up the sun at these beaches!

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Monastery of Evangelismos Mounde

Located near the village of Kastanies on the island, the Monastery of Evangelismos Mounde is one of the most important pilgrimage centers in Ikaria. According to legend, the monastery was built by a pilgrim of Ikaria who in 1460, followed instructions given by Virgin Mary to dig the earth to find an icon. The monastery is located in a beautiful green setting. It is said that the monastery was named for the Mounde family from Chios who financially supported the restoration of the monastery.

Another story says it was named for the Italian word for mountain “il Monte,” which is what Italian conquerors called it during the Italian-Greek war. The Monastery of Evangelismos Mounde was turned into a nunnery. Inside the monastery today, you can see old icons and many murals. There is also a central wooden iconostasis. From 1947 – 1949, the monastery was used as a sanatorium where over 120 political exiles with tuberculosis. Some of these patients were buried in the courtyard and remain there today.

Monastery of Panagia Theoktisti

Located in the village of Pigi, the Monastery of Panagia Theoktisti is dedicated to the Blessed Theoktiste from Molyvos, Lesvos, who is said to be connected to Paros and Ikaria. The date when the monastery was built is unknown, but an inscription shows the monastery was operating in 1688. The Monastery of Panagia Theoktisti consists of 15 cells that are used as hostels and other auxiliary spaces.

There are several murals to admire that were painted by Pantelis Hatzis. A short distance from the main temple is the Chapel of Theoskepasti, which is formed inside a cave. Inside the cave is an old carved iconostasis that dates to about 1894. The chapel attracts a great number of visitors from near and far. You can get to the Monastery of Panagia Theoktisti by taxi, car, or on foot.

Monastery of Zoodochou Pigis

The Monastery of Zoodochou Pigis, also known as Monastiraki by the locals, is a nunnery that was built around 1890 and abandoned in 1955. The monastery is located near the village of Christos in Agios Kirykos. Much of the monastery was destroyed during the great fire of 1993. The cells of the monastery have been preserved and inside the temple you can view murals and a cross that is carved on the iconostasis. When visiting the Monastery of Zoodochou Pigis, you can check out the ruins of an old watermill nearby that supplied water to the village of Christos.

There are so many monasteries to visit in Greece, it can be hard to choose. While in Ikaria, consider spending time at at least one of these.

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The climate of Ikaria is Mediterranean. During the months of January to March and November to December, the island see the most amount of rain. The dry period of Ikaria is May to August.

This weather forecast in Ikaria, Greece, will vary from year to year. The averages that you see below represent historical weather data. Here is the typical weather forecast throughout the year for Ikaria, Greece:

January 

• Temperature: 44.6° F (7° C) – 56.12° F (13.4° C)
• Precipitation: 140 mm
• Climate: 14 days of rain on average, 127 hours of sunshine, water temperature 60.8° F (16° C), cool, dry air, clear/overcast
• Humidity: 70%

February 

• Temperature: 44.24° F (6.8° C) – 56.48° F (13.6° C)
• Precipitation: 101 mm
• Climate: 11 days of rain on average, 136 hours of sunshine, water temperature 59° F (15° C), cool, dry air, clear/overcast
• Humidity: 70%

March

• Temperature: 47.3° F (8.5° C) – 60.8° F (16° C)
• Precipitation: 77 mm
• Climate: 9 days of rain on average, 197 hours of sunshine, water temperature 59° F (15° C), cool, dry air, clear/overcast
• Humidity: 69%

April

• Temperature: 51.8° F (11° C) – 67.64° F (19.8° C)
• Precipitation: 40 mm
• Climate: 7 days of rain on average, 246 hours of sunshine, water temperature 60.8° F (16° C), cool/comfortable, 90% dry air, clear/overcast
• Humidity: 68%

May

• Temperature: 59° F (15° C) – 76.64° F (24.8° C)
• Precipitation: 20 mm
• Climate: 4 days of rain on average, 310 hours of sunshine, water temperature 64.4° F (18° C), comfortable/warm, 80% clear
• Humidity: 68%

June

• Temperature: 67.1° F (19.5° C) – 86° F (30° C)
• Precipitation: 2 mm
• Climate: 1 day of rain on average, 348 hours of sunshine, water temperature 69.8° F (21° C), warm, slightly muggy, 99% clear, beach/pool score 9
• Humidity: 66%

July

• Temperature: 73.22° F (22.9° C) – 91.4° F (33° C)
• Precipitation: 1 mm
• Climate: 0 days of rain on average, 383 hours of sunshine, water temperature 71.6° F (22° C), warm/hot, 35% muggy, 99% clear, beach/pool score 9.6
• Humidity: 63%

August

• Temperature: 73.22° F (22.9° C) – 91.04° F (32.8° C)
• Precipitation: 1 mm
• Climate: 1 day of rain on average, 348 hours of sunshine, water temperature 73.4° F (23° C), hot/warm, 38% muggy, 99% clear, beach/pool score 9.6
• Humidity: 63%

September

• Temperature: 66.2° F (19° C) – 83.3° F (28.5° C)
• Precipitation: 23 mm
• Climate: 2 days of rain on average, 302 hours of sunshine, water temperature 71.6° F (22° C), warm, 25% muggy, 95% clear, beach/pool score 9
• Humidity: 65%

October 

• Temperature: 60.26° F (15.7° C) – 74.12° F (23.4° C)
• Precipitation: 36 mm
• Climate: 5 days of rain on average, 233 hours of sunshine, water temperature 69.8° F (21° C), comfortable, slightly muggy, clear/overcast
• Humidity: 66%

November 

• Temperature: 52.52° F (11.4° C) – 64.76° F (18.2° C)
• Precipitation: 118 mm
• Climate: 10 days of rain on average, 170 hours of sunshine, water temperature 66.2° F (19° C), cool, 75% dry air, clear/overcast
• Humidity: 67%

December

• Temperature: 48.2° F (9° C) – 59° F (15° C)
• Precipitation: 159 mm
• Climate: 14 days of rain on average, 110 hours of sunshine, water temperature 62.6° F (17° C), cool, dry air, clear/overcast
• Humidity: 68%

The Mediterranean climate of Ikaria, Greece means warm and dry summers and cool and wet winter months.

Find the current weather forecast for Ikaria, Greece here:

Accuweather – Ikaria, Greece Weather Forecast

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About Afianes Winery in Ikaria

Afianes Winery was founded in 1997 in Raches of Ikaria. Over the last two decades, the winery has grown to become one of the most popular choices globally. The winery blends ancient wine traditions of Ikaria with exquisite grape varieties and innovative winemaking methods to produce their signature wines. The winery prides itself on its ability to enhance traditional winemaking methods without the use of machines. The doors to Afianes Winery are open to everyone. Guests are also treated to guided tours around the vineyard every hour.

What to do at Afianes Winery in Ikaria

Afianes winery offers visits a host of activities to participate in to make their stay memorable. Some of these activities include:

Wine Tasting and Guided Tours

The winery offers guests a tour of the vineyard, taking them through the winery’s rich history. Guest are also able to see firsthand the winemaking process. Entrance to the winery is free with a few charges for select wine tasting tours.

New Wine Tasting Tour – During this tour, guests can visit the Pithostasi, where wine is fermented and aged in a clay jar underground. Visits also get a unique opportunity to see the vinification method used by ancient Ikarians. The tour’s climax ends with a taste of three fresh wines, a white, a red, and a rose.

Aged Wine Tasting Class – This is offered by experienced guides who teach guests the basic principles behind wine tasting. This class gives you a chance to discover two aged and three fresh wines. You will also be able to identify the nuances and unique traits of the aged wines. The guide also walks guests on how to select the right wine based on the occasion. At the end of the class, you can visit the cultural area and learn more about the traditional Ikarian artifacts and winemaking traditions.

Cellar Wine Tasting Course – Afianes Winery also allows visitors to attend certified tasting classes. The winemaker himself offers the private wine tasting class, and during the period, guests can learn the winemaker’s winemaking and tasting techniques, perfected over the years.

Local Events – Aside from winemaking and tasting experiences, there are other events hosted at Afianes Winery. You can join the winemakers in their annual harvest fest, where the vinification process occurs out in the open. The vineyard also organizes and hosts wedding parties at the stone-built theater Dionysus. One of the main crowd-pullers at Afianes is their theater, where they host musical and theatrical performances.

Afianes Winery has a lot to offer its guests. Aside from wine tasting, you can also learn a few principles behind winemaking and how to choose the most appropriate wine for an occasion.

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In particular, wine is considered one of the “secrets” to the longevity of the island. People drink it on a regular basis, and it is often even included as part of a traditional breakfast. People often dip bits of bread into wine to give it some flavor. Visitors can enjoy the wine as well. Here’s more information on how they can do that:

Getting to Ikaria

Although Ikaria is an island that is tucked a little out of the way, there are still several ways to get there. There is a regional airport on the island and it is located on the southeastern part of the island. Depending on where you stay on the island and what you plan to do, you might want to rent a car once you arrive. It is also possible to take a ferry here from several places in Greece. Depending on where you’re starting your trip, you’ll want to check the ferry schedule to find the itinerary that makes the most sense.

Tour Different Wineries

In order to enjoy the wines on Ikaria, you have the choice of touring the wineries yourself. Depending on the winery, you might want to call the place in advance before going to make sure they are open and possibly make a reservation. Here’s a list of wineries you should visit:

• Afianes Wines. This winery is run by a father and son team and is one of the most popular places to visit in Ikaria.
• Karamalis Winery. The wines here are certified organic and the winery itself is located in a pretty part of the island.

These two wineries are amongst the most popular on the island, but there are certainly a lot more. You can ask at your hotel for more advice as to where to go.

Take an Established Wine Tour

While on the island, it is also possible to take an established wine tour so that you can visit all the great wineries in Ikaria at the same time. These tours could offer a comprehensive experience headed by locals who know where the great wines are. Many of them are so small, they may not be advertising.

The island of Ikaria is known for the longevity of the people who live there, and the wine that is made on the island is definitely part of it. Even if you plan to do other things while on the island, you’ll want to take some time to enjoy at least one of these wine experiences. Besides touring wineries and taking a tour, be sure to enjoy the local wines with your meals!

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The history is also a part of this island’s take, and nowhere is this more prevalent than at the Fortress of Drakanos, which is a fine example of a military compound from the Hellenistic period of Ancient Greece. Here’s more information:

Getting to Ikaria

Before you can spend time at the Fortress at Drakanos, you first need to make your way to the island of Ikaria. The easiest way to do so would be to take a flight from the Athens Airport to the regional airport on Ikaria. Flights leave Athens on a regular basis, especially during peak tourist season. However, if you don’t want to take a flight, you can also choose to take a ferry from one of the country’s major ports, such as Piraeus. Once you make your way to your hotel, you can take a taxi, bus, or drive a rental car to the fortress. Be sure to visit the fortress when you have time to take it all in!

About the Fortress of Drakanos

Many of the fortresses that survive in Greece come from the Venetian occupation, which came much later in Greece’s history. The Fortress of Drakanos sets itself apart from those fortresses because of how much earlier in Greece’s history it was built. It is thought to have originated in the 4th Century B.C., which means that it was built in the Hellenistic period of Ancient Greece.

The fortress itself had several purposes. First of all, it was used as a classic military fortress. It was also dedicated to Eilythia, one of the Greek mythological deities of fertility. Because of this, Drakanos also was the home of religious rites associated with this deity. One of the most notable features of this fortress is the large tower that overlooks the surrounding area. They were actually built in the time of Alexander the Great.

Visiting the Fortress of Drakanos

In order to get to this fortress, you will need to follow the dirt road that leads from the village of Faros. Once you follow the road, be prepared for it to end abruptly. If this happens, you will know that you are on the right path. Park the car where the road ends and then follow the footpath to the Fortress of Drakanos. It should take about fifteen minutes to reach the fortress from the path. While you’re here, don’t forget to visit the small church and the secluded beach that are near the fortress.

While on Ikaria, you won’t want to miss the chance to visit the Fortress of Drakanos!

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About Nas Beach

Nas Beach on Ikaria Island, Greece, is an island of about 1,200 people in the Aegean Sea between the mainland’s Attica region and the Greek islands of Rhodes, Crete, and Chios. It is a small but beautiful island with beautiful beaches and a large amount of agriculture. The blue lagoon on its east side is one of the most notable features of Ikaria, as it’s known for its natural hot springs.

The lagoon has been known since antiquity and has been a local favorite since then. In the 1960’s, two youngsters who discovered the lagoon for themselves eventually helped develop tourism on this small island by starting a restaurant that served food from the lagoon and allowed guests to swim in it. This inspired other restaurants to open up around town, making this little beach an island hotspot!

What to Do at Nas Beach

This is a true beach getaway, and it can be quite crowded in the high season from May to October. But in other months, you can go almost completely by yourself, and the view from the sand is simply breathtaking. You can rent a wheelchair-accessible boat to go sightseeing around the island and beyond.

One of the island’s most famous attractions is the Church of the Holy Cross (St. George), which dates back to the 11th century. If you’re feeling particularly artistic, you can also visit the island’s creative community, which lives and works on the island.

You like wine? Visit the island’s vineyard, where you can try a range of local vintages. One of the island’s most popular pastimes is strolling along the beach and taking in the views from the water’s edge or the hillside above.

Getting to Nas Beach

If you’re coming to Nas Beach by boat, there are two options. The first is to take a private boat from anywhere in Greece, but note that there are plenty of options from Mykonos.

If you’d like to reach the island by land, the first thing you’ll need to do is get your sea legs. You can also take a ferry from Athens. Once you’re on the island, you can self-cater or hire a private car to take you around the island.

Nas Beach is a great option if you want to relax. The blue sand beaches are beautiful, and you can sit and watch the world pass by as you enjoy a drink by the sea.

If you’re looking for a quiet getaway, this is your place. However, it is quit but not isolated. There is plenty to do while here!

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