Ikarian Centre, Ikaria, Greece

Accommodation and hiking holidays in Ikaria

At the Ikarian Centre we offer accommodation in an isolated rural area and various types of activities for those who want to escape from the noise and rush of the cities, to enjoy quiet life and beauty of nature, sea, sunshine, mountains and fresh air.

What to do:

- hiking

- exploring the nature

- photographing

- bathing and sunbathing

- learning to cook, sing and dance like the Greeks

- watching Greek movies

- visiting folk festivals

- simply enjoying the life!

There have been very little tourist developments and there are few shops. Necessary items can be obtained from small shops in Arethousa or Karavostamo. Visitors can also find tavernas and kafenions open during the summer and winter months. The cost of living is very reasonable. A full meal at one of the local tavernas costs between 7 and 10 Euro, including wine.

The Centre is a little bit isolated and is an ideal place for exploring the mountain footpaths, taking pictures of adorable landscapes and gazing at numerous birds, butterflies, flowers...

You can stay lazy in the sun on quiet beaches hidden between the rocks and imagine you are all alone on this island, or pack you rucksack and have a thrilling experience of exploring Ikarian nature and landscapes. Going through pine forests, reaching small waterfalls and lakes - you never thought it's possible on a Greek island! And once you reach the 'koryfogrammi' - the wall-line going above the island and uniting all its high peaks - and see the blue sea and the neighbour islands in a fascinating mist around you, once the light air crossing the range from southern part of the island to its northern part touches your hair - you'll never forget this moment!

But you are not for that? Join the school's activities - cooking lessons, dances and singing traditional songs, watching good old Greek movies that will make you laugh and think, and better understand this nation.

And don't miss the famous Greek folk festivals! Starting at about midday with church service they slowly continue in the day gathering more and more people in the evening and ending by the sun-rise. Traditional Greek music, dances and wine - in summer almost every village has its festival, almost every day there is some saint to celebrate, so it may seem to you that festival never ends in Ikaria.

Come and try traditional Ikarian hospitality!