Discover Ágios Kírykos

Ágios Kírykos is the capital of Ikaria; locals also call the town Agios. Most of the island’s public services, schools and hospital are located here.

Townscape between the old settlement and the harbor

Agios Kirykos was established in the 16th or 17th century. Colorful neoclassical buildings and narrow traditional streets define the town. The Church of Agios Nikolaos, the oldest church in the old settlement, stands in the central square; a marble monument to Ikarian heroes stands in a square near the harbor, with a fountain at its foot. The church and monument provide distinct historical points of reference in the townscape.

Archaeology and folklore

The Archaeological Museum of Agios Kirykos has galleries for its archaeological collection and temporary exhibitions. The collection includes finds from the Archaic and Classical periods, including pottery, jugs, tools, coins and household items. It thus brings both the dating of the finds and the variety of object types into focus. On Ikaria, the Archaeological Museum of Agios Kirykos is housed in a neoclassical building that formerly served as the local gymnasium and was later designated a protected monument.

The Folklore Museum of Agios Kirykos is housed in the town’s former cultural center building, near the central hospital. Islanders donated exhibits that illustrate everyday life, wartime relics and events from antiquity to the present day. This offers a different thematic perspective from the archaeological finds dating from the Archaic and Classical periods. The municipal Asclepius Spa Center is opposite the police building.

Ikaria as an island setting

Travel connections can also be considered in the context of Ikaria: the airport is at the eastern end of the island, near the village of Faros, about 12 kilometers from the island capital, Agios Kirykos. Ikaria has two main ports, one on the north side and one on the south side. The airport and ports are thus located as distinct geographical points of reference on the island.

Ikaria’s thermal springs are mainly along the southeast and northeast coasts. The ruins of the ancient spa town of Therma are east of the present-day village of Therma; a path leads from Therma to the still-used Loumakia thermal spring. The island thus has an archaeological site and a spring that is still in use as distinct thermal attractions.

For nature lovers, a hiking trail on Ikaria passes through the Halari Gorge. The Randi Forest, also known as Gaia, lies in the center of the island, west of the Sierra Atheras, and covers about 16 km². Festivals are held in Ikaria’s villages throughout the year for religious and some non-religious holidays; dates may vary. At four wineries, you can taste a variety of Ikarian wines and learn about their production. Check availability before your visit.

Discover more destinations: Ikaria, Fourni, Armenistís, Magganitis, Gialiskarion

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