Armenistís: Beaches and Bay

Armenistís is known for its two long sandy beaches, Livadi and Messakti. A small, picturesque bay and a pedestrian area with tourist shops complete the village scene.

Beaches and scenery nearby

Armenistís Beach is accessible from the island’s main road by private car, taxi, or local bus. As transport services may change, check the current connection before setting out. Nearby, the small Myrsonas River flows into the sea at Messakti Beach, after forming a green wetland. This adds a river mouth and wetland to the beach scenery.

Hiking around Armenistís

The Raches circular route starts just outside Armenistís, beyond the “Pleiades” club. A route description dated May 16, 2018, gives its length as 25 km, describes it as easy, and mentions small red footprints as trail markers, as well as junctions with other paths. If you are considering the route, check the current markings and trail conditions in advance.

Ikaria: Nature, History, and Culture

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 Atheras mountain range, and covers about 16 km². The mouth of the Halaris River is a natural coastal wetland covering 19.9 acres. Ikaria’s protected areas are part of the Natura 2000 network; the island is also designated an Important Bird Area under the international code GR143-Ikaria Island. Kolokasi (Colocasia esculenta) is a rare plant in Greece.

The Archaeological Museum of Agios Kirykos displays finds documenting the history of Ikaria and its inhabitants from the Neolithic period (6800–3800 BC) to Roman times. It is housed in a neoclassical building that formerly served as the area’s secondary school and was later designated a protected monument.

Other archaeological sites are spread across Ikaria: the ruins of the ancient spa town of Thermae lie east of the present-day village of Therma. The ruins of Oinoe, the island’s ancient capital, are in the present-day area of Kampos. The Castle of Koskina is near the village of Kossoikia, a few kilometers outside Evdilos and roughly in the middle of Ikaria. The ancient tower of Drakano is in the Faros (Fanari) area at the eastern end of the island.

Ikaria’s villages hold festivals throughout the year for religious and some non-religious holidays; individual dates may vary. If you plan to attend a festival, check the event dates. Visitors to Ikaria can also sample a variety of Ikarian wines and learn more about their production at four wineries. Check availability before visiting.

Discover more destinations: Magganitis, Gialiskarion, Fourni, Ikaria, Ágios Kírykos

Go to the main travel overview: Ikaria.