The long sandy beach at Messakti near Armenistis

Ikaria · Beaches

The beaches of Ikaria

Ikaria's beaches are rugged and unhurried, with wild coves on the north coast and white boulders in the south.

Our favourites

Start with these

The pebble cove at Nas on Ikaria's north coast

PebblesEasy-going

Nas

A small pebble cove where a stream meets the sea, below the ruins of an old temple. Waves can be strong, and the setting is lovely.

  • Sunsets
  • Scenery
  • Couples

A short walk down from the village of Nas, which is reached by road from Armenistis.

The sea here can be rough. Take care when it is windy.

RachesStay in Nas

Turquoise cove at Seychelles beach

PebblesWild

Seychelles

A cove of white boulders and turquoise water on the south coast. There are no facilities.

  • Swimming
  • Adventure
  • Quiet

A short, steep path leads down from the road near Manganitis.

Bring water and sturdy shoes.

Agios Kirykos

Pick your kind of day

Every other beach worth the drive

Organised
Sunbeds, umbrellas and a beach bar. Easy with children.
Easy-going
A taverna or a few umbrellas, plenty of room for your towel.
Wild
Nothing but the sea. Bring water, shade and snacks.
The long sandy beach at Messakti near Armenistis

SandOrganised

Messakti

A long, golden stretch of sand just east of Armenistis, towards Gialiskari, with tavernas and some sunbeds. It is the island's best-known sandy beach.

  • Families
  • Sunbeds
  • Long walks

By road from Armenistis, a few minutes away. Parking is close to the beach.

The north wind makes waves here. Watch the flags when it blows.

RachesStay in Armenistis

A rocky cove with sand and pebbles at Gialiskari at sunset

Sand & pebblesEasy-going

Gialiskari

A small cove of sand and pebbles between rocks, close to Armenistis. It is a fine place to watch the sun go down.

  • Sunsets
  • Swimming
  • Quiet

A short drive or walk from Armenistis.

RachesStay in Armenistis

White houses of Armenistis above a sandy bay

Sand & pebblesEasy-going

Armenistis

A small beach right by the village, with tavernas and rooms a few steps away. A good base for a few days.

  • Easy access
  • Tavernas
  • Village stay

On foot from the centre of Armenistis.

RachesStay in Armenistis

PebblesEasy-going

Therma

The old spa village of Therma sits by the sea, and hot spring water runs near the shore. It makes a calm stop after a swim.

  • Hot springs
  • Relaxing
  • Quiet

By road from Agios Kirykos, a few minutes east.

Agios KirykosStay in Therma

Wind and sea change by the day. On windy days swim on the sheltered side of the island, and watch for red flags.

Wake up near the water

Find a room a short walk from Ikaria's best beaches.

Where to stay