Island Activities - What to Do

Ikaria offers a wide range of activities for relaxation, adventure, and rejuvenation. Some activities are starting to book up fast!

Beaches (Choosing just one BEST beach is impossible!)

Ikaria offers a wide variety of beaches. From long sandy stretches to small pebble beaches, popular and full of summer crowds, to secluded and tranquil spaces, snorkeling spots and surfing spots, Ikaria has it all. Choosing the beaches you want to explore can also determine where on the island you want to stay. In our blog post on Ikaria beaches, we highlight 8 beaches that you should at least know about on Ikaria, even you if you choose to sample only a couple of them.

Walking and Hiking

Ikaria has over 300 km of footpaths! Make sure know which paths are safe and fun to explore. Follow along some well-marked paths to visit hidden villages, waterfalls, old windmills, old stone paths, a protected forest, and more. In the Ikaria Guidebook, we highlight not-to-miss walks suitable for day-trip hikers. (Even if you don’t do all of them, read the descriptions to learn more about the secrets of the island!). Also be aware that some of Ikaria's older (centuries and centuries old) footpaths have grown wild. For guided hiking tours, we recommend contacting the local group: Ikarian Footprints.

Yoga

Ikaria is now a choice destination for yoga and wellness retreats. It’s not hard to guess why. The lure of the island’s special Blue Zone qualities inspire many people to slow down, release stress, and live a longer, healthier life. If you plan to be on Ikaria in June or July, you can sign up fo a drop-in yoga class at Ikaria’s amazing yoga center: THE EGG with the link below. There are also other yoga classes available around the island. Inquire further at your hotel.

Cooking Classes

Farm-to-table dishes equal food fit for the gods on Ikaria. Known for its healthy Mediterranean diet, the island boasts an abundance of fresh locally grown fruits and vegetables, herbs, goat, lamb, fresh fish and traditional dishes. Many cooking classes are available around the island now. Don’t miss the chance to take a cooking lesson at Karimalis Winery in Pigi.

Wine Tastings and Tours

Ikaria’s wineries are situated in jaw-dropping picturesque mountainside locations. Do a wine tour on Ikaria and you’ll never view the experience of visiting a winery the same again. Ikaria’s wineries welcome visitors in their intimate settings and offer tours that highlight Ikaria’s special grape varieties. Wine tours are offered at Karimalis, Afianes and Tsantiris wineries. At Afianes, for example, you can book a winery tour with lunch.

Shop for Local Products

Ikaria is flourishing now with awesome little shops that offer a variety of local products. From local wines to herbs, beer and honey, wild mountain tea and natural face creams, Ikarians are offering their secrets of healthy living to visitors in their shops. See our updated blog post Buy Local! Ikarian Products OF LONGEVITY! for information on Ikaria’s shops selling local products and what might also be available to buy online.

Surfing

The Ikaria Surf School located at Mesaxti Beach offers surf lessons, paddle boarding and a bunch of other fun activities. You’ll almost always see Ikaria’s Surf School’s group having fun out on the water!

Scuba Diving and Snorkeling

Ikaria has two diving centers Amoso Dive Center (Agios Kyrikos) and the Ikaria Diving Center (Therma). Even if you don’t go with a dive center, you can bring your own snorkel and simply explore around in the sea. A favorite is snorkeling at Iero beach. We recommend to bring your own snorkel set, as they are limited on the island. A good set should last multiple trips to Greece!

Arts and Pottery

Artists are discovering that Ikaria is an incredible place for creative inspiration. While moving your body and senses closer to nature on Ikaria, you can immerse your hands in clay at a ceramic art workshop at Artemis studio. There are also writing classes and artistic retreats popping up on the island now too.

‘Panigyri’ Festivals

Ikaria’s panygiri festivals are pretty much world famous now. To best prepare for one, ask your hotel or locals where they are happening and try to learn the Ikarian dance (Ikariotiko) beforehand. You’ll be able to link arm and arm with locals and visitors and dance to a hypnotizing violinist and other local musicians who swirl up a night full of revelry, community, and cosmic energy. Go hungry, as there is plenty of food to indulge in at the festivals!

Create your own Foodie Tour!

It’s easy to create your own foodie tour on Ikaria to indulge in the super healthy Ikarian diet. From mountain village dishes (like goat soup or horta), stews, fish, souvlaki and many salads doused with olive oil and fresh herbs, as well as lots of vegetarian options, you can try something new every day and wash it all down with Ikaria wine, beer or lemonade. Make sure to taste Ikaria’s yoghurt, fruits and Ikarian honey too.