Rental cars are limited on Ikaria Island. During high season demand far outpaces the supply of cars for rent. The island swells to a large crowd of visitors in the summer months. During the off seasons (fall/winter/spring), many cars are taken off the island, which can cause a shortage as well.
If you plan on exploring around Ikaria, book your car rental far ahead of time. But if you missed the opportunity to rent a car, do not worry. Do not rent a scooter or moped — as Ikaria’s mountain roads are not fit for them and accidents occur every year. With some creativity and planning, you can still experience a LOT of what Ikaria has to offer without a car - and maybe even have a more enjoyable time.
How to Explore Ikaria Without a Car:
Key Tip: Split your time in two locations: 3 days in Agios Kyrikos or Therma / 3-4 days in Armenistis, Rahes, or Gialiskari.
PART 1: Stay in Agios Kyrikos or Therma (3 days):
1.If you stay in Ag. Kyrikos or Therma you can ask your hotel to arrange for you a taxi from the airport; or, if arriving by ferry in Agios Kyrikos, simply walk to your hotel in Agios Kyrikos. Contact your hotel to help make your transportation arrangements.
2.Local buses travel from Ag. Kyrikos to Therma daily. In Therma you can visit Ikaria’s famous hot springs, walk to see an ‘anti-pirate’ cave, snorkel, scuba dive, eat well and more.
3.Local buses also go to Faros beach. In Faros you can visit the beach, do water sports, and explore some of the walks in the Ikaria Guidebook.
4.Water taxis (seasonal) can take you to Seychelles beach and Maggantitis, sailing along Ikaria’s gorgeous southern coastline.
5.Walk from Ag. Kyrikos to the nearby beautiful swimming waters at Skepsis beach.
6.Check out the tour agencies in Ag. Kyrikos to see what day tours they are offering (with mini van transport) to sites around the island.
7.Do a day trip or overnight trip to Fourni island. (this nearby archipelago has some of the most amazing walks and views starting right from the main village!) Check with local travel agencies in Ag. Kyrikos for the ferry schedules.
8.Ikaria’s local bus generally travels to the other side of the island (Evdilos, Armentisis, Nas, etc.) once a day, and returns. So, when you are ready to switch to the other side of the island, hop on the bus (check the schedule ahead of time) and transfer to your next hotel!
Peskesi Ikaria
Peskesi Ikaria is located in Ag. Kyrikos, not far from a nearby beach and just a 5-minute walk to/from the ferry to other Aegean Islands. Featured amenities include dry cleaning/laundry services, luggage storage, and coffee/tea in a common area. Guests may use a roundtrip airport shuttle for a surcharge, and free self parking is available onsite.
PART 2 - Stay in Armenistis, Gialiskari, or Rahes (3-4 days):
In Armenistis, you can:
1.Walk around this seaside village and enjoy great restaurants and beaches like Livadi and Mesachti. (Armenistis is the most popular village in the summertime.)
2.Rent bicycles and bike to Nas beach; or, walk to Nas beach.
3.Join daily tours with tour agencies that use mini van transport.
4.Visit the ‘anti-pirate’ village Christos Rahes up in the mountains above Armenistis. (This is a must-see place to visit. Ask your hotel for a taxi transfer up there, or check the local bus schedule and hop on the bus. In Rahes, you’ll want to spend some time exploring this unique and charming village.)
5.Do various walks in the Ikaria Guidebook in this area.
6.From Armenistis you can also walk to Gialiskari (Yaliskari) (walk along the seaside edge and cross the twin beaches, rather than following the serpentine road in back).
6.Sign up for drop-in yoga class at Ikaria’s amazing yoga center, THE EGG (open seasonally), and then rent a bike and enjoy a nice bike ride over to this amazing yoga center by the sea.
** Remember! For any walks — please do not walk in the high heat of summer. Check out our Packing Tips list.
Erofili Beach Hotel
Offering direct access to the beach, this beautiful hotel in Armenistis is within a 15-minute walk of Livadi Beach and Yaliskari (Gialiskari) Beach. Nas Beach and Halari (Chalari) Gorge are also within 3 mi (5 km).
For more Helpful tips, check out our free Ikaria Travel Planning Guide and the Ikaria Guidebook.
