If you are on a quest for the perfect beach, Ikaria may grant your wish. The clarity of the water is uncontested and the sandy beaches are much more exotic-looking than you would expect.
The north side of the island boasts some pristine coastlines while the southern beaches are rockier and less frequented. Both fun-loving beachcombers and solitude seekers will find a range of excellent beaches to choose from on the island.
Nas Beach
Nas beach (from the Greek word naos, or ‘temple’) is an idyllic spot just 6km west of Armenistis. It can be found at the delta of the Chalares River and the Aegean Sea, and it is here that a 6th-century temple once stood in honor of the goddess Artemis.
From the beach, you can hike up to a small waterfall and pool before enjoying a rustic meal in one of the taverns above. You will also be able to enjoy the best sunset on the island at Nas and relax surrounded by total splendor.
Kerame Beach
Kerame is a beautiful beach just 10km from Agios Kirikos and it has the most powdery sand and crystalline waters, with rock formations offering some shelter.
The area has become more popular in recent years and although you will find some nice accommodation nearby, the beach is still largely underdeveloped with few facilities apart from some showers and a tavern.
Kambos Beach
Kambos is a long sandy stretch located 40km to the northwest of Agios Kirikos and its clear shallow waters make it a lovely swimming spot.
You will find a beach bar and snack bar on the beach, as well as sunbeds for hire, and it is a great place to enjoy the sun, sea, and sand while enjoying the peaceful surroundings.
Messakti Beach
Messakti is another long beach 47km northwest of Agios Kirikos that has pristine golden sand and transparent waters. Two small rivers flow down to the beach to create small freshwater lagoons that you can bathe in and relax.
There is a canteen as well as a few sunbeds for rent, with restaurants and bars on the main road near the beach serving scrumptious culinary delights and refreshing cocktails.
Iero Beach
You will find Iero beach in the northwest corner of Ikaria near Faros, where it is thought that the ancient site of a temple dedicated to Dionysus (Bacchus) once stood.
It is actually a great location for snorkeling as it is in a protected cove with some intriguing rock formations. You can walk along the beach and follow a marked path that leads the way to the cave area too, which makes for a truly adventurous visit.
Seychelles Beach
This is possibly Ikaria’s most stunning beach and one that locals would prefer to keep secret. A mix of pebbles and stones, the beach has been formed around some interesting rock morphology to create a private cove with transparent waters.
It can be accessed via a rather steep path that begins at the main road and descends along a river bed, so sturdy shoes are advisable. You can also reach the beach by water taxi from the fishing port of Mangganitis, as well as from Armenistis and Agios Kirikos.
Lefkada Hot Springs
While on Ikaria, you must visit the hot springs located 2 km west of Agios Kirikos on the main road. The natural hot saltwater spring pool of Lefkada is encircled by boulders to create a pool, from where several streams of hot mineral water and salts/mud from the streams can be used as a natural skin and spa treatment.
Reach it by walking down the path that leads to the beach and enjoy a swim on arrival to experience the shallow rock pools and the warm undercurrents.
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