Attractions
Beaches
Livadi
A short walk down the stairs from Erofili. This beautiful white sand beach is great for swimming.
Mesakti
Just north of Livadi, Mesakti has a couple of beach bars and it’s one of the few spots in Greece that gets surfable waves, depending on the sea conditions. Boards are available to rent.
Directions from Erofili by foot: Walk down the stairs to the adjacent beach (Livadi). Walk to the stairs at the opposite end of the beach (near Atsachas Rooms), turn left once you reach the main road, walk around the bend and the beach will be on your left.
Nas
A beautiful cove beach about a 10-minute drive from Armenistis. This is the island’s only clothing-optional beach, situated at the mouth of the river Nas and beside the foundation of what once was the ancient Temple of Artemis. There are several stairs to hike down and depending on the rainfall that year, a very shallow river to wade through (ankle-deep) to get to the white sand. Be mindful swimming here, especially for young children as the water can be more choppy because of the cove.
Seychelles
Crystal clear beach on the South side of the island (1+ hour drive from Armenistis along very windy, mountain road). Seychelles is a dreamy beach that is definitely not recommended for children because of the hike down a rocky coastline, and the tricky maneuvering around a giant boulder to finally reach the shore.
Helpful Links
Ikaria - Island Ikaria, History of Ikaria, A Guide to Ikaria, Radio Ikaria (the best local news, music, and events on the island!)
Athens - Michelin Guide to Athens, Conde Nast Traveler, The Guardian Athens Travel Guide
Travel - Flights, Ferries, Passport Info, Nearby Islands
Restaurants/
Wineries
Armenistis:
**Paschalia - High-quality, traditional Ikarian fare. We recommend the meatballs,
green beans, and lentil soup.
**Grand Mam’s (upstairs next to Mary Mary) - Order the loukoumades and “Ikarian Herbs” goat’s milk ice cream.
Mikro Cafe - The perfect spot to watch the sunset with a glass of wine and a slice of
Galaktoboureko (custard baked in filo dough).
Evdilos:
Phloisbos - Seaside restaurant that greets you as soon as you come off the ferry.
Akamatra:
Sta Perix - Locally sourced menu with traditional staples.
Nas:
Reiki - Third wave coffee bar (lattes, cacao, etc.) with a sea view. Great for breakfast or brunch.
Anna’s Fish Taverna - Nas (local fish taverna and beautiful sunsets)
Raches Area:
**Afianes Winery (Profitis Ilias) - A must-visit for natural wine enthusiasts!
They offer guided tours Tuesday thru Saturday.
Melia (Christos) - Local herb and honey shop with homemade skincare products and thoughtfully sourced organic foods and honey.
Sto Kampi (Agios Dimitrios) - More contemporary menu (steak, mussels, pastas) situated in an lovely village square.
Kambos:
Stou Paschalia - Traditional Ikarian dishes with ingredients sourced from the owner’s farm.
Gialiskari:
Marino’s Restaurant - Excellent traditional gyro. Also, highly recommend the fava bean dip.
** Highly Recommend
Hot Springs
There are some coastal hot springs on the South side of the island (1+ hour drive from Armenistis).
Island Hopping
Some easy islands to explore nearby are Samos, Patmos, and Mykonos. Planning a multi-island trip is definitely possible, it just takes a little patience navigating the ferry routes and website. Other islands in the Cyclades that we’ve heard wonderful things about are Naxos and Paros, which would require a ferry transfer via Mykonos.
In and Around Athens
Sites: Acropolis & Parthenon | Hill of the Muses | Mount Lycabettus | Ancient Agora | Delphi (whole day trip)
Museums: Acropolis Museum | Benaki Museum
Restaurants: Seychelles (Make a resy before you go!) | Feyrouz (casual Levantine lunch spot)
Neighborhoods: Plaka (tourist shops and older architecture) | Monastiraki (tourist shops) | Psiri (vintage shops and cafes) | Koukaki (near the Acropolis) | Exarcheia (anarchistic vibes w/ great cafes) | Kolonaki (higher end shops)
Shops: Mon Coin Studios (Ceramics shop in Thiseio)