The southeastern coast of the island of Icaria offers an experience of rare beauty. Its rocky beaches are dotted with thermal springs as well as radioactive salt water.
Icaria’s natural environment is a model of harmonious coexistence between humans and nature. This emerald green island escape offers charming villages, authentic local cuisine and great hiking trails.
Arethousa
The warm spring waters of Arethousa are reputed to relieve rheumatism, arthritis, sciatica, neuralgia, skin problems, and gynecological disorders. The sulphur-rich waters are also said to be beneficial for lungs and kidneys. Located in the central mountain village of Arethousa, these esteemed baths are set on a natural saline lake and offer a choice of private or shared tubs. A bathhouse offers a number of other calming therapies including massages and mud packs.
The hotel has 87 basic rooms, with a slightly worn aesthetic that speaks to the intrigue and excitement of Athens’ turbulent 1960s and 1970s. Guests are treated to a prime Plaka location, within walking distance to the Parthenon and Acropolis, and the city’s myriad cafes, restaurants, and stores.
A mystical island of wild beauty, Ikaria is a magical place to soak up the Aegean sun and heal your body with its curative waters. The island has a number of beautiful beaches and is blessed with a forest of ancient oaks, which gives it its name — Ikaria. One of the best beaches is Seychelles, with its Caribbean-like turquoise waters and pebbles. In the past, this beach attracted the likes of Aristotle Onassis and Maria Callas.
Palia Kameni
With a soothing warmth and a natural therapeutic quality, the sulfuric thermal waters of Palia Kameni are an island experience unique to Icaria. Known to contain iron, manganese and a host of other beneficial elements, a dip in the baths will not only feel refreshing but could also help ease muscle pains and joint stiffness. The mineral-rich waters are thought to offer health benefits that date back to the days of Hippocrates, the ancient Greek physician and medical founder who devoted much of his work to studying the healing properties of hot springs and bathing.
Located in the northern part of Icaria, Palia Kameni is reached via a road that climbs steeply over the rugged mountain ridge and offers spectacular views over the surrounding villages. The village itself is one of the more traditional on the island with cafes on the waterfront and stone houses. Several of the mansions have fine balconies and the main square has a 500 year-old oak tree that was once used as a gallows.
A popular activity is to stop off at the nearby Nea Kameni and take a dip in the warm water of its walk-in thermal springs. The water here is kept at a comfortable 35 degrees Celsius and is said to be very good for rheumatism and skin problems. You can also slather yourself with a layer of the bubbly mud that is found on the volcanic rocks around the springs for an added health boost.
Aghia Kyriaki
Agia Kyriaki is a long beach on the south coast of Milos, distinguished for the specific “glass effect” of its waters which are caused by the unique combination of smooth white pebbles both around the shore and in the sea. The water is usually cool and refreshing, its seabed being shallower than in other beaches on the island. The area is sheltered from strong winds thanks to its position, making it ideal for families with children and mature couples. Sun loungers and parasols are available in both ends of the beach, while at the latter you can find a beach bar and taverna. A handful of boat rental services are also available, allowing you to explore the surrounding coves.
The beach is named after Saint Kyriaki, a martyr who was born in Dorotheus and died on July 7. According to the legend, a rich magistrate asked her to marry him, but she refused. He threatened to beat her until she converted to paganism, but she only got stronger. He finally sent her to be interrogated by his co-ruler Maximian at Nicomedia.
Located merely 3.6 km from Adamas Port, Apartment Agia Kyriaki Studios is the perfect base for exploring Argostoli. It offers free private parking on site and a car is available to rent at the property. The accommodation comes with a TV and air conditioning. There is a full kitchen with a refrigerator, and a private bathroom is fitted with a shower.
Evdilos
Evdilos used to be the island capital until 1912 and is a pleasant little place of narrow streets and neo-classical buildings. It is a popular tourist center with excellent cafes, restaurants and hotel accommodations. It is also home to the Hellenic Cultural Centre which runs courses for foreigners on Greek language, culture and cookery. A small beach is at the port and there are better ones within walking distance east and west.
Located a couple of kilometers up the coast from Agios Kirikos, this is one of Ikaria’s more traditional villages with cafes on the harbor and old stone houses tucked into the hillside. It is located near the site of an ancient seaside town called Therma and it still has a few remnants including a prehistoric aqueduct. It was once known as the “Asclepian town” in honor of Asclepios, the god of medicine.
The three springs here are considered to be the most radioactive hot springs in Greece with radiation ranging from 65 to 557 Mache units, an antiquated measure of levels of radiation. The water is warm to hot and has a high mineral content, making it a natural spa.
The central part of Ikaria is covered with oak forests, some of the oldest in Europe, that are home to a large number of migratory birds as well as protected beech martens and hedgehogs. The Ranti Forest, in particular, is worth a visit for its beautiful nature and wild fauna.