Overview
“Kickstart Ikaria – East Side”, now listed as “Therma Springs & Village Moments,” is a full-day small-group tour of eastern Ikaria combining villages, beaches, local culture, the famous thermal springs of Therma, and traditional food. It lasts approximately 8–9 hours and is limited to 8 travelers, making it much more personal than a standard island sightseeing tour.
It’s essentially an introduction to eastern Ikaria in one day, particularly useful if you are visiting the island for the first time.
Experience highlights include
• Visit the famous Therma Beach and thermal springs and have time for a swim
• Explore Agios Kirykos, the capital of Ikaria
• Visit Xilosirtis Beach and enjoy the coastal scenery
• Stop at the Amphitheatre of Ikaria
• Pass through Evdilos
• Visit Akamatra, a traditional Ikarian village
• Enjoy the option of a traditional Ikarian lunch at a family-run taverna
• Learn about Ikaria's history, mythology, traditions and local way of life from an English-speaking local guide
• Travel in comfortable, air-conditioned transportation
• Small group of maximum 8 people
What’s included
• Air-conditioned transportation throughout the tour
• English-speaking local guide
• Entry to the Therma thermal springs
• Light snacks and water
• Entry to included attractions
• Small-group experience, maximum 8 travelers
• Traditional lunch is available as an optional upgrade
What’s not included
• Tips
• Personal expenses
• Lunch, unless you select the lunch option
Itinerary
The tour begins around 9:00 AM with transportation from the designated pickup point and heads toward the eastern side of Ikaria.
1. Therma Beach & Thermal Springs
The first major stop is Therma, famous for its naturally occurring hot springs. You'll have approximately one hour here to experience the mineral-rich thermal waters.
2. Agios Kirykos
The tour continues to Agios Kirykos, Ikaria's capital, where you'll have time to walk around and experience the atmosphere of the harbor town.
3. Xilosirtis Beach
You'll then continue along the coast to Xilosirtis, a scenic area associated with traditional Ikarian life and vineyards.
4. Amphitheatre of Ikaria
A short stop follows at the Amphitheatre of Ikaria, allowing you to see another aspect of the island's cultural heritage.
5. Akamatra
The final major part of the day is spent in Akamatra, a traditional village where you'll have around two hours. If you select the lunch option, this is where you'll enjoy a meal at a family-run taverna featuring authentic Ikarian dishes and local wine.
Who is this experience best for
• First-time visitors to Ikaria
• Travelers who want to see several different parts of the island in one day
• Couples and families
• People interested in local culture rather than only beaches
• Travelers who don't want to rent a car
• Visitors who enjoy small-group experiences
• Anyone interested in trying authentic Ikarian food and traditions
Insider notes
This is probably one of the best “orientation” tours for Ikaria if you're visiting for the first time. The itinerary covers several different sides of the island—thermal springs, coastal scenery, the capital, villages, history and food—rather than concentrating on just one activity.
The small-group format is a significant advantage: the tour is capped at 8 people, and reviews specifically praise the personalized approach and the guide's knowledge of Ikaria's history and culture. It currently has 5.0/5 from 18 reviews on Viator/Tripadvisor, with all 18 reviews giving it five stars.
One thing I would definitely consider is adding the lunch option. The lunch takes place at a traditional family-owned taverna in Akamatra and makes the experience more complete, especially because food and local hospitality are such an important part of the Ikarian experience.
Browse Greece Travel Guides
