Akamatra, Ikaria: A Village of the Rahes Highlands

Akamatra, Ikaria: A Village of the Rahes Highlands

Akamatra is a small, traditional village set on the Rahes plateau in the western highlands of Ikaria, an island in the north Aegean. Stone houses stand among pine and oak forest, near the larger settlement of Christos Raches. The village shares the unhurried, late-running rhythm that makes the Rahes region famous. Springs, gardens and orchards … Read more

Xylosyrtis, Ikaria: The Green South Coast Village

Xylosyrtis, Ikaria: The Green South Coast Village

Xylosyrtis sits on the green south coast of Ikaria, a short distance southwest of the capital Agios Kirykos. The village rests on well-watered slopes that fall toward the Aegean, wrapped in springs, terraced gardens, orchards and vineyards. Water runs freely through this stretch of coast, and the mild, sheltered setting long earned it a name … Read more

Frantato, Ikaria: Village of the Boulder Churches

Frantato, Ikaria: Village of the Boulder Churches

Frantato is a small mountain village in the granite-strewn interior of Ikaria, set on the road that climbs inland from the north coast. The settlement draws visitors for one clear reason: it opens the way to the island’s astonishing boulder-built religious sites. Enormous rounded granite rocks frame the houses, gardens and springs, giving the place … Read more

Karavostamo, Ikaria: A North Coast Fishing Village

Karavostamo, Ikaria: A North Coast Fishing Village

Karavostamo sits on the north coast of Ikaria, east of the port town of Evdilos. The village ranks among the island’s most populous and authentic settlements. It spreads across a green, well-watered slope that runs down to a small fishing harbour and a pebble-and-sand beach. Springs and running water feed terraced gardens and orchards on … Read more

Kampos, Ikaria: Ancient Oinoe & the North Coast Village

Kampos, Ikaria: Ancient Oinoe & the North Coast Village

Kampos is a green village on the north coast of Ikaria, set among gardens and orchards a short drive west of Evdilos. The village rests on and around the site of ancient Oinoe, the island’s capital and main city in antiquity. Vineyards, fig trees and citrus surround the low houses, and a quiet sandy beach … Read more