Agios Kirykos is the administrative capital of Ikaria and one of its two main ports, home to about 3,000 people. You can cover the essentials on foot in one relaxed day: the harbour, the central square, the church of Saint Kirykos and the small archaeological museum. Then finish with a swim, or with the hot springs of Therma just along the coast.
At a glance
- Capital of Ikaria, with 2,958 residents in the 2021 census.
- Harbour, square, church and archaeological museum are all within walking distance of each other.
- The Therma hot springs and the south coast are a few minutes from town.
- Evdilos, the island’s other port, is about an hour away by road.
What is Agios Kirykos?
It is the administrative capital of Ikaria and of the wider regional unit, which also includes the Fourni islands. Locals simply call it “Agios”. Most public services, the schools and the island’s hospital are here, so the town works all year round, not only in summer. It is named after Saint Kirykos, a young martyr of the Orthodox Church. It became the capital in 1912; before that, from 1834, the capital was Evdilos. Sources: Wikipedia and visitikaria.gr.
What is there to see in town?
Start at the harbour, where a breakwater of large concrete blocks protects the town from winter waves, then walk up to the central square, the heart of the town. The church of Saint Kirykos stands close by.
The archaeological museum is housed in the town’s former high school. It shows finds from an ancient tower outpost on a nearby mountain: pottery fragments, jewellery and arrowheads. Opening hours change with the season, so ask in the square or phone ahead before you go. You will also pass the statue of Skepsi (“Thought”) and the stadium in Patela, which hosted the 10th Pan-Aegean Games. And one detail you will not find in most guides: the town’s brass band has been playing at feast days since 1928.
Are there events worth planning around?
Every July the town hosts the international “Ikaros” chess tournament. The island’s village festivals are a different kind of celebration, covered in our guide to Ikaria’s panigyria.
What is nearby?
East of town, on the south coast, is Therma and its hot springs. From Kastro Hotel it is 1.5 km: about 23 minutes on foot or 8 minutes by car. We wrote about the history and how to visit in our guide to the Therma springs. West of town on the same coast lies Xylosyrtis. For the long sandy beach of Messakti, count on about 47 km to the northwest, so you will need a car or scooter.
Practical notes for your stay
The port is in town and the airport is 11 km away, about 18 minutes. For guests with a booking we can arrange a transfer from the airport or Evdilos port with local taxi partners, on request. For a car or scooter, our rental partner is rentfa.st. Kastro Hotel is adults only, built on a high spot with a view over the town and the sea. That means steps from the town centre and inside the property, so it does not suit guests with mobility difficulties. We have no private parking, but there is free public parking about 5 minutes on foot. More details are on our Good to know page, and if you are still choosing an area, see our guide to where to stay in Ikaria.
FAQ
How long do I need in Agios Kirykos?
One day is enough to see the town, the museum and the harbour without rushing. Add half a day if you want to include Therma.
Do I need a car in Agios Kirykos?
Not for the town itself, as everything is close on foot. You need a car or scooter to reach beaches and villages elsewhere on the island, such as Messakti.
Is Agios Kirykos a good base for Ikaria?
It is the most practical base if you want services, the port and places to eat within walking distance, and Therma close by. If you want big beaches and nightlife, the villages in the northwest of the island are closer.
If you would like to see the town from above, you can book a stay at Kastro Hotel in Agios Kirykos.