For more than 30 years, since 1995, the Ikarian Centre has been offering an experience that combines Greek language courses, accommodation in direct contact with nature, hiking on local trails, and activities that facilitate language immersion and connection with the area and the culture of its inhabitants.
Our students can book a room and a spot in the courses for themselves, share their room with a friend who also participates in the classes, or with a fellow traveler who does not attend the course. Even if your fellow traveler does not participate in the classes, they will join the activities and become a member of the group.
During the course periods, we also welcome anyone who wishes to experience the accommodation and activities offered by the Centre without participating in the classes.
Special Greek language courses and experiences
Greek lessons & Picking olives in Ikaria
Participate in the olive harvest in November and immerse yourself in the culture and the natural environment of the Greek island of Ikaria. For solo travelers or very small groups.
Community stay & walking holidays
If you are looking for accommodation in Ikaria with healthy socialization and cultural connection, our mountain guesthouse is the ideal place for you. Here, you will be able to experience the island as part of a vibrant micro-community, without participating in Greek language lessons. You will be able to share meals with people from all…
Greek lessons in Easter
Greek language courses organized during the Orthodox Easter include the participation of the students in the customs of Easter. If you choose to participate in the Easter course you will get to know the customs and traditions of the Greek Easter through specially designed activities and you will enjoy the explosion of colors and smells…
Winter long term Greek language course in Greece
Intensive long-term winter Greek language courses for students who can have at least some limited skills. Also see this: No posts
Special Greek language course for advanced users
A Greek language course meticulously designed for advanced users, including translators, interpreters, and professionals
The guesthouse – a learning community
Staying at our guesthouse is an integral part of the learning experience, offering students a unique “home away from home” in the heart of the island’s Blue Zone. Designed to foster connection and cultural immersion, the estate provides a serene environment where students live and study together as a close-knit community. Because the classrooms are located just steps away from the rooms, your daily life transitions seamlessly from morning lessons to relaxed afternoons of study or conversation.
Each student enjoys the privacy of an independent room with a private bathroom and kitchenette, while the expansive communal areas—including the large shared kitchen and sun-drenched terraces—become the heart of social life. The site offers spectacular, unobstructed views of the Aegean Sea, providing a peaceful backdrop for reflection between classes. A short, scenic walk leads to the traditional village of Arethousa, allowing easy access to local life. Here, the Greek language comes to life naturally through shared meals and the collective energy of fellow learners, all within a quiet, intentional space dedicated to academic focus.
More about living and learning at Ikarian Centre
Hiking experience
Hiking Ikaria & Discover Ikarian nature
Experience the wild beauty of Ikaria at your own pace. Stay at our mountain sanctuary, wander through ancient paths, and become part of our local community through curated cultural activities. Combine it with optional Greek language lessons.
Host your course or group at Ikarian Centre
We offer exclusive, serene accommodation for groups of 8-16, featuring private rooms and a 40m² studio for yoga, workshops, or meetings. Nestled in nature, it provides the perfect, private setting for retreats, courses and meetings in the heart of Ikaria. For more details, visit Experience at Ikarian Centre
Reviews
Lessons in language and life on the Greek island of Ikaria
By Anna Hestler
January 31, 2013
At a mini-market on the Greek island of Ikaria, I study the labels on various items, trying to decipher their meaning. It’s been three days since I left my Greek husband back in New York and dove headfirst into a local language immersion course. I’m feeling a tad out of my depth.
