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 over the world and immerse yourself in the authentic rhythm of Ikarian life. If you love hiking, you can discover the wild nature and landscapes of the island with “self-guided” hikes that we will help you to organize. Also, if you are a Greek speaker learning a European language, here you will be able to practice the language you are learning with native speakers.

At a glance

• Social Life: Access to collective dinners, cooking nights, traditional dance classes, and community discussions.
• Activities: Traditional village festivals (panigiria), lectures, games, and walks on the local trails.
• Guesthouse: Private rooms for one or two people with a private bathroom and kitchenette.
• Connectivity: High-speed internet for remote work (ideal for Digital Nomads).

The guesthouse: privacy meets community

Your stay is designed to balance your need for independence with the benefits of communal living. Near the mountain village of Arethousa, the Ikarian Centre guesthouse offers:

• Private Living: Each room has its own private bathroom and a private kitchenette with a fridge, allowing you to prepare your breakfast or coffee at your own pace.
• Community Focus: Although your room is your private retreat, the heart of the experience lies in our shared kitchen and large verandas overlooking the sea. These are the places where the community gathers to cook, eat, and exchange ideas under the Aegean sun.

A haven for healthy socialization

At the Ikarian Centre, our priority is to cultivate organic, meaningful relationships. Travel can often be lonely, but here we prioritize healthy socialization. You share common spaces and evening meals with a diverse group of students, hikers, and teachers. Whether it’s a spontaneous conversation over wine on the terrace, a scheduled lecture, or a game night in the common room, you become part of a supportive community where strangers quickly become friends.

Daily life: From festivals to walks in nature

Your stay is framed by a curated program of activities. You will participate in collective cooking evenings, learn the steps of local dances, and become one with us at the legendary festivals of the island. We also organize lectures on local history and group discussions. For those who love the outdoors, you can enjoy easy routes and nature walks directly from the guesthouse, breathing in the mountain air and observing the unique biodiversity of the island.

A shared social circle

Cultural activities and evening gatherings are shared with students from the Greek language departments. This creates an inclusive multicultural atmosphere where you can connect with people from different backgrounds. While Greek students strive to speak Greek, discussions are held in Greek, English, and other languages spoken by our guests, ensuring that everyone can fully participate in the discussions, cooking, and social events.

Connecting with nature: The serenity of the mountain

Our guesthouse offers a unique opportunity to reconnect with the natural world. Enjoy short hikes and peaceful walks along the trails surrounding Arethousa, amidst a landscape of wild beauty overlooking the Aegean Sea. It is the perfect environment to balance your work or studies with the deep serenity of the mountain.

Island orientation: Local transportation & logistics

We believe that your stay should be stress-free. We organize and provide basic local transportation to nearby settlements and for all our group activities. There is no need to rent a car; however, if your personal plan includes exploring remote corners of the island at will, we highly recommend renting a vehicle, as public transportation in Ikaria is limited, our guesthouse is located in an isolated location, and distances can be long. If you rent a vehicle, we will provide you with the necessary information and advice to explore the island on your own.

Costs and room booking

You can see the costs here. If you would like to book, check availability here and make your reservation.