Greek language Courses in Greece
If you are looking for high-quality Greek language courses in Greece, the Ikarian Centre offers the perfect balance of academic excellence and island tranquility. For over 30 years, our intensive programs have helped adults from around the world to improve their skills in Greek. Located on the beautiful island of Ikaria, our courses extend far beyond the classroom, combining structured lessons with authentic cultural activities and unique experience stays.
Many interpreters and translators, diplomats, classicists, students and teachers have participated in the Greek language courses we organize over the years. At the same time, the atmosphere in our classes is very friendly. Students participate in small, homogeneous classes of up to 4 students and learn through a variety of language games and activities.
Who is it addressed to?
At the Ikarian Centre, we believe that language acquisition is most effective when high-quality instruction meets a serene environment. Our intensive Greek language courses are designed for students of all levels who value a goal-oriented curriculum but also wish to have the time and freedom to explore Ikaria at their own pace. We provide the expert guidance and the structured syllabus you need to improve your Greek proficiency quickly and systematically.
Our method
Our teaching approach aligns with the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR), focusing specifically on oral communication and natural vocabulary acquisition. We avoid passive learning by integrating:
- Interactive Linguistic Activities: Grammar and morphology are not just taught; they are internalized through a variety of linguistic games and communicative tasks.
- Maximizing Student Talk Time: Our students are the protagonists of the lesson, spending the majority of classroom time speaking and practicing in real-life scenarios.
- The 2+2 Learning Model: To ensure maximum efficiency, we implement an "ultra-intensive" schedule: 2 hours (120 min) of focused classroom interaction combined with 2 hours of structured independent study. This balance allows for rapid linguistic progress while leaving your afternoons free for cultural immersion and island exploration.
Please note that we give minimum12 clock hours / week (120 min minimum / day X 6 days, including Saturdays), without breaks, in small homogeneous classes up to 4 students. Language schools advertise 4 teaching hours/ day, 15 clock hours / week (1 teaching hour = 45min), with breaks. More than 3 hours per week is usually lost in the breaks...
Small, Homogeneous Groups for Maximum Efficiency
We believe that effective learning happens in small numbers. Our Greek language programs feature:
- Homogeneous classes: After a short interview on arrival, every student is placed to a group with similar linguistic abilities.
- Increased Speaking Time: Small groups (2-4 students) mean more opportunities to interact directly with the instructor.
- Individual Attention: Our teachers provide personalized feedback to address your specific linguistic challenges.
Beyond the Classroom: Accommodation & Activities
Accommodation
Each of our guests has his / her own private 20m2 room in our guesthouse, next to the classrooms. You do not share a room with someone you do not know. All rooms have heating, are equipped with a private bathroom and a kitchenette. The guesthouse is located in a quiet mountainous location, in direct contact with nature, not far from the sea. The view of the sea and the mountain but also the starry sky on clear nights is enchanting. You will experience the peace and relaxation that direct contact with nature gives to a person's everyday life. The common areas of the facilities help contact with other residents, as well as isolation, thus supporting the development of a healthy sociability among the guests
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, he / she will join the activities and become a member of the group.
Activities: The Language in Context
The academic experience extends far beyond the classroom walls through structured cultural activities designed to provide real-world context to your studies. Hikes and walks on the local trails, traditional dance lessons featured at the island's festivals, Greek music nights, cooking sessions, discussion groups, lectures, slide shows, and film screenings all create a pleasant and creative atmosphere. These experiences, along with spontaneous activities like going out for dinner at a local tavern, immerse students deeper into the Greek language and island life, while allowing them to practice their skills far beyond class hours.
Meals & Transportation During the Courses
Since public transportation on the island is limited and finding a taxi can be difficult, we arrange all basic transportation for shopping, dining, and trips to the beach. Therefore, it is not necessary to rent a car or a scooter during your studies.
- Meals and Breakfast: We provide simple daily meals (except on Thursdays and weekends). Breakfast is not provided, but students can easily prepare their own breakfast in their room's kitchenette.
- Discovering the Island: During the courses, we organize short walks and brief excursions near the Centre to help you get acquainted with the island's landscape and nature. However, if you wish to explore the rest of the island on your own, you will need to rent a vehicle. Alternatively, you can discover the more remote beauties of Ikaria with us by extending your stay at our guesthouse after your courses during our special Hiking, Walking and Exploring program offered in the spring and autumn.
⚠️ Important Note for August 2027: In August 2027, we will not offer transportation, meals, or any activities outside the Centre. Students who choose to attend courses in August 2027 must rent a car or scooter for their transportation on the island. Please note that for August 2026, all activities, local transportation, and meals will be provided as usual.
Seasonal and special courses & activities
If you participate in a class in late autumn, Easter or winter during the Carnival period, you will be able to participate in olive picking, Orthodox Easter customs or the Carnival of Evdilos.
A unique stay experience in Ikaria
If you would like to extend your stay at our guesthouse before or after your Greek courses, you can join us on selected dates in spring and autumn to explore parts of the island that we cannot visit during class weeks.
Seasonal & Special Greek Courses
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Frequently asked questions
What is the teachers' experience?
We give Greek language lessons on the island of Ikaria non stop for the last 30 years. The first lessons took place during summer 1995. We have a wide experience on teaching Greek as a foreign language.
What is your teaching method?
Grammar and vocabulary are taught through the use of games, texts and other materials written and provided by the Centre. All skills are practiced in our lessons (writing, reading, speaking and listening), however we do focus in oral speech. The small class size (1-4 students / class) ensures that every student will have enough time to speak in the class. Our program focuses on learning the language and NOT on the tourist experience. In every lesson students will be assigned homework for the next day. As most of the locals do not speak only Greek, and since the teachers continue speaking Greek outside of the classroom, students must be prepared to hear and speak a lot of Greek. See more about our teaching method.
When do you give lessons and how does the daily schedule look like?
Classes are held in the morning and last two hours (120 minutes) in the zone between 9:00 - 13:30. Students have enough time to participate in the lesson, study and do their homework. Simple meals (lunch and dinner) are served daily, except weekends and Thursdays. 14:00 is lunch time, where everybody eat together. In the summer, from 15:00 - 17:00 students can go to the beach, or shopping. In the evening, students participate in various activities (traditional dance classes, slide shows, conversation classes, cooking, etc.)
When do I have to arrive and leave?
You can have your room from Sunday to Sunday. You can come a day after classes start or leave before classes end, but there is no discount on tuition and accommodation costs.
How can I get to Ikaria?
You can reach Ikaria from Athens or Thessaloniki by air (www.ageanair.com or www.skyexpress.gr). Ikaria can also be reached by ferry from Piraeus, Thessaloniki, Mykonos or Samos. There are many direct flights to Mykonos and Samos from many European airports. For more information visit our page how to get to Ikaria
Do you orginize port / airport pick - up?
We will transport you to and from the port of Evdilos any day and time. From the airport or port of Agios Kirikos we can transfer you for free on Sunday. On the other days of the week you have to take a taxi (€50 for a 1-hour journey)
Do you offer meals and breakfast?
Simple meals are provided daily except weekends and Thursdays. We do not offer breakfast, however you can always use the kitchenette in your room or the shared kitchen to prepare your breakfast.
I follow a special diet (vegetarian, gluten free, etc.). Can I have food according to my diet?
Our menu does not cater for special diets, but if you are vegetarian, vegan or gluten-free, you will survive by perhaps adding a few items to your diet for a few days. Someone on a very special diet should take care of his own food. You can prepare simple meals according to your diet in the kitchen corner of your room.
Can I have my own room? I don't want to share my room with others.
Each student has his own room. You will not share your room with others.
Can I share my room with a friend traveling with me?
If you are traveling with a friend who is not participating in the classes, you can share your room with him at an extra cost.
Cost and Registration
See the cost of our lessons here To register for a Greek language course, select the appropriate check in time and follow the link to submit the form. Please note that If you want to register for another program (Community living / hiking / exploring / retreat etc) follow the link