Community living

If, besides a simple stay in Ikaria, you look for healthy socialization by living in a micro-community, our mountain guesthouse is the ideal destination for you. Here, you will experience the island as part of a vibrant group of people, without necessarily participating in Greek language lessons. You will share meals with global travelers, discover hiking trails, and synchronize with the authentic rhythm of Ikarian life.

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.

Beyond a simple stay experience: Break the language barriers and immerse yourself in local life by joining our Greek language courses in Greece.

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.

Cost and Reservation

You can see the costs here. To register for community living, select the appropriate weeks in the following calendar and submit the form. Please note that you must select with your mouse the entire period for your stay, not just one day. If you want to register in an other program (Greek courses / Hiking & Exploring / Retreat etc) follow the link