Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
BUSSING IT
Taking a bus on Ikaria is to be part of a travelling village. Passengers call the driver
by first name and chat as friends and neighbours get on and off along the way. If
you're travelling, for instance, between the port towns of Agios Kirykos and Evdilos,
you'll begin your holiday with a friendly introduction to the island. And, if you in-
tend to rent a car during your stay, you can generally return it to the airport at no
extra charge, regardless of where you pick it up.
TOP OF CHAPTER
Agios KirykosΑγιος Κήρυκος
POP 1880
Ikaria's capital is an easy-going and dependable Greek port, with clustered old streets,
tasty restaurants, hotels and domatia, along with a lively waterfront cafe scene. Xyl-
osyrtis Beach (4km southwest) is the best of several nearby pebble beaches, and the
renowned radioactive hot springs attract aching bodies from around the region.
Activities
Radioactive Springs
SPRING
(Asklipios Bathhouse; 22750 50400; admission €5; 7am-2.30pm & 5-9pm Jun-Oct)
There
are a few radioactive saltwater springs in and around Agios Kirykos. In terms of safety,
the waters, which contain minute levels of radiation, are carefully monitored (for mineral
content as well) and supervised by health authorities.
You can sample their salutary effects in town at Asklipios Bathhouse, named for the
mythical Greek god of healing. At this simple facility, hot water is piped in from a spring
in the sea. Drop-in visitors are welcome. An average bath takes about 30 minutes, by
which time you should be able to melt back into the landscape. Ikaria's radioactive hot
springs are famed for their beneficial effects on health issues, such as arthritis and
rheumatism.
Other radioactive springs near Agios Kirykos are at
Therma
, and the natural outdoor
sea spring at
Lefkada
, where the environment is less about healing and more about en-
joying a hot soak.
