Introduction
After months of planning, I’ve finally nailed down the rough itinerary for my upcoming Greece trip. This summer I’ll be splitting my time between two very different islands: laid-back Ikaria and beautiful, varied Samos.
The goal of this trip is a bit different to some of my previous visits to Greece. As well as relaxing and enjoying the islands, I’ll also be filming new videos for my Greece Travel Guide YouTube Channel and updating this website with fresh guides, photos and recommendations.
Rather than trying to cram in absolutely everything, I’ve planned the trip in a way that should let me properly experience each island without feeling constantly rushed. There are no super early starts, no frantic “10 sights in one day” schedules, and plenty of time built in for long lunches, sunset dinners and spontaneous discoveries along the way.
If you’re planning your own trip to Ikaria or Samos, hopefully this itinerary gives you some ideas.
The Route
The trip starts with a flight from the UK to Athens, followed by an onward domestic flight to Ikaria.
I’ll spend:
- 5 nights in Ikaria (based in Armenistis)
- 4 nights in Samos (based in Kokkari)
I’ll take a ferry from Agios Kirykos on Ikaria to Pythagoreio on Samos.
I’ll have a hire car on both islands, which should make it much easier to explore beaches, mountain villages and some of the more remote parts of the islands.
Ikaria Itinerary
Ikaria has been on my Greek island wish list for years. Everything I’ve read about the island suggests it’s one of the most authentic and unusual islands in Greece — famous for its slow pace of life, mountain villages, incredible beaches and relaxed atmosphere.
Rather than trying to race around the island, I’ve planned a fairly relaxed itinerary that balances sightseeing with downtime.
Day 1 – Armenistis, Livadi Beach & Sunset at Nas
My first full day in Ikaria will be intentionally relaxed after the travel day.
I’ll start by exploring Armenistis itself, which looks like one of the best places to stay on the island. From what I’ve seen, it has a really nice mix of traditional tavernas, small beaches and laid-back atmosphere without feeling overly touristy.
After a slower morning and probably a long lunch somewhere by the sea, I’m planning to spend part of the afternoon at Livadi Beach before heading to Nas later in the day.
Nas looks absolutely stunning and seems to be one of the island’s most iconic spots, especially at sunset. I’m really looking forward to seeing the river flowing into the sea and hopefully capturing some golden-hour footage for the YouTube videos.
Day 2 – Seychelles Beach & The North Coast
Day two is more of a classic “exploring” day.
The main goal is to visit Seychelles Beach, which is probably the most famous beach on Ikaria. The colour of the water looks incredible and it should make for some amazing footage if the weather cooperates.
On the way I’ll also stop in Evdilos and Kampos, both of which seem worth visiting for very different reasons. Evdilos looks like a really attractive harbour town, while Kampos adds a bit of historical interest to the trip.
Later in the day I’m hoping to stop at Mesakti Beach as well, which seems to offer a completely different vibe compared to Seychelles.
Day 3 – Mountain Villages & The Real Ikaria
This is the day I’m probably most curious about.
One of the things that makes Ikaria so interesting is its reputation for slow living and unusual daily rhythms, so I wanted to dedicate a full day to exploring the island’s mountain villages and interior.
The plan is to spend time around Christos Raches, driving through smaller villages and stopping at scenic viewpoints along the way.
I’m especially interested to see the contrast between Raches during the daytime and later in the evening when the village comes alive. From everything I’ve heard, shops and tavernas often don’t properly open until much later in the day, which sounds very different to most Greek islands.
This should hopefully be one of the more atmospheric and authentic parts of the trip.
Day 4 – Agios Kirykos, Hot Springs & The South Coast
The fourth day is all about exploring the southern side of Ikaria.
I’ll drive across the island towards Agios Kirykos, which is the island’s main port and capital. Since my ferry to Samos leaves from here later in the trip, it makes sense to explore this area beforehand rather than trying to rush around on departure day.
I’m also planning to spend time in Therma, which is famous for its natural hot springs. Ikaria is one of the world’s so-called “Blue Zones”, known for longevity and relaxed lifestyles, and the hot springs seem like one of the island’s most unique experiences.
Later in the day I’ll probably stop at Faros Beach before heading back across the island.
Day 5 – Ferry to Samos
After a final relaxed morning in Ikaria, I’ll drive down to Agios Kirykos for the afternoon ferry to Samos.
I always enjoy arriving in the Greek islands by ferry, and sailing into Pythagoreio should be a great way to begin the next part of the trip.
Samos Itinerary
Compared to Ikaria, Samos looks much more varied and developed, with a mix of beaches, historic sites, mountain scenery and larger towns.
I’ll be staying in Kokkari, which looks like a fantastic base on the north coast.
Arrival Evening – Pythagoreio to Kokkari
The ferry from Ikaria arrives into Pythagoreio in the early evening, where I’ll collect another hire car before driving up to Kokkari.
I’m keeping this evening intentionally simple: check in, wander through Kokkari, have dinner somewhere by the sea and soak up the atmosphere.
Sometimes those first evenings on a new island end up being some of the most memorable parts of a trip.
Day 1 – Kokkari & The North Coast Beaches
The first full day in Samos will focus on the north coast around Kokkari.
I’m planning to properly explore Kokkari itself before visiting Tsamadou Beach and Lemonakia Beach, both of which look absolutely beautiful from the photos I’ve seen.
Compared to Ikaria, this part of Samos looks a little more polished and developed while still retaining a traditional Greek island atmosphere.
I’m hoping this day will provide some of the strongest visuals of the trip.
Day 2 – Pythagoreio, Heraion & Historic Samos
The second day is more focused on history and landmarks.
I’ll return to Pythagoreio to explore it properly in daylight before visiting the Tunnel of Eupalinos and the Heraion of Samos, both of which are major historical sites on the island.
This should add a completely different side to the trip compared to the beach-focused days.
I’ll probably finish with some time at Potokaki Beach before heading back to Kokkari for the evening.
Day 3 – West Samos & Potami Waterfalls
For my final full day in Samos, I’ll head west towards Karlovasi and Potami.
The waterfalls look like one of the island’s most unique natural attractions and should make a nice contrast to the beaches and harbour towns earlier in the trip.
I’m also hoping the west coast of Samos will feel a little quieter and less touristy, giving a different perspective on the island.
Day 4 – Departure Day
The final morning will be intentionally relaxed: probably coffee by the sea in Kokkari, one last walk along the waterfront, and then the short drive back to the airport for the flight home.
Final Thoughts
I’m really excited about this trip because the two islands seem to complement each other perfectly.
Ikaria looks slower, wilder and more unusual, while Samos appears more varied and well-rounded with a mix of beaches, history and scenery.
Hopefully this itinerary strikes a good balance between exploring properly and still having time to relax and enjoy the islands.
If you’ve visited either Ikaria or Samos before, I’d genuinely love to hear your recommendations, favourite beaches, restaurants or hidden gems in the comments below.
