Accommodation in Ikaria, for our students
We offer our students and other guests accommodation in Ikaria, in the Center’s guesthouse, in the “campus” complex, next to the buildings where the courses are taking place. Each student has a private room, which can be shared at no extra cost with a friend traveling with him. All rooms are double occupancy, with private bathroom and kitchenette.
The guesthouse is located in a wooded area 1.5 Km outside the mountain settlement of Arethousa and 3 Km above the seaside Karavostamo. The view to the mountain and the sea from the guesthouse is enchanting and the contact with nature is immediate. You will enjoy the scenery and the tranquility of nature in a magical location, between the mountain and the sea.
Life at the guesthouse
Accommodation at Ikarian Centre is perfect for those who wish for an experience off the beaten path. Here you can enjoy a course or simple holidays combined with a healthy dose of nature and community, not to mention the opportunity to become better acquainted with the local Ikarian culture (which may make have you believing you just stepped out of a time machine). Although our students will have their own private space, the larger areas of the facilities – the patio, classrooms, and common kitchen – provide a place for teachers and students, maybe also participants in hiking activities, to come together for learning, for discussions, for meals, and for enjoyment. The scheduled afternoon/evening activities, like hiking on the mountains of the area, traditional dance lessons, learning to sing Greek songs, film screenings, cooking evenings, slide shows, create a learning environment outside the classroom that makes the students’ stay more productive, interesting and fun. Outings to local taverns and cafes arise spontaneously in our free time, depending on the mood of the group.
Food
Simple meals ARE ALSO served from Monday to Friday, during the courses and activities we offer from April 1st to Nov 31st. Breakfast is not served, however you may always use the kitchenette in your room in order to prepare your breakfast and if necessary (if you follow a special diet), your own meals. Our menu does not cater for special diets, but if you are a vegetarian or you cannot eat gluten, you will survive if you cook something special for some of the days of your stay. If you are vegan or on a very special diet you should take care of your own meals.
In the nearby village of Arethousa and Karavostamo (less than 10 min by car) there are cafes, and tavernas. You can also find grocery stores in Evdilos and Karavostamo. The cost of living in Ikaria is still quite inexpensive: A meal at one of the local tavernas costs about €15 (including wine).
Local transport
We facilitate the transport of our students. As one of our students, you will be able to visit the surrounding villages and beaches without having to rent a car. However, if you want to be free to go where you want whenever you decide, you can rent a car or a scooter. Find out more about whether you should rent a car in Ikaria while you participate in our courses. Also note that if you share your room with a fellow traveler who is not participating in our courses, most probably you must rend a vehicle for your local transport. Guests who just want to rent a room for a few nights must come with their own vehicle
Amenities & Location
All rooms are twin occupancy, with two single beds that can be joined without leaving a gap in the middle. Each room has a separate external entrance and includes a kitchenette and a private bathroom. All rooms are all well heated. The guesthouse facilities also include a small library-reading room, a common kitchen and several courtyards and covered areas where one can sit alone or meet with other guests. All areas have good wifi access.
Amenities
- twin occupancy rooms,
- separate external entrance for each room
- two separate beds in each room (however you can connect them without leaving a gap between the mattresses)
- fully equipped kitchenette (with stove and refrigerator in each room
- bathroom in each room,
- heating,
- bed sheets and towels,
- fast Internet and wifi in every room and yard
- free use of washing machine,
- common kitchen,
- common reading – study room
- private parking