One of the quiet luxuries of staying in Nanouras is that the sea is never far away — and rarely crowded. While much of the Aegean's coastline has become synonymous with packed sun loungers and beach bars, this corner of Ikaria's north coast remains defined by rocky coves, small pebble beaches, and stretches of water so clear that the sea floor is visible many meters down. For guests of Ikarian Endless Blue, exploring these hidden shores is one of the simplest and most memorable parts of a stay.
The closest of these is the small beach just 100 steps from the house itself — a secluded patch of sand and smooth stones tucked into the coastline, reached by a short path down from the terrace. It is the kind of place that rarely appears in guidebooks, used mainly by the handful of families who live nearby. Mornings here are particularly special: the water is calm, the light is soft, and it is common to have the entire cove to yourself.
"The best beaches in Ikaria are not the ones you find on a map. They are the ones a local shows you." — A common saying among Ikarian hosts
Nas: Ikaria's Most Famous Lagoon
A short drive from Nanouras brings you to Nas, one of Ikaria's most celebrated beaches and a favorite among both locals and visitors. Nas sits at the mouth of a small river, where fresh water meets the sea, creating a natural lagoon framed by dramatic rock formations. The setting is striking: rugged cliffs on either side, a pebble beach that slopes gently into turquoise water, and the ruins of an ancient temple to Artemis perched on the headland above, a reminder of just how long this stretch of coast has drawn people to its waters.
Swimming at Nas feels different from swimming at a typical beach — the interplay between the cooler river water and the warmer sea creates shifting currents and temperatures that many visitors find invigorating. The beach itself has a relaxed, slightly bohemian atmosphere, with a handful of tavernas serving fresh fish and local dishes within sight of the waves.
Armenistis and Beyond
Further along the coast, the village of Armenistis offers additional beaches with a more developed but still relaxed feel — golden sand, gentle waves, and a good selection of cafes and tavernas for a lazy afternoon. From here, smaller dirt roads and footpaths branch off toward even more secluded coves, many accessible only on foot or by small boat. Exploring these paths is one of the quiet pleasures of staying in this part of Ikaria: a half-hour walk along a coastal trail can reveal a tiny, empty beach that feels untouched by time.
Making the Most of the Coastline
Our concierge service is happy to point guests toward the coves and beaches that best match what they are looking for, whether that is a five-minute walk to a quiet swimming spot, a half-day excursion to Nas and Armenistis, or a private boat trip to coves accessible only from the water. For many guests, the rhythm of a stay at Ikarian Endless Blue settles into something simple: a morning swim in the cove below the house, a midday excursion to one of the island's more famous beaches, and an evening back on the terrace, watching the same sea that has shaped this coastline for thousands of years turn gold, then rose, then deep blue as the sun sets over the Aegean.