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Xilosirtis

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City
—°3
Xilosirtis (Greece)
ℹ️

Practical info — Xilosirtis

🌤 Weather — 5 days

📍 Nearby

Sights nearby

💡 Tips

  • Embrace 'Ikarian time'; do not expect things to happen exactly on schedule here.
  • The village is built on a steep slope, so wear comfortable walking shoes for the many stairs.
  • Take a walk to find the 'Athanato Nero' (Immortal Water) spring just outside the village.
  • Rent a car or a scooter, as public transport on this side of the island is very sparse.

🍽 Food

🍽
Ikarian Honey and Apricots

Xilosirtis is famous for its apricots; try them fresh or as preserves.

🍽
Soufiko

A traditional Ikarian slow-cooked vegetable stew, widely available in local tavernas.

🍽
Local Goat Meat

Enjoy it slow-cooked or roasted in the family-run eateries on the main road.

🛍 Shopping · 🧘 Quiet spots

🛍
Apricot Preserves

Buy a jar of local sweet preserves from the village grocers.

🛍
Ikarian Wine (Pramnios Oinos)

A strong local red wine sold in the mini-markets.

🧘
Xilosirtis Beach

A pebbled, unorganized beach that is peaceful and first-rate for a quiet swim.

🧘
Athanato Nero Spring Area

A serene coastal spot where locals come to fill up on natural mineral water.

Xilosirtis is a pretty traditional village clinging to the steep hillsides of the Greek island of Ikaria. Looking out over the deep blue expanse of the Aegean Sea, this peaceful settlement is famous for its lush vegetation, particularly its abundant apricot orchards which thrive in the local microclimate. The village perfectly embodies the famous Ikarian lifestyle. Down at the coastline, visitors can find the local beach (παραλία), which features classic Aegean pebbles and incredibly clear, refreshing waters. This tranquil shore is first-rate for those seeking a quiet escape away from crowded tourist hotspots, offering a serene environment where the sound of the gentle waves against the stones creates a naturally meditative atmosphere. As part of a designated Blue Zone, life in Xilosirtis moves at a wonderfully relaxed pace. Visitors can wander through the narrow, winding pathways of the village, interact with the exceptionally long-lived locals, and enjoy authentic Ikarian cuisine in traditional seaside tavernas, where locally caught seafood and fresh organic vegetables are always on the daily menu.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is May, Jun, Oct.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C131314161923252623211714
Rain mm12493553421721174481107

Geography

Population
1,908
Coordinates
37.59074, 26.25153

Facts

  • Located on Ikaria island
  • Part of a global Blue Zone
  • Known for its local beach (παραλία)
  • Abundant apricot cultivation
  • Steep, dramatic coastline views
  • Traditional Aegean architecture
  • Exceptionally relaxed pace of life
  • Authentic local seafood tavernas

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Xilosirtis (3)

Mone Leukados Euaggelismos⛪ religious

Euaggelismos Monastery in Xilosirtis, an Orthodox monastery dedicated to the Annunciation.

paralia🎡 recreation

A long sandy beach with beach bars in Xilosirtis.

Surtiko🎡 recreation

Surtiko is a peaceful beach providing seaside recreation opportunities in Xilosirtis.

Frequently asked questions

Xilosirtis: where is it located?
Xilosirtis is located in Greece.
Xilosirtis: what is there to see?
Highlights include Mone Leukados Euaggelismos, paralia, Surtiko.
Xilosirtis: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is May, Jun, Oct.
Xilosirtis: why is it worth visiting?
Xilosirtis is a pretty traditional village clinging to the steep hillsides of the Greek island of Ikaria.
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