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A Cliffside Lighthouse with Stunning Aegean Views on Ikaria
Perched on the homonymous rugged cape of Ikaria, Kavo Papas Lighthouse is a striking maritime landmark with a rich history dating back to the late 19th century. Built between 1886 and 1890 under Ottoman rule by the French Lighthouse Company, it guided countless sailors through the northern Aegean Sea. According to tradition, the cape—and therefore the lighthouse—was named after a pope who narrowly survived a shipwreck while traveling from Constantinople to Rome, adding a fascinating historical legend to its story.
History
Kavo Papas Lighthouse officially became part of the Greek Lighthouse Network on April 9, 1915, following the Balkan Wars. Originally powered by oil, its first Fresnel lens, manufactured by Sautter Lemmonier et Cie, emitted a white flash every minute, visible up to 23 nautical miles. Staff included five men: a head keeper and three lighthouse attendants of varying ranks.
During World War II, the lighthouse was turned off and used as a military outpost by Italian forces, sustaining significant damage. It reopened in 1945 with a temporary acetylene flame while restoration works were underway. By 1949, repairs were complete, new lighting equipment was installed, and it operated as a supervised electric lighthouse, flashing white every 20 seconds with a range of 25 nautical miles. The lighthouse was fully automated in 2000.
Location
Kavo Papas dominates the southwestern tip of Ikaria, guiding ships safely through the central and eastern Aegean. Its dramatic setting has also featured in Greek cinema, including the film “To Fōs Pou Svinei” starring Alekos Alexandrakis as the lighthouse keeper. Recognized for its cultural and historical importance, the lighthouse is legally protected as a Modern Historical Monument under Law 3028/2002.
Structure
The lighthouse complex includes the keeper’s residence—a single-story building with a hallway, three rooms, a kitchen, storage area, and an oven—and the 11-meter-high cylindrical tower. The lighthouse stands at an elevation of 75 meters above sea level.
Visiting Kavo Papas Lighthouse
Visitors can reach the lighthouse by sea or via a challenging hiking trail starting near the village of Karkinagri. A shorter route is accessible from the paved Karkinagri–Evdilos road, leading directly to the lighthouse at the cape. The hike offers breathtaking views of Ikaria’s rugged coastline and the Aegean Sea.