Southwest of Samos is Ikaria, which boasts an incredible range of scenery. Steep and naked rocks to the south, a calm and serene landscape to the north, where one encounters fabulous beaches. The island's capital, Agios Kirikos, is decorated with several old two-storey captains-houses. The radioactive springs at Therma have been used as a spa since antiquity. At Katavostamo, on the north coast, the white washed houses peek through the vegetation reaching almost to the water's edge. The small, pretty harbour of EvdiIos is next to some fine beaches with charming tavernas on them. A dense pine forest is host to several streams that flow onto a spectacular beach at Armenistis. Many villages scattered amid the verdant countryside. To thr north, Fanari is of special archaeological interest in a place of great natural beauty.