Magganitis in Ikaria

Usually, must-do's is something you do not want when you are on vacation, but sometimes you have to make exceptions, and Magganitis is such an exception. There are several reasons: that the village is so isolated, that the distance to get there is so remarkable, that the surrounding mountains are so scenically impressive, that the taverna in the port is so very cute, that the beach before the village is called Seychelles (just such a thing), and that you drive through a tunnel.

The cute little port in Magganitis.

The tunnel that runs from the Seychelles to Magganitis.

After the tunnel, the beautiful stretch of road continues to Magganitis.

You can park your car in the small port, but not anywhere. :-)

From the Seychelles there is about 3 kilometres to Magganitis. Here live about 160 people, most of them lives by fishing. The cute little port is well protected in a narrow bay surrounded by steep mountains. The port is not only used as a berthing place for boats, it is also used as a bathing place, for the Greeks I might add, they can go for a swim anywhere, as long there is water. :-) During high season there is a bathing boat between Magganitis and Seychelles.

The port and taverna in Magganitis.

The water surrounding Magganitis invites you to swim.

I don't think I've ever seen so many small boats in a port like this.

Notice the rocks on the right.

The rocks are incredibly awesome and the water is very snorkel-friendly.

The rock formations almost look like the statues on Easter Island.

Taverna Ston Gialo kanei Fourtouna in Magganitis.

Far into the bay lies Taverna Ston Gialo kanei Fourtouna. The location could not be better. The menu is not much to boast about, not if you want to choose among different dishes. At least it was like that when we were here. We asked an old man who looked like he was working at the taverna what was on the menu, Pikelia was the answer. Nothing else. So we ordered a Pikelia for two. The old man rang a phone call, we heard him say: mia pikelia, dio atoma (one pikelia for two people).

Pikelia for two at Taverna Ston Gialo kanei Fourtouna.

In the meantime we were at the taverna (it was wonderful, quiet and peaceful, and the view over the sea was lovely) we heard him make the same call many times, everyone who ate at the taverna had Pikelia. That there was only one dish (which consists of many small dishes) did not do anything, we both had enough to eat and it tasted delicious.

The pikelia was insanely good, I promise!

Do not miss the Seychelles, which you can read about here »

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