Anti-pirate houses in Ikaria

An anti-pirate house is a house that is almost hidden by a rock, making the house look as if it has a cap. I suppose that many houses had a cap on when pirates ravaged in the area. The houses were difficult to detect, and remains so today. I have just discovered a few houses. Either there are only a few left, or they are well hidden. Ikaria's most famous anti-pirate house is Theoktistis Monastery, which you can read about via the link at the bottom of the page.

One of these houses lies in what I call "the Wild West" south of Nas. If you follow the coast from Nas, you will pass the village of Nanouras, which is an insignificant fishing village with a cute port. Then follow the coast towards the Monastery of Mavrianou. (If you had chosen the upper road, you would have come to the village of Vrakades. Mikis Theodorakis lived in Vrakades when he was exiled to Ikaria during the junta period. His house - "House with scorpions" - is now a museum.)

Mavrianou Monastery.

A few milometers before the Mavrianou monastery is one of Ikaria's best-preserved anti-pirate houses. The house is on a narrow curve and is difficult to spot, so keep your eyes open. Memorize the picture at the top of the page so you know what to look for.

Just after the anti-pirate house, you can turn left to the Mavrianou monastery, which dates from the 17th century. The convent was in operation until 1960 when the last nun moved out. The monastery is unfortunately closed, but it is very beautiful and is therefore worth the little side trip. An Ikarian I spoke to said that the islanders are trying to get the monastery on the UN World Heritage List. I think it will be difficult, so it's not special.

This anti-pirate house is located near Mavrianou Monastery and really looks like it's wearing a cap.

Don't miss Theoktistis Monastery, which you can read about here »

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