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.

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 kilometres before the Monastery of Mavrianou lies one of Ikaria's best preserved anti-pirate house. The house lies in a narrow curve and is difficult to detect so one must keep one's eyes open. Memorize the picture below so you know what to look for.

Just after the anti-pirate house you can turn left to the Monastery of Mavrianou which date back to the 17th century. The monastery was in operation until 1960 when the last nun moved out. The monastery is unfortunately closed, but the setting is very beautiful and is worth the detour. An Ikarian I talked to said that the islanders are trying to get the monastery on the World Heritage List. I think it will be difficult, it is not that special.

Ikarias most famous Anti-Pirate house is Theoktistis monastery, which you can read about here »

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