Fishing boats are moored in Gialos harbor. Magganitis is one of Ikaria’s larger villages, set among numerous olive trees, pine trees, and other trees. The harbor, village, and tree-filled surroundings give the place its own character, while the beaches reveal another side of a stay here.
Village and Beaches
The beaches of Magganitis include Seychelles and Fyrodi. Seychelles is made up of pebbles and sand and has no facilities. Fyrodi is the oldest of the village’s three beaches. These differences can help you choose if the beach’s surface or facilities are important to you.
Gialos harbor is also a distinct landmark in the area: fishing boats are moored there. Together with its setting among olive trees, pine trees, and other trees, this gives a picture of Magganitis that goes beyond its beaches.
Getting There and Getting Around
Magganitis is accessible by road from Agios Kirykos in the south and Evdilos in the north. In addition, boat services in the south connect Agios Kirykos, Magganitis, and Karkinagri. A tunnel built in the early 1990s connects Magganitis with the rest of Ikaria. These different connections can help you plan your journey; check current boat services and schedules before traveling.
Nature and Outdoor Activities on Ikaria
Ikaria as a whole has numerous safe hiking trails with scenic views. One trail passes through the Halari Gorge. Cycling is also possible on the island, particularly mountain biking; Ikaria is also suitable for surfing.
Other natural features also relate to Ikaria as a whole: the island’s protected areas are part of the Natura 2000 network, and Ikaria is designated an Important Bird Area under the international code GR143-Ikaria Island. The mouth of the Halaris River is a natural coastal wetland covering 19.9 acres. The Randi Forest, also known as Gaia, lies in the center of the island, west of the Sierra Atheras, and covers about 16 km².
History and Culture on Ikaria
The Archaeological Museum of Agios Kirykos is housed in a neoclassical building that formerly served as the area’s secondary school and was later designated a protected monument. The museum displays finds relating to the history of Ikaria and its inhabitants, from the Neolithic period (6800–3800 BC) to Roman times.
Other historical sites on Ikaria include the ruins of the ancient spa town of Thermae, east of the present-day village of Therma, and the ruins of Oinoe in the present-day area of Kampos. Oinoe was the island’s ancient capital. Koskina Castle is near the village of Kossoikia, a few kilometers outside Evdilos and roughly in the middle of Ikaria. At the eastern end of the island, in the area of Faros (Fanari), stands the ancient Tower of Drakano. The Theoskepasti Chapel is also a distinctive structure: it is located in a cave covered by a rock above.
Festivals and Flavors
The villages of Ikaria hold festivals throughout the year for religious and some non-religious holidays; dates may vary. Visitors to Ikaria can sample a range of Ikarian wines and learn more about their production at four wineries. Check availability before planning a visit. Another island specialty is kolokasi (Colocasia esculenta), a plant that is rare in Greece and found only on Ikaria.
Discover more destinations: Ágios Kírykos, Gialiskarion, Ikaria, Fourni, Armenistís
Go to the main travel overview: Ikaria.
