Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
for the impressive
Moni Mounte
, also called Moni Evangelistrias. Some 500m beyond it
lies a tiny dam with goldfish and croaking frogs.
Another fork leads to popular
Hristos Rahes
, an eclectic hillside village and good
hiking base, known for its late-night shopping and cafe scene. Stop in at the
Women's
Cooperative
( 22750 41076; Hristos Raches)
for local jams, herbs and sweet treats. Along
with various traditional products, there's a useful walking map,
The Round of Rahes on
Foot
(€4), sold at most shops; proceeds go to maintaining the trails
Just above Hristos Rahes, the excellent
Afianes Winery
( 6977893731, 22750 40008;
www.afianeswines.gr
; noon-8pm Thu-Tue)
offers daily tours and free tastings. An
exhibition room features vintage equipment and 19th-century wedding dresses.
After Hristos Rahes, the road south finds rustic
Profitis Ilias
, and then the sign-posted
village of
Pezi
. The landscape now becomes even more rugged and extreme, with wind-
whipped thick green trees clinging to bleak boulders, and wild goats a common sight.
The road finally reaches tiny
Karkinagri
, which has a few tavernas, rooms and a nearby
beach.
In summer this fishing village also has daily boat service to Agios Kirykos. This
highly recommended voyage follows Ikaria's rugged and partially inaccessible southern
coast. The boat calls in at
Manganitis
village; nearby (2.5km) is a secluded stretch of
white pebbles and crystal-clear waters - the appropriately named
Seychelles Beach
tucked within a protected cove.
Alternatively, if coming to Seychelles Beach by car along the coastal road connecting
Manganitis with Evdilos and Agios Kirykos, you'll see an unmarked parking area on the
right-hand side, about 125m after the tunnel; from here, clamber down the path (10 to 15
minutes) to the beach.
Sleeping & Eating
Fakaros Rooms
PENSION $
( 22750 41269; Hristos Rahes; s/d €20/30)
Modest domatia (room, usually in a private
home; cheap accommodation option), a few metres from the plateia at Hristos Rahes, at-
tractive, comfortable, and managed by the English-speaking Fakaros family.
O Karakas
TAVERNA $
