Pantoukios

The small village of Pantoukios used to operate as the habor of the nearby village Sikiada, and was for a longtime called “The haven of Sikiada“.

Located in a bay in the northeast of Chios, 13 kilometers from the city of Chios, the small and pastoral Pantoukios lies untouched by the time. The village is famous most of all for its own inhabitants, which were and still are formidable sailors and captains. In fact, during the Ottoman occupation, the Turks mostly recruited the Pantoukians as captains and boatswains, which in return granted them and their village some privileges. Also the name, Pantoukios, arises from this special relationship, since the translation of the Greek word “πανδοχείο” means “inn”. In between 1930 and 1950 the village counted about 300 citizens and about 40 to 50 ships were docked in the port. Today only 40 souls inspirit the place, most of them being summer residents, fishermen and retired sailors. These, however, mostly have an own small pier for themselves, though the government plans to build a bigger and central one.

There are only a few houses of ship owners, as well as cafes, excellent sea food taverns, the picturesque harbor itself, a playground and the villages' church of Agios Nikolaos. The building was constructed in 1977 and the patron of the sailors and fishermen is being celebrated on December the 6th. The village is also famous for the big Turkish tree, that was planted near the well of the village, as well as the monument of the navy of Sikiada, which was erected in 2005 in cooperation with the municipality of Sikiada for a total amount of 13.500 euros.

The connection between Sikiada and Pantoukios is an unbreakable relationship, as they e.g share the public affairs and schools. The cultural association of Sikiada, established in 1940, also organizes events for celebrations in both villages. The surrounding area includes many cypresses and caves, of which the most famous ones are Skafis and Giaka, with Giaka even having stalactites and both being well worth visiting.