Sikinos is the calm little island of the Cyclades and is located between the busy Ios and Folegandros.
It retains unchanged its natural beauty and its beautiful Cycladic architecture that seems to have stopped in time in older, more austere and pure eras.
Away from the hordes of tourists, it remains authentic and is suitable for those travelers seeking tranquility and relaxation.
The whole road network of the island does not exceed 15 kilometers, so if you are looking for a sanctuary to escape from everyday life and you do not like long distances, you have probably chosen correctly!
In Sikinos you do not even need to take a car, if you like walking the old paths of the island will lead you to enchanting unorganized beaches where your soul will calm down.
The port of Sikinos is the picturesque Alopronia.
The fishing village that will welcome you has a symbolic name as it means “protection from the sea”, that is, a hangout to land. There you will find one of the most beautiful and accessible beaches of the island.
The only organized settlement of the island is the beautiful Chora with its narrow alleys and traditional houses. The two districts of Chora are the Castle and the Village that stand facing each other on two hills of the island.
“I used to love in the Village, now I love in the Castle…” wrote the Nobel Prize-winning Greek poet Odysseas Elytis, who often praised Sikinos in his poems.
In Kastro, the fortified settlement of the 15th century, you will find the impressive church of Pantanassa and the Monastery of Zoodochos Pigi where the blue of the sky joins with that of the sea.
And because in Sikinos time passes slowly, choose one of the beaches to spend your day swimming in the crystal clear waters.
You will easily reach Agios Georgios and Dialiskari and you will find umbrellas, while for the rest such as Maltas, Santorinaika, Ai Giannis and Agios Panteleimon you will need to walk or take the boat from Alopronia.
Do not be late if you imagine your vacation on a paradise quiet island Sikinos is waiting for you while if you want to make a pass from here there are frequent itineraries between the islands to indulge in island hopping.
Activities
The cobbled paths of Sikinos are a great way to discover the island. The hiking trails will lead you to the beautiful churches of the island, to the settlements and to the beaches while at the same time you will be able to admire the wild rocky landscape and the blue of the sea!
- As in the rest of the Cyclades, on the big holidays you can have fun with the locals at the festivals of the island, dance and taste traditional recipes.
- At the beginning of July in Sikinos takes place the annual Documentary festival with screenings outside and enchanting places of the island!
Sights
If you are in Sikinos do not miss to visit the impressive Diocese. The haughty Roman mausoleum and later Christian church located 4 km outside Chora.
This is the most interesting monument of Sikinos that seduces you with its enigmatic beauty as it stands among Byzantine chapels, ruins and parts of ancient walls and pieces of marble sculptures. Recently in the area came to light an immortal Roman tomb with rich gifts!
- An old olive mill in the village houses the Folklore Museum of Sikinos while in the square of Chora you will find the Exhibition of post-Byzantine icons dating from the 16th century.
- If you take the boat from Alopronia, ask to go through the Black Cave, one of the largest caves in the Cyclades. Its wild beauty will captivate you!
- Finally, do not forget to take a walk from Panagia Pantohara or the Church of Elytis in the Castle that was built after the poet’s death by his companion to fulfill his vow!
Sikinos is known for its local products. Its thyme honey is one of the best in Greece, so do not forget to try local pastel with sesame!
- In the past, Sikinos was called “Oinoi” from the word wine which means wine. The tradition of wine continues to this day on the island where three special varieties are produced. On the island there is a winery to visit up close to see the process and to taste the “intoxicating” wines of Sikini.
- In the taverns you will find recipes with capers that grow abundantly, salads with string beans and kritamo while legumes have their place of honor. Also try stuffed goat and rooster wine local specialties!
- For a sweet closing, we suggest you sweet watermelon and “diagourena” a local recipe with dough, watermelon juice, honey and sesame.