Sikinos
Surrounded by bigger and better-known Cyclades islands such as Naxos, Ios, and Santorini, little Sikinos is a delightfully untouristy island - yes, you can still find them in Greece.
Home to only a few hundred people who live in a couple of villages, Sikinos is not the kind of island to choose if you like nightlife, busy beaches with watersports, and lots of other activities. It's the kind of island for people who want to escape, relax and live life at the rural Greek pace.
In typical Greek island fashion, Sikinos has a port and an upper town, although here the upper town is divided into two separate little communities. One of the few paved roads on the island connects the port of Alopronia with the two inland villages, Kastro and Chorio.
Getting to Sikinos
Ferries to Sikinos
Sikinos isn't too hard to get to, though you'll need to do some advance planning. It's the kind of island which has ferries a few times a week from some places rather than once a day. For example, there are four ferries a week from Piraeus, which can take anything from 7-10 hours depending on the ship and the route.
There are also four ferries a week from the nearest busy island, Ios, which is just 25 minutes away. There's only one weekly ferry to Naxos (2.5 hours), Paros (4 hours) and Syros (6 hours). There are more frequent connections to Santorini (2 hours) and Milos (3.5 hours).
Ferries in Greece
Ferries in Greece has an excellent and very thorough website where, in addition to checking ferry schedules and times, you can also book tickets and get lots of useful information about travelling by ferry in Greece.
What to Do on Sikinos
There are a few things to do on Sikinos, other than hiking and swimming and generally taking it easy. The island used to be known as Oinoe, or the island of wine, as it was once covered in vineyards. These have now largely disappeared, leaving behind a lot of terracing which can sometimes make hiking challenging.
One winery remaining is the Manalis Winery, which still uses the traditional method of making Sikinos wine and which offers an enjoyable tour and tasting. It also has a restaurant with a lovely terrace, open every evening during the summer. It's along the road from Chora to the ruined monastery of Episkopi.
Episkopi is about an hour's walk from Chora and is probably the island's biggest attraction. The buildings date back to the 3rd century AD and were originally a Roman temple. They then became a Greek temple to Apollo, and after that a Christian church and monastery.
In Chora there's a Folklore Museum, typical of what you might expect on a small Greek island but run with great enthusiasm by a local man. Also in Chora, the church of Panagia Pantanassa was built in 1787 and has a collection of Byzantine icons.
The other main attraction, standing above Kastro, is the Monastery of Zoodochos Pigi. This was built in 1690 and used as a place of shelter by islanders when Sikinos was under attack. These days it offers wonderful views and is a great place from which to watch the sunset.
On the way from Chora to the monastery you pass the Church of Panagia Pantohara. This was built in 2011 by the widow of the famous Greek poet Odysseus Elytis. It was one of the poet's last wishes, to have a church built here, as he loved Sikinos, which features in his poetry. There are occasional readings of the poet's work here.
Sikinos Beaches
Sikinos has only a handful of beaches, and only one of these has anything by way of organised facilities. This is known as the Port Beach, and is a short walk from Alopronia and about a 2.5 mile (4 km) walk from Chora. This long and sandy beach has bars, beach umbrellas and sun beds for rent in the summer.
There's also a sandy beach at Dialiskari, which is only accessible by boat or on foot. There are a few rooms to rent if you want a real escape. Otherwise the beaches are a mix of sandy and pebble beaches, and in out-of-the-way places.
Where to Stay on Sikinos
Unless you can find rooms to rent at one of the small beach communities around the coast, your two choices are at the port of Alopronia or in the upper towns of Kastro or Chorio.
The little port of Alopronia is pleasanter than ports on bigger Greek islands, but unless you want to be right by the beach staying in Kastro or Chorio is a much more pleasing prospect. They're pretty towns with whitewashed buildings and narrow streets. If you want the basic facilities on your doorstep - a post office, grocery, ATM, tavernas - then stay in Kastro, although Chorio and Kastro run into each other so nowhere is very far. There are some steep streets, though!
If planning to travel during the summer season then we'd recommend you book ahead as the number of rooms on the island is limited.
More Information
See the island's own official website:
http://www.sikinos.gr
Other Cyclades pages
How to Get from Mykonos to Santorini
You can get from Mykonos to Santorini, and of course from Santorini to Mykonos, by ferry, by plane (sort-of) or even by helicopter.
Andros in the Cyclades Islands of Greece
The island of Andros in the Cyclades has fast ferries from Rafina. There are some good beaches and the main town has two interesting museums.
Schinoussa and Iraklia Travel Guide
This is the first travel guide to Schinoussa and Iraklia, two tiny islands in the Cyclades, published by Real Greek Experiences.
Naxos in the Cyclades Islands of Greece
The island of Naxos is the largest of the Cyclades and on this page you can see information about flights and ferries to Naxos.
Amorgos in the Cyclades Islands of Greece
Travel advice and information on Amorgos in the Cyclades, a dramatic and growing holiday destination with ferries from Athens and other Greek islands
Tinos in the Cyclades Islands of Greece
The island of Tinos in the Cyclades has several daily ferry connections from Rafina on the Greek mainland and is most famous for the Feast of the Assumption.
Paros in the Cyclades Islands in Greece
The island of Paros in the Cyclades is famous for its marble, and on this page you can also see information about flights and ferries to Paros.
Mykonos
Mykonos in the Cyclades islands in Greece has cheap and luxury hotel accommodation, car rental, ferries from Athens, Santorini, Crete and other Greek islands.
Milos in the Cyclades Islands of Greece
The island of Milos in the Cyclades in Greece is noted for its museums and beaches, and read about flights and ferries to Milos.
Syros
Syros is in the Cyclades islands, with Ermoupoli as its main town and some good beaches, described here on the Greece Travel Secrets website.
Antiparos
Travel information about Antiparos near Paros in the Cyclades Islands of Greece from the Greece Travel Secrets website.
Kea
Kea is in the Cyclades group of Greek islands and this page from Greece Travel Secrets shows how to get there by ferry and what to do when you've arrived.
Kythnos
Kythnos is a small island in the Cyclades in the Aegean Sea, with easy access from Athens and popular with Athenians on summer weekends.
Best Time to Visit Mykonos
The best time to visit Mykonos depends on if you want crowds or quiet, heat or cooler temperatures, all of which affect when is the best time to visit Mykonos.
Ios in the Cyclades Islands of Greece
The island of Ios in the Cyclades group of islands in Greece is noted for its nightlife in summer, as well as its beaches, churches and the grave of Homer.
Kimolos
Kimolos is in the Cyclades islands of Greece, close to Milos.
Cyclades
Travel information about the Cyclades group of Greek islands including Mykonos, Santorini (Thira), Naxos, Paros, Delos, Tinos, Siros, Milos, Amorgos.
Delos in the Cyclades Islands of Greece
The island of Delos in the Cyclades islands is a unique archaeological site, taking up the whole island, and a popular day trip from nearby Mykonos.
Sifnos
Sifnos is one of the smaller islands in the Cyclades group in the Aegean Sea.
Things to Do on Mykonos
There are plenty of things to do on Mykonos, one of the most popular Greek islands, such as nightlife, beaches, churches and visiting the ancient site of Delos.
Anafi in the Cyclades islands of Greece
Travel advice and information on Anafi in the Greek Cyclades islands with good beaches, walking, accommodation, tavernas.
Folegandros
Travel information from Greece Travel Secrets about Folegandros in the southern Cyclades, close to Sikinos, with flight and ferry information.
Serifos
Serifos is one of the Cyclades islands in the Aegean Sea, a rugged and mountainous island with a small population.
Latest Posts
-
Airlines from the US Boost Link to Greece with 56 Weekly Flights
Tourist traffic from the US is expected to pick up in the coming months thanks to the launch of 56 direct flights a week to Athens, set to bring more than 1 million travelers to Greece and generate 1… -
Crete’s New Heraklion Airport to Become Mediterranean Hub
Works on the highly anticipated Kastelli Airport to handle initially 15 million passengers a year and create hundreds of jobs are moving ahead as scheduled, said Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotak… -
Greek Destinations Among The Telegraph’s Top 50 Hotspots for Family Holidays
A number of Greek island and mainland destinations are among the travel hotspots that The Telegraph suggests on its “50 fabulous family holidays for 2023” list. -
Greece’s Chiliadou Beach Nominated for Best Filming Location
The European Film Commission Network (EUFCN) has included Chiliadou Beach on the island of Evia among the five finalists for the 6th edition of the Best Filming Location competition. -
Exploring Olympus: Can the Ice Talk?
We head to the “residence of the gods” with a team of scientists seeking to unravel the secrets of past climate change hidden in the mountain’s ice deposits and alpine soils. -
Winter Destination for Foodies: Metsovo
A winery and hotel, a traditional taverna, and a shop selling fine local products of Metsovo, in the Pindus mountains. -
Keep Swimming: Where to Winter on the Beach
7 great beaches where you can throw off your coat and join Athens’ winter swimmers -
Greek Co-Production in the Running for 3 Oscars
Ruben Östlund's film, “Triangle of Sadness,” shot on the Greek island of Evia, receives three nominations for this year’s Academy Awards. -
11 English Language Bookstores in Athens
Before looking online for something engaging to read, stroll over to one of these places and check out what's on their shelves. -
Greek Destinations in the Running for Best in Europe Title
Athens, Rhodes and Milos are the three Greek destinations competing with popular cities in Europe for the title of “European Best Destination 2023”. The competition is being held for the 14th consecut…
Subscribe to our Newsletter for news, information and inspiration for planning your travels in Greece, and get your free ebook, Heaven on Earth. This contains 19 of Mike's favourite stories that he's written about travelling in Greece for newspapers and magazines over the years.
You'll find it over at Substack. Check out one of the Archive issues to find the Subscribe button.
BUY A JOURNAL TO RECORD YOUR OWN GREECE TRAVEL SECRETS!
FOLLOW OUR GREECE VIDEOS
ON YOUTUBE
Best Greece Guide
Of all the many guides to Greece we've seen, this is the one we recommend as best of all:
Greece Travel Inspiration
Buy our book of inspirational travel stories from our travels in Greece over the years.
Take a Look at Our Corfu Guide
FTC Disclosure : If you make a purchase via a link on this site, we may receive a small commission on the transaction - at no added cost to you. Thank you!
Latest Posts
-
Airlines from the US Boost Link to Greece with 56 Weekly Flights
Jan 30, 23 11:00 AM
Tourist traffic from the US is expected to pick up in the coming months thanks to the launch of 56 direct flights a week to Athens, set to bring more than 1 million travelers to Greece and generate 1… -
Crete’s New Heraklion Airport to Become Mediterranean Hub
Jan 30, 23 11:00 AM
Works on the highly anticipated Kastelli Airport to handle initially 15 million passengers a year and create hundreds of jobs are moving ahead as scheduled, said Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotak… -
Greek Destinations Among The Telegraph’s Top 50 Hotspots for Family Holidays
Jan 30, 23 10:56 AM
A number of Greek island and mainland destinations are among the travel hotspots that The Telegraph suggests on its “50 fabulous family holidays for 2023” list. -
Greece’s Chiliadou Beach Nominated for Best Filming Location
Jan 30, 23 10:56 AM
The European Film Commission Network (EUFCN) has included Chiliadou Beach on the island of Evia among the five finalists for the 6th edition of the Best Filming Location competition. -
Exploring Olympus: Can the Ice Talk?
Jan 28, 23 11:25 AM
We head to the “residence of the gods” with a team of scientists seeking to unravel the secrets of past climate change hidden in the mountain’s ice deposits and alpine soils. -
Winter Destination for Foodies: Metsovo
Jan 28, 23 11:25 AM
A winery and hotel, a traditional taverna, and a shop selling fine local products of Metsovo, in the Pindus mountains. -
Keep Swimming: Where to Winter on the Beach
Jan 28, 23 11:25 AM
7 great beaches where you can throw off your coat and join Athens’ winter swimmers -
Greek Co-Production in the Running for 3 Oscars
Jan 28, 23 11:25 AM
Ruben Östlund's film, “Triangle of Sadness,” shot on the Greek island of Evia, receives three nominations for this year’s Academy Awards. -
11 English Language Bookstores in Athens
Jan 28, 23 11:25 AM
Before looking online for something engaging to read, stroll over to one of these places and check out what's on their shelves.
No words or images to be used without prior permission.
We do not sell personal information: see our Privacy Policy.
California Consumer Privacy Act - CCPA: Sale Of Personal Information
Greece Travel Secrets does not sell any information it gathers for any reason. It has not collected or sold any personal information in the last twelve months or ever in the past.
This website was built using Site Build It!
