Sikinos island

General info
Sikinos island belongs to the Cyclades cluster, located between Ios and Folegandros. It covers 40 square km and has a population of 250 residents approximately.
Being one of the best-known small islands of Cyclades, Sikinos is the ideal destination for nature lovers and for those who appreciate relaxation in a peaceful traditional island, since it is one of the few ones that have remained unspoiled from tourism in such an admirable extent. The island instantly charms the visitor with its unembellished natural beauty which led experts to include Sikinos as one of the protected biotopes in the European Network Natural 2000.

Its imposing mountainous landscape is adorned by scarce wild vegetation, vineyards, and stone fences where olive and fig trees are cultivated. Its coastline of 40km surrounds the island with little charming bays, hidden coves, cliffs in beautiful shapes and shores with fine blue-green waters. The traditional  bright white houses that  seem to rest leisurely under the sun,  surrounded by flower-pots with colourful flowers, the open- hearted, hospitable residents  transfer to the visitor  an aura of artless simplicity; a sense of welcome.

The  ruins of the ancient city of Sikinos, the fortified castle which lies in the centre of Chora (Hora), the capital of Sikinos, the remarkable church of Episkopi and the Byzantine churches which are found scattered on the island reveal its  cultural heritage  and are undoubtedly  some of the most worth-visiting sightseeing.

Sikinos is surely not a “party” island, but this is its greatest asset, since it offers to the visitor a tranquillity of the senses, the luxury to experience -even for a short time- a simple, natural way of living. Furthermore, it’s neighbouring with the islands of Ios and Folegandros and its frequent connections with many islands make Sikinos an ideal spot for starting your exploration in Cyclades cluster.

Neighbouring islands to Sikinos are Ios and Folegandros.

Historical profile
According to mythology, the ancient name of Sikinos was Oinoi (Oinoe), (derived by the Greek word “Oinos”, which means “wine”), due to its abundant vineyards and its famous high quality wine.
It took its current name from Sikinos, the son of the king of Limnos (Lemnos) island, Thoa and the nymph Naias. Remains of an ancient settlement that have found in the island prove its inhabitation since Prehistoric Times and its first settles are considered to be Ions.

Sikinos couldn’t but follow the destiny of the other Cycladic islands and thus was dominated by Macedonians, Ptolemies and Romans. Later, it became part of the Byzantine Empire and in 1207 it came under Frankish rule until the Spanish dominated it in 1307.  In later years Ottomans occupied the island until 1830, when Sikinos gained its freedom and incorporated to Greek State. But again, in 1941 Italians and then Germans subjugated the island until 1944, when Sikinos was finally liberated.

Villages
Chora (Hora), is the capital of Sikinos. It is the most picturesque settlement of the island and one of the most traditional ones in Cyclades.  Located in the northwest coast of the island and   built amphitheatrically on the slopes of a hill, Chora is a perfect “card postal” itself, but also offers a breathtaking view to the Aegean.

The capital consists of two settlements:  the oldest part called Chorio (Horio), and the new one named Kastro (Castle). Old houses -perfect examples of the Cycladic architecture-, mansions, narrow cobbled streets, arches and picturesque squares but also remarkable churches, windmills and the 15th century fortified Castle, create the timeless beauty of Chora.

On the northeast part of the island and just 4 km approximately from Chora, lies Alopronia, a traditional seaside settlement and also port of Sikinos, which attracts many visitors for its authentic colour but also for its beautiful sandy beach. Here you will find several accommodation facilities, cosy coffee –shops and traditional taverns.

Southwest and at a distance 4km to Chora is located the Episkopi settlement.  The settlement has considerable historical and archaeological value since remains of the ancient city and of Pithio Apollo’s temple are still saved here. The remarkable old church of Episkopi, (which was initially, a Roman mausoleum that transformed into a Christian temple in the 17th century) the Byzantine chapel of Agia Anna (St. Anna) are pure historical jewels of Sikinos. 

Beaches
Sikinos has few, yet beautiful sandy and pebbled beaches with deep blue clear waters, ideal for relaxation.

The beach of Alopronia is a wide sandy one with clear waters which becomes relatively busy during high season. On the eastern north part of Sikinos, the beach of Agios Georgios,   is a magnificent pebbled beach with extraordinary crystalline waters, while nearby are found he beaches of Malta and Dialiskari which are equally fine ones, yet less crowded. 

Access
Sikinos is connected directly by scheduled trips with Piraeus Port, especially during summer season. There is also regular connection with the islands of Sifnos, Naxos, Ios, Folegandros, Milos, Kimolos, Sifnos, Serifos (Seriphos), Paros, Anafi and Santorini.