One of the very few Cycladic islands that are trying to preserve, at all costs, the natural beauty of the landscape, as the municipal website states: “Sikinos resists the massive invasion of tourism to preserve the physiognomy of the island, protect its nature and its people from uncontrolled development and to encourage alternative tourism.”
And that’s what sets the tone on the island. And if it sounds unhospitable or old-fashioned, it shouldn’t; the people of Sikinos are very welcoming and the island has a strong cultural identity, the trails are well-maintained making them easily accessible to visitors, the “Documentary Days” film festival is held each summer, with screenings at various outdoor locations around the island, amazing festivals are organised, while we should also mention that the island offers free broadband internet access to both locals and visitors. It’s just that you won’t go to Sikinos to spend your days at 5-star hotels, but to enjoy being in nature and to take advantage of the peace and calm it offers.
There are only two villages on the island, Alopronia that is also the port, and Hora that consists of the settlements Horio and Kastro. Kastro, built in the 15th century, was a walled settlement 280m above sea level, today the only part that survives is the Paraporti on the main square. However, the medieval vibe is still strong all over Hora: small, one-level, houses, winding alleys, narrow passages, stone walls, and small arches that have been painted the Cycladic white, whitewashed walls, basil pots, colourful geraniums and bougainvillea trees in the small gardens.
How to get there:
By boat from Piraeus and Lavrio
Where to stay:
Maistrali: very close to the beach of Alopronia, they offer neat rooms either with a sea or garden view. (Alopronia, tel.: 0030 2286051181, www.maistrali-sikinos.gr).
Ostria Studios – Agnanti: A nice studio complex, ideal for families or groups. They have fully equipped kitchens. (Alopronia, tel.: 0030 2286051062, www.ostriastudios-sikinos.gr).
Kastellos Apartments: Three very nice apartments overlooking the port with pretty, modern décor. Each has a kitchenette. (Alopronia, tel.: 0030 6972377729, www.kastellos-sikinos.gr).
Vrahos Rooms: located in a spot with a lovely view, if offers comfortable rooms with fully equipped kitchens, nice balconies and blooming gardens. (Alopronia, tel.: 0030 2286051 186, www.vrahos-sikinos.gr)
Sunset Sikinos: Cosy, colourful apartments with balconies-gardens and a good view. They have fully equipped kitchens and are ideal for families. (Kastro, tel.: 0030 2286051311, www.sikinos-sunset.gr )
Where will you eat:
To Steki tou Garmpi: Grill – tavern serving dishes that range from steak to gyros, with the typical Greek appetizers. They have a nice outdoor space. (Hora, tel.: 0030 2286051215).
Kapari: a nice little tavern with a menu ranging from seafood to grilled meat on the main road of Hora (Hora, tel.: 0030 2286051070).
Local products: capers, string beans, thyme honey, Sikinos wine, goats’ cheese and dairy products. Traditional products: fava balls, stuffed goat, pasteli (sesame and honey bars).
What to see:
On short or longer walks around the island, you’ll discover little gems like the church of Episkopi. It’s a 3rd century AD tomb monument in the style of the Roman mausoleums with underground arched crypts that in the 17th century was turned into a Christian church. There’s a Byzantine chapel next to it, as well as ancient ruins, parts of walls, located in the centre of the island.
It’s also worth visiting the Zoodochos Pigi (Hrisopigi) nunnery, that was built in 1690 and was then used as a fortress to avoid pirate attacks. It’s a typical castle-monastery, with crypts, battlements, and hidden passageways. The monastery is open to the public in the afternoon (it is located near Hora). Another interesting stop is the Folklore museum, housed in an old olive press, with objects from the island’s folk tradition, as well as tools and machines used at the press (Hora, tel.: 0030 2286051271). Mavri Spilia (black cave) is also very impressive; it’s the largest cave on the island, accessible only by water (right beneath the monastery of Zoodochos Pigi).
Where to swim:
Alopronia: the largest beach on the island, next to the port. There are umbrellas on the beach and also tamarisk trees offering shade. The waters are lovely and shallow, while a stone’s throw away you’ll find taverns and cafés. It’s ideal for families.
Dialiskari: a small bay with diaphanous water and a beautiful sandy beach. There are a few umbrellas and some tamarisk trees and is easily accessible.
Agios Panteleimonas: a small pebbled beach with a cave offering shade. The water there is amazing. It’s not serviced, and you get there on a path from the church of Agios Panteleimonas or by boat.
Agios Georgios: the island’s second largest beach with easy access. Sandy, with amazing waters and a few tamarisk trees. There’s a tavern on one edge.
Ai Giannis: a secluded beach with crystal clear water that is accessed via a bumpy path starting at Episkopi.
Malta: a mini beach with turquoise waters and pebbles. It’s surrounded by rocks and is one of the most beautiful beaches on the island, however it’s quite remote and you get there by beach, of if you enjoy hiking, after a two-hour hike.
Santorineika: it’s not exactly a beach, as it’s quite rocky, but the waters are amazing. You get there on a path or by boat. Make sure to bring snacks and provisions and know that there is no shade there.
What to do:
The island’s size makes it ideal for hiking, and on your hikes you’ll come across ruins of ancient settlements, Byzantine chapels, unique beaches, mysterious caves, and amazing nature that belongs to the Natura 2000 network. Start at Kastro and head to Alopronia on an old trail or go to the beach Malta from the Zoodochos Pigi monastery (it takes about 2 hours). If you want a romantic walk at sunset, then the best place is Panagia Pantohara, a small church on the way from Kastro to the Zoodochos Pigi monastery. At the Agia Marina hill you can see ruins of the ancient city.
Every summer the municipality of Sikinos organises the “Documentary Days” film festival with screenings at various outdoor locations around the island. If you’re on the island during that period, it’s worth going to a screening. Throughout the summer they also organize shows and concerts aiming at showcasing the local culture. You can also go wine tasting at the local “Manalis” winery and try the “Liosato” wine made with local varieties (tel.: 0030 6932272854 & 0030 6932272857). And don’t forget to pack your mask and snorkel to explore the island’s seabed.
Must: a dip at Santorineika and swimming in Mavri Spilia
Info/Useful numbers
Sikinos health centre: 0030 2286051211
Sikinos Port Station: 0030 2286051121
Sikinos Police: 0030 2286051222
Sikinos Town Hall: 2286051228
Read also:
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Astypalaia: the top 10 hiking trails on “Aegean’s Butterfly”
