1. Welcome to Sikinos island
Sikinos is a small Greek island in the Cyclades. It is located midway between the islands of Ios and Folegandros. It was known as Oinoe (Island of Wine) in Ancient Greece. It contrasts with nearby islands, such as Ios, in being quiet and relatively less developed. There are two villages, one being a harbor, and the other higher up in the hills. There are a handful of taverns in the harbor. The beach at the harbor is one of two large sandy beaches on the island. Several ancient ruins rest on the island, although some are remote. There are only 2 paved roads, although a third is being built to connect the nascent heliport and eventually a new resort on the other sandy beach, and there are several well-maintained dirt roads. Much of the island is very difficult to access due to the terrain. Nearly all of the island’s area is covered by terraces once used for extensive agriculture. Now only a handful is used across the island, most operating on government subsidies. The community had a 2001 census population of 238 inhabitants. It includes the uninhabited island of Kardiotissa and other uninhabited islets. Its total land area is 42.507 km².
Transactions: There are no banks on Sikinos. Any necessary transactions can be carried out via an ATM machine.
Medical: In the island a pharmacy does not exist. Medicines are given out by the small health center with a health book (vivliario igeias).
If you need any extra information about the island of Sikinos, then please contact us here information@abettergreece.com or +30 69 34 620 501 / +30 22840 24 879
2. Activities on Sikinos
Sikinos offers its guests boat trips to many of the beautiful beaches, snorkeling in the clear blue waters, sightseeing, walking trips and many relaxing, peaceful activities. If you are looking for lively, loud holidays, then I am afraid that Sikinos would not be the right choice for you.
Transportation
Ferry Route Details for the island of Sikinos
| Sikinos Coast Guard | +30 22860 51121 |
| Piraeus Coast Gourd | +30 210 422600 |
Transportation on the island of Sikinos
| Bus | regular service Alopronia – Country – Diocese (tel. Guide: +30 6937 865 866) |
| Rental bikes | Available at the gas station (tel +30 22860 51205 +30 6937 865866) |
| Taxi | On Sikinos, there is no Taxi. |
| other transportation | Sikinos has a heliport |
HOW TO GET TO SIKINOS
Travel information for Ferries. Ships and Ferries to Sikinos – Cycladic Islands.
Sikinos and the Cyclades in general are connected to the ports of Piraeus and Rafina. From Sikinos you can also visit the nearby Cycladic islands of Ios, Santorini, Kimolos, Naxos, Anafi, Amorgos etc.
In addition, there are ferry connection from Sikinos ferry to the islands of Crete, Rhodes, and basically all Dodecanese and East Aegean Islands via a third island.
Your trip to Sikinos can be with a conventional ferry boat, by High speed or Flying dolphin depending on the day, the time and the ferry company you wish to travel with.
If you select to visit Sikinos with the conventional ferry your trip will take about 5-7 hours while with a High speed ferry 3.5-4.5 hours depending on how many ports the ferry will call at on the way.
Ferries from Piraeus to Sikinos run all year round on a daily basis. In summer of course there are more departures to choose from.
- Piraeus – Kythnos – Serifos – Sifnos – Kimolos – Milos – Folegandros – Sikinos– Ios – Santorini
2. Piraeus – Kythnos – Serifos – Sifnos – Kimolos – Milos – Folegandros – Sikinos– Ios – Santorini – Anafi
3. Piraeus – Kythnos – Serifos – Sifnos – Milos – Kimolos – Folegandros – Sikinos – Ios
4. Santorini – Thirasia – Ios – Sikinos – Folegandros
Attention !
The above mentioned information is subject to alteration. To be sure about correct schedules, departure and arrival times of conventional and high-speed ferries check the ONLINE Booking System. Click here.
3. Best beaches on Sikinos
Sikinos is a small virgin island located in the Small Cyclades with picturesque beaches and sandy, relaxing, clear blue water. The coastline of Sikinos is peppered with secluded bays and pretty coves, many of them only accessible on foot. You won’t find all the tourist facilities and water sports to be had at the frantic main beach resort of neighboring Ios, but that’s part of the island’s charm. You don’t have to share a crowded bus to the beach with hordes of holiday makers and no loud music blares for the benefit of gyrating beach babes. If you want something to do on one of the beaches of Sikinos you’d better take a book or your snorkeling gear.
The port of Alopronia is a small, sleepy harbor with an extended jetty and breakwater. A few cafes and taverns dot the quay side and there’s a long sandy beach, gently shelving into the water making it ideal for families. There’s not much more going on here by day than the coming and goings of small fishing boats and the arrival and departure of ferries to and from the mainland and neighboring islands. A lack of moorings means the luxury yachts which pass through on their journey through the islands rarely stop here for more than a few hours. Their passengers enjoy a spot of scuba diving or snorkeling in the island’s rocky coves before sailing on to livelier destinations.
The merciful absence of mass tourism here has allowed an important ecosystem of flora and fauna to flourish undisturbed. The island’s cliffs are home to wild Aegean pigeons and other seabirds and the crystal clear waters boast an abundance of marine life. Ask one of the islanders to direct you to the caves which house some marvelous stalagmites and stalactites.
Eat in one of the seafood taverns of Alopronia and you’ll be able to savor the freshest imaginable fish just plucked from the local waters – lobster, red snapper and flatfish are all found in abundance here. From August till December you’ll be able to see the locals fishing every night for squid using a special kind of bait called “kaftero”.
Fishing, swimming and snorkeling are your only real water sports options on Sikinos which doesn’t have the nautical and diving clubs of the more commercialized islands.
Water taxis, known as caciques, run up the coast from Alopronia in high season to the sandy beach at Ayios Georgios which has a good quality tavern open during the daytime. A short walk beyond that to the north is Malta Beach which is the site of some ancient ruins.
You can walk to the beach at Ayios Nikolaos to the north of the port or try Katergo, a short walk south of Alopronia where there are some interesting rocks to explore.
Set off on foot along the coastline and you’ll find plenty of unspoiled coves where you can sit in solitude or dive off the rocks.
4. Sightseeing on Sikinos
The Zoodochou Pigi Monastery (also known as Chrissopigi)
A large monastery for nuns (a female monastery) that was built in 1690. King Otto, the first king of Greece stopped the operation of the monastery in 1834. The monastery Chryssopigi was the last resort for the islands inhabitants each time that Sikinos was raided by the pirates: neither the heavy wooden gate nor the high walls, crypts, secret passages, battlements, ramparts, breakout exits toward the cliff averted raping, slaughtering, and annihilation of the defenseless peasants. The monastery can be visited every afternoon and evening.
The temple of Episkopoi: This site is a funerary building shaped like a temple of the 2d-3d century AD. It is a very interesting, peculiar and popular monument and perhaps considered to be the best monument on Sikinos. The temple is located in the wilderness of the mainland, and is surrounded by a complex of Byzantine chapels, cells, ancient ruins, wall stones and fragments of marble sculptures.
Enigmatic and silent, it was initially thought to be a temple of Pythios Apollo but the strange building with the underground vaulted crypts has been identified as belonging to the type of the roman mausoleums, burial monuments of the 2d-3d AD.
In the 17th century the temple was transformed into a christian church with domes. The uniqueness of Episkopi lies in the fact that it preserves the basic characteristics of both its Roman and its Post-byzantine past and is a standing monument of the site’s long history.
The Pantanassa Church: The main temple of Sikinos was built in 1787. Inside one can see the gold-painted, wood-carved temple.
The Byzantine collection on Sikinos: The small museum is located in Chora, main square. It contains the island’s Post-byzantine icons: after the fall of Constantinople many painters fled to Crete. Until the 16th century they developed a style of icon painting called School of Crete. The icons of the Sikinos Byzantine collection belong to this school.
The folklore museum on Sikinos: Located in Horio, at the old oil-press building.
The mavri Spilia (The black cave): The largest cave of Sikinos and one of the largest in Cyclades. It is located on the northern side of the island, under the Crryssopigi monastery and can be accessed only by boat.
The Kastro settlement: Kastro, built on the edge of a 280 m. high cliff, is a fortressed settlement (hence the name) of the 15th century. Here beats the island’s heart: shops, cafes, taverns and the central -or more accurately the only- square are the core of the island’s social life. Wander around to discover old stone mansions, the golden-painted wood-carved temple in Pantanassa church and old icons at the Byzantine Collection.
5. Villages and settlements on Sikinos
| Sikinos has three settlements: Alopronia, Horio and Kastro. |
| Alopronia is the name of the small and tranquil port of Sikinos. The largest beach of Sikinos, Livadi, is adjacent to Alopronia, where one can enjoy excellent swimming or a delicious meal at the tavernas by the seaside. A supermarket, a hotel and rooms to let are available in Alopronia. A coffee at the coffee shops along the pier berofe the evening stroll is highly recommended. Bars are also available for a night drink. Take the bus to Hora and Episkopi temple. Take the boat for excursions to the secluded beaches all around the island. |
| Hora of Sikinos (i.e. capital city) lies 3,5 Km up the road from Alopronia. Hora consists of two settlements, facing each other, only a few hundred meters away: Horio (i.e. the village) and Kastro (i.e. the castle). |
| Horio, the oldest settlement, is a small labyrinth of alleys, old houses, quaint arches, passageways, hidden corners, blossomed orchards and stone steps. Once you get there do take heed of the silent sound of an old, long-gone world. This sound is not to be disregarded: it is the quintessence of what Sikinos has to offer. |
| Kastro, built on the edge of a 280 m. high cliff, is a fortressed settlement (hence the name) of the 15th century. Here beats the island’s heart: shops, cafes, taverns and the central -or more accurately the only- square are the core of the island’s social life. Wander around to discover old stone mansions, the golden-painted wood-carved temple in Pantanassa church and old icons at the Byzantine Collection. |
6. The history and mythology of Sikinos
Sikinos has been producing lots of grapes and wine since the ancient times. This is why the ancient by name of Sikinos was Oinoi, since “oinos” means “wine” in Greek. The name is dated back to prehistoric times. The first reference of “Sikinos” is made by Solon in 604 B.C.
During ancient times the island was believed to be Ionian. From archaeologic and historic remnants scattered all over Sikinos it is assumed that the island has been inhabited since the prehistoric times. It fell into the hands of successive conquerors until, after a brief occupation by the Ottomans, it became part of Greece in 1828.
Sikinos is an island with an age-long history.
During ancient times it was named Inoi because the production of fine wine flourished on the island.
In the 10th century BC Sikinos was inhabited by Ions. During the 5th century BC the island was under the domination of Athens.
In the course of history, Sikinos followed the fate of the other Cyclades.
It was under the control of Romans, Byzantines, Venetians and Turkish. During the Venetian domination it belonged to the Ducat of Naxos. In 1537 the Turks came to the island. It finally became a part of Greece in 1829.
SIKINOS IN GREEK MYTHOLOGY
According to mythology, the king of the island of Lemnos was a man called Thoas.
He was forced to flee his kingdom as the women of the island revolted killing all the men. He made his escape by sea in a large urn.
The urn drifted all the way to Oinoi. It was here that Thoas met a nymph and had a son whom he named Sikinos. The island was named after Sikinos, son of Thoas.
7. Rent a car on Sikinos
| Bus | regular service Alopronia – Country – Diocese (tel. Guide: +30 6937 865 866) |
| Rental bikes | Available at the gas station (tel +30 22860 51205 +30 6937 865866) |
| Taxi | On Sikinos, there is no Taxi. |
| other transportation | Sikinos has a heliport |
8. Useful information about Sikinos island
Sikinos is a Greek island in the Cyclades. It is located midway between the islands of Ios and Folegandros. It was known as Oinoe (Island of Wine) in Ancient Greece. It contrasts with nearby islands, such as Ios, in being quiet and relatively less developed. There are two villages, one being a harbor, and the other higher up in the hills. There are a handful of taverns in the harbor. The beach at the harbor is one of two large sandy beaches on the island. Several ancient ruins rest on the island, although some are remote. There are only 2 paved roads, although a third is being built to connect the nascent heliport and eventually a new resort on the other sandy beach, and there are several well-maintained dirt roads. Much of the island is very difficult to access due to the terrain. Nearly all of the island’s area is covered by terraces once used for extensive agriculture. Now only a handful is used across the island, most operating on government subsidies. The community had a 2001 census population of 238 inhabitants. It includes the uninhabited island of Kardiotissa and other uninhabited islets. Its total land area is 42.507 km². Transactions: There are no banks on Sikinos. Any necessary transactions can be carried out via an ATM machine. Medical: In the island a pharmacy does not exist. Medicines are given out by the small health centre with a health book (vivliario igeias).
ACTIVITIES ON SIKINOS Sikinos offers its guests boat trips to many of the beautiful beaches, snorkeling in the clear blue waters, sightseeing, walking trips and many relaxing, peaceful activities. If you are looking for lively, loud holidays, then I am afraid that Sikinos would not be the right choice for you. Transportation Ferry Route Details for the island of Sikinos Sikinos Travel Agent +30 22860 51168 +30 6936 621946 Sikinos Coast Guard +30 22860 51121 Piraeus Coast Gourd +30 210 422600 Transportation on the island of Sikinos Bus regular service Alopronia – Country – Diocese (tel. Guide: +30 6937 865 866) Rental bikes Available at the gas station (tel +30 22860 51205 +30 6937 865866) Taxi On Sikinos, there is no Taxi. other transportation Sikinos has a heliport
HOW TO GET TO SIKINOS
Sikinos and the Cyclades in general are connected to the ports of Piraeus and Rafina. From Sikinos you can also visit the nearby Cycladic islands of Ios, Santorini, Kimolos, Naxos, Anafi, Amorgos etc.
In addition, there are ferry connection from Sikinos ferry to the islands of Crete, Rhodes, and basically all Dodecanese and East Aegean Islands via a third island.
Your trip to Sikinos can be with a conventional ferry boat, by Highspeed or Flying dolphin depending on the day, the time and the ferry company you wish to travel with.
If you select to visit Sikinos with the conventional ferry your trip will take about 5-7 hours while with a Highspeed ferry 3.5-4.5 hours depending on how many ports the ferry will call at on the way.
Ferries from Piraeus to Sikinos run all year round on a daily basis. In summer of course there are more departures to choose from.
- Piraeus – Kythnos – Serifos – Sifnos – Kimolos – Milos – Folegandros – Sikinos– Ios – Santorini
2. Piraeus – Kythnos – Serifos – Sifnos – Kimolos – Milos – Folegandros – Sikinos– Ios – Santorini – Anafi
3. Piraeus – Kythnos – Serifos – Sifnos – Milos – Kimolos – Folegandros – Sikinos – Ios
4. Santorini – Thirasia – Ios – Sikinos – Folegandros
Attention !
The above mentioned information is subject to alteration. To be sure about correct schedules, departure and arrival times of conventional and high-speed ferries check the ONLINE Booking System. Click here.
USEFUL TELEPHONE NUMBERS ON SIKINOS
Main police station on Sikinos +30 22860 51222
Port Police on Sikinos +30 22860 51121
Hospital / Health center on Sikinos +30 22860 51211
Fire department on Sikinos +30 22860 51222
Tourist information office on Sikinos +30 22860 51168, +30 6936 621946
Post office on Sikinos +30 22860 51239
Travel agency on Sikinos +30 22860 51168, +30 6936 621946
Rent a bicycle on Sikonos +30 22860 51205 +30 6937-865866
Bus station on Sikinos +30 6937 865 866
Municipality of Sikinos +30 22860 51238
If you need any extra information about the island of Sikinos, then please contact us here information@abettergreece.com or +30 69 34 620 501 / +30 22840 24 879