SikinosCyclades · Greece

All About Sikinos

You may not be too familiar with the island of Sikinos, which has remained a well-kept secret for centuries, although it is surrounded by popular destinations such as Santorini and Ios in the Cyclades. The tiny island has an elusive beauty and a very low profile to match, offering visitors an unexpected journey into the days when island life moved to the rhythm of honey bees and summer fests. Taking a ferry to Sikinos is easy, just use Ferryscanner to compare ferry companies and book ferry tickets.

Known as the island of wine going back to ancient times, Sikinos has a total area of 42.507 square kilometers and much of its terrain is covered by terraces, once used for farming. With a tiny population of around 270 residents, there are only a couple of villages but all are delightful due to their classic Cycladic features of white-washed houses and blue-domed churches. Sikinos is ideal if you wish to get away from the crowds, explore sign-posted hiking trails, discover pristine beaches and experience authentic island hospitality at its best.
 

Routes and Ferries to Sikinos

There are regular ferry connections from the port of Piraeus so book your ferry to Sikinos with Ferryscanner and enjoy the 10-hour trip offered by Zante Ferries. You can also book ferry tickets to Sikinos from the islands of Folegandros for a 40-minute crossing, and only a 25-minute sail from Ios. If you wish to visit from other destinations in the Cyclades, book your ferry tickets for Sikinos from Kimolos (2.05 hrs), Kythnos (7.15 hrs), Milos (3.10 hrs), or Naxos in 1 hr 55 mins with Hellenic Seaways. From Paros, the journey will take you 3 hours and from Serifos, 5.45 hrs. Alternatively, sail to Sikinos when you book your ferry tickets from Sifnos (4.45 hrs), Syros (4.25 hrs), and Santorini (1.55 hrs).

If you have booked your ferry tickets for Sikinos from Piraeus, you can reach the port from Athens International Airport in several ways. The X96 express bus leaves every 30-40 minutes for the port throughout the week or you can catch a taxi at the airport and arrive there in comfort. Trains also run to and from the port on a frequent basis.

Sikinos has no airport but you can fly to the island of Santorini, which caters to domestic flights as well as European destinations in the summer months. From there, ferries leave for Sikinos from the port of Thira for a journey lasting 1.55 hours and you can easily book your ferry tickets to Sikinos from Santorini with Ferryscanner.
 

Port of Sikinos

This tiny Greek island only has one port, which serves both the ferries and the local fishermen. Known as Alopronoia or Ano Pronia, it is extremely picturesque, and as you approach you will see a small bay with a pier for the fishing boats and a sandy beach.

A handful of traditional taverns will welcome you to enjoy fresh local produce while you take in the ambiance of a real working fishing village that continues to follow the slow pace of life that you are seeking. Use Ferryscanner to compare prices, routes, ferry companies and book ferry tickets to Sikinos.
 

Capital & Villages

Chora is the capital of Sikinos and is actually split into two settlements; Horio and Kastro, both of which are about 4 kilometers away from the port.

Horio

Horio is a beautiful village built in the pure Cycladic style with its minimal little houses and winding alleyways. You will be enamored by the simplicity of this unspoiled settlement and can get a real sense of past times as you wander through its quiet neighborhood.

You can’t miss the famous blue-domed Panagia Pantanassa church located in the central square, which is adorned by priceless holy icons. Check out the Old School too; a lovely building established by the politician and benefactor Andreas Sygros (1830-1899), before visiting the winery for a unique taste of the island’s wine-making traditions.

Kastro

The other half of Chora is known as Kastro and dates back to the 15th century. The remains of the castle, or Kastro, are known as Paraporti and the medieval atmosphere can still be felt in the narrow alleys that were arranged to provide protection from marauding pirates.

Discover interesting Byzantine churches and monasteries as you wander through the cobbled alleys bedecked by climbing jasmine and bougainvillea until you reach the highest point marked by three old windmills and beguiling sea views.
 

Best Beaches

 Most of the beaches on Sikinos are very small and off the beaten track, with only the beach at the port offering amenities such as sunbeds and umbrellas. You can reach the other beaches by bus or on foot by following the walking trails.

A boat leaves Alopronia frequently to carry sun-worshippers to the small beaches of Malta, Santorineika, Agios Panteleimonas, Karas, and Agios Giannis, none of which have shade or amenities so it is wise to bring your own supplies.

Livadi Beach

Livadi Beach at Alopronoia is the main beach on the island and also the longest, with soft sand and crystal-clear water. You can find some umbrellas and sunbeds there, as well as a few trees for shade and a handful of family-run taverns close by.

Agios Georgios Beach

Agios Georgios Beach is located on the east side of Sikinos and has thick golden sand for you to sink your toes into and transparent waters. Take shade under the tamarisk trees and enjoy the views out to the rocky islet of Avolada before visiting the rustic beachside tavern from some succulent local cuisine.

Dialiskari Beach

Take the dirt track from the port heading northeast until you reach the secluded beach of Dialiskari. The sun-bleached sand shimmers in the crystalline waters and if you are lucky, you may find an umbrella. Otherwise, take shade under the trees and switch off from all of your worries because here you will find only peace and quiet.

Santorineika Beach

A beach made up of two emerald coves, it is named after the traditional fishing boats of Santorini that used to moor here to load agricultural products and building materials from Sikinos. A mix of sand and pebbles, you will need to hike a long way to get there and it is best accessed by boat.

Malta Beach

This is a tiny beach nestled in an arc-shaped cove that boasts sublime blue waters and white pebbles. There is no shade there at all and it is accessible only by sea, from where you may spot ancient ruins at the top of the cliffside on your approach.
 

Things To Do

Despite being such a small island, Sikinos has many points of interest for you to explore as you unravel its intriguing history, unique culture, and colorful traditions.

Folklore Museum

While in Horio, pay a visit to the Folklore Museum housed in an old olive to examine exhibits and artifacts from the island’s agricultural past. The curious collection contains various farming tools and utensils used by the islanders in their traditional pastimes. This experience gives you a real sense of how they used to work the dry, sun-parched soil and produce delicious olive oil, which is a staple of any Greek dish.

Agia Marina

Visit the ruins dating back to the Hellenistic and Roman periods on the hill of Agia Marina to the south-west of the island by following a path from the old Diocese that leads to the church of Agia Marina. You will be taken aback by the spectacular sea views looking out to Ios, Santorini, Folegandros, Milos, and Kimolos, making it a very special experience indeed.

Monastery of Zoodochos Pigi

Walk up to the impressive monastery once run by women on a hill above Chora, which is said to have been built in the late 16th century. It also provided shelter to the local community during pirate raids and features secret passages, battlements, and murder-holes. You can reach it by following the stone path from Kastro, where you will discover wonderful sea views on your ascent.

Monastery of Episkopi

This is the most important site in Sikinos and was constructed in the 3rd century CE as a Roman burial monument before being converted into an Orthodox church and then a monastery. Take the one-hour long hiking trail to the site and discover ancient ruins, Byzantine chapels, and fragments of marble structures.

Transportation Around Sikinos

 The local bus will take you from Alopronoia to Chora and back, as well as to Episkopi. Other than that, there is no public transportation on the island to speak of, so a good pair of walking shoes will definitely be needed.

You can rent a car or motorbike but many of the beaches can only be reached by boat or on foot via the well-trodden trails. On Ferryscanner you can easily compare prices or ferry companies and book cheap ferry tickets to Sikinos.