A small place magnified only by its light, the sea and its magnificent unspoiled cliffs. Sikinos, a speck of dust or salt in the Cyclades. The place is not a tourist destination for many, but a place for those who want to feel the magic of the otherworldly, among warm people. The island is located in the southern part of the Cyclades, between Ios and Folegandros. It has 300 inhabitants, who have learned to fight against time and adverse conditions.

Inhabited since the Mycenaean era, it owes its name to Sikinos, the son of Thoas, the mythical king of Lemnos. It was also called Oinoi because of its many vines. At all times it followed the fate of the Cycladic islands and repeatedly received pirate raids with the largest one in 1774.

After a long journey we arrived at the port of Ano Pronoia or Alopronia. The sheltered bay accommodates fishing boats and the boats that leave for Folegandros, but also for the beaches of Agios Nikolaos, Dialiskari and Agios Ioannis. Many swim on the soft sand of the harbor near the ouzo cafes that serve fresh octopus.

An uphill road of 3.5 kilometers connects the port with Chora or Kastro. Of the two settlements that make up the Chora, the oldest is the castle also called Sikinos, while the Village is a creation of recent years.

worth seeing

Many attractions for an island with an area of ​​41 sq. km. In Chora or Chorio you must see:

- The Mansions, which are among the best examples of the traditional architecture of the Cyclades.

- The church of Pantanassa – Holy Cross, to the east of the paved square. Founded in 1787, it has a wood-carved gilded iconostasis of exceptional art and wonderful post-Byzantine icons of the Cretan School. According to the legend, the miraculous icon left Crete and traveled the Aegean with its candle burning until it reached Sikino.

- The three windmills at the highest point of the country.

- The Monastery of Zoodochos Pigi. Built on the edge of a cliff in a stunning location, it gives the impression of a castle as it is surrounded by a wall. It served as a refuge for the inhabitants during pirate raids. The monastery ceased to function under Othon in 1834.

- The Folklore Museum is housed in an old olive mill in Chora.

- A rare monument, Episkopi is a true jewel, 1 km outside Chora. The most important examples of ancient habitation on the island are preserved there. A path that starts from the Chora school leads to the mountainside, on the NW side of the island. Here the Ionian colonists had settled and built Sikino. The excavations brought to light the remains of a temple-shaped building which was initially considered a temple of Pythian Apollo, but it is probably a hero built in the 3rd century. e.g. in the area of ​​the ancient cemetery. In the 5th c. A.D. it was converted into a Christian temple and today it is dedicated to the Dormition of the Virgin.

- The ancient settlements are also interesting. In the south of Episkopi, in the area of ​​Ag. Marinas, where the picturesque church is also preserved, remains of buildings, parts of walls, marble sculptural pieces and potsherds. The nature is wild, but it is worth it because it offers an excellent view.

A second settlement is located on the NE side of the island, near Cape Malta, Paliokastro. From here you have a beautiful view of the sea and opposite Ios.

- A boat trip to Mavri Spilia, in the northwest, the largest of the caves on the island, will be unforgettable.

The largest tourist movement in Sikinos is represented by Alopronia and Ano Pronoia. It is 3 km from Chora.

Beaches

You will have a very good swim on the sandy beach of Alopronia in front of the port. To the right of the harbor is a smaller beach with wide rocks where things are calmer.

Number "1" on the island is Ai George with its thick sand and clear blue waters. You will reach Agios Panteleimonas by boat.

Some other beaches worth enjoying are Malta and Daliskari, one of the most famous places on the island. Karras, Santorini, Petra and Ai Giannis (1.5 hour walk from Episkopi) are enchanting beaches that will surely charm you.

Those with a boat have more options. They can go around the island and choose a quiet corner with crystal clear waters on the small uninhabited rocky islets.

(pebbles, sand, crystal clear water and some tamarisk trees for shade. The rocks that line the beach are perfect for mask exploration!

Dialiskari: A small sandy cove surrounded by impressive rocks. It has wild beauty, blue-green clear waters and 2-3 tamarisk trees that provide some shade. It has some umbrellas and is accessible by car.

Maltas: The most distant beach of the island, accessible either by boat departing from Alopronia or on foot (the route is long). It is surrounded by rocks, has pebbles,