The island of Sikinos is a small, hilly and unspoilt island in the Cyclades. It is 41 km2 in size and it has the island of Ios on the east side and Folegandros to the west. The island has just over 300 permanent residents. If you will sail it may seem there are more people living on the island, but many of the houses on the island are empty and only used in summer. Together with Anafi Sikinos is one of the least touristic "big" islands in the Cyclades group (the small Cyclades not included in this). The name Sikinos derives from Mythology. A man from the island of Limnos (Thoas) was banished and escaped the island in a sea-chest. He drifted ashore on Sikinos, where he was taken in by a nymph. The child of this Thoas and the nymph was called Sikinos. Sikinos is a quiet island with few facilities that are specifically aimed at tourists. There are a limited number of accommodations and there are a couple of tavernes on the island. There are also few cars and most transport is still done with the donkeys. There is however a bus connection between the tiny port of Alopronia (where the ferries sail in) and the upper villages of Chora and Kastro which are situated on the north side of the island. Kastro is the larger village of the two and sort of the "town center", and Chora is smaller, with a lot of ruined housed and some windmills. The inhabitants of the island seem very friendly, but because the island is not very touristy you might have some trouble with the language here and there. Many current residents descend from Crete that started to inhabite the island in the 16th century. If they are indeed as friendly and hospitable as the people of Crete than it should be just fine, because the people there are generally really nice.

THE SIGHTS OF THE ISLAND OF SIKINOS IN THE CYCLADES IN GREECE

Kastro is the site of Ancient Sikinos. There are old houses and churches in the village and there is an abandoned monastery above the town. It is called the Zoodochos Pigi Monastery. Once it was fortified and it gave the village of Kastro its name (Kastro= castle). From the monastery there are beautiful views over the island. The Episkopi Monastery in the south of the island is built on what may have been a Roman temple dedicated to the God Apollo.

THE BEACHES AND NATURIST BEACHES OF THE ISLAND OF SIKINOS IN THE CYCLADES IN GREECE

There are several good beaches on the south coast of Sikinos (Agios Nikolaos Beach and Agios Georgios Beach) that can also be reached by caïques (traditional wooden boats) from the small harbour of Alopronia. Alopronia itself also has a nice large and sandy beach. This is the only organized beach of the island, with a couple of umbrellas and sunbeds and with tavernes. There are also trees if you want to lie down in the shade. For all other beaches it is wise to bring your own water and food. Agios Georgios Beach in the southeast can be reached by car or on foot over paths leading from Alopronia and Chora. It is the largest beach of the island. There are no amenities (in high season I hear there is a taverna), but there are some trees where you can find shade. In between Agios Georgios beach and Alopronia lies Agios Nikolaos Beach, which can also be reached on foot. A short walk north of Agios Georgios beach you can find Malta Beach, which is also the site of some ancient ruins. Malta is a small cove with sand and pebbles. Here there are no trees for shade.

TRANSPORT - FERRIES TO SIKINOS ISLAND

Sikinos does not have very many ferry connections. There are a couple of ferries each week linking it to Piraeus on the mainland (a 10 and a half hour trip in 2013) and to neighbouring islands like Santorini, Folegandros, Milos and Ios.

Accommodations on the island of Sikinos in the Cylades in Greece - hotels, apartments and studios

Hotel Porto Sikinos in Alopronia on Sikinos

Porto Sikinos is a seaside hotel built on the slope of the hill, divided in 6 levels. It provides you a comfortable residence in an intimate environment with a friendly atmosphere. Its distance from the beach is 30m also 100m from the port. It is quoted that the privileged spot that Porto Sikinos is built makes it into an ideal place for your holidays, for the reason that you can get all the amenities as well as the peacefulness you need. It is built according to the traditional architecture of Cyclades. The 18 white rooms with the pink and blue windows are a representative sample of the island-like architecture. All rooms are equipped with air condition, refrigerator, satellite TV, music, bathroom and a terrace. Check availabilities and prices and book Hotel Porto Sikinos - click here

Hotel Kamares in Alopronia on Sikinos island

The traditionally built Kamares is situated 400 metres from the beach of Alopronoia in Sikinos. It features Cycladic-style rooms with a balcony or patio overlooking the Aegean Sea. Featuring blue tones and antique lamps, the air-conditioned rooms at the Kamares include a TV and fridge. Each has a private bathroom with shower and hairdryer. A buffet breakfast made of local produce is served in the old-style dining area or on the terrace with views of the garden. Traditional taverns are within a 5-minute walk. Guests have access to free Wi-Fi in the property's public areas. Free 2-way transfer from the port is provided. Sikinos Town featuring whitewashed houses with colourful doors is 5 km away. Check availabilities and prices and book Hotel Kamares - click here

Maistrali Studios in Alopronia on Sikinos

Maistrali Studios is built in one of the most beautiful islands of Cyclades, Sikinos! More concretely, the settlement Alopronia, that is simultaneously the harbour of the island, is the locality that we have selected in order to entertain the visitors of our island. Built in the embrace of rocks and in small distance from the beach of Alopronia, Maistrali, is certain that will charm you by it's beauty! It is a newly - constructed building, with modern decoration, built according to the traditional architecture of Cyclades, in white colorations, with light blue windows. The manufacture of our hotel was completed in the end of 2008! It's unique locality offers panoramical view of the island. Half of our rooms have view to the splendid harbour of Alopronia and at extension, Aegean sea, while the rest have a wonderfull veranda with view to the Country of the island. Prices 80 - 120 euro depending on the season and the number of guests (2011). Tel: (+30) 22860 51181 - Send an e-mail to Maistrali Studios in Sikinos.

© Hans Huisman, Maistrali Sikinos, Vasso Katrakazou, Hotel Porto Sikinos, https://www.angelfire.com/super2/greece/ 2014