Sikinos

Map of Sikinos

Sikinos has so small extension and population -40km² and 270 residents- that the mule ride or walk from the port up to the capital was only replaced by a bus in the late 1980s. At roughly the same time the new jetty was completed. Until then Sikinos was the last major Greek island where ferry passengers were still taken ashore in launches. With no extravagant characteristics and no nightlife to speak of, few foreigners make the short trip over here from Folegandros or Ios. The end result, however, is the most unspoilt rural countryside in the Cyclades where the image of a priest riding a donkey can suddenly materialize from over a hill.

Hora or Sikinos , the capital, consists of the double village of Kastro and Horio. Most of the facilities are in the larger, northeastern Kastro, whereas Horio is mainly residential. Northeast from Hora is Paleokastro, the patchy remains of an ancient fortress. In the opposite direction , a ninety-minute walk takes leads to an old path throufh a steeply terraced landscape to Episkopi, where elements of an ancient temple-tomb have been incorporated into a seventh-century church - the structure is known formally as the Heroon, though it is now thought to have been a Roman mausoleum rather than a temple of Hera.

Sikinos

Beaches

Alopronia
Located next to the port and is the longest beach on the island . Suitable for families as it has a sand, shallow waters, trees and umbrellas. Taverns serving good food and bars drinks until the wee hours.

Santorineika
This small beach is located in the southeast of the island and accessed only by trail.

Dialiskari
Located north of Alopronia. This beach has sand, trees that offer shade and crystal clear waters.

Agios Georgios
This is the second longest beach of Sikinos and is accessed either by car or by boat . The sand and the shade of the trees offer moments of relaxation and enjoyment.

Agios Panteleimon
This beach is located South of Alopronoia. The cave will provide protection from the sun. There is no shop nearby.

Other Beaches

Ai Giannis, Maltas.

Sights

The Monastery of Zoodohou Pigis

This monastery was built in 1690. It was the last stronghold of the inhabitants from pirate attacks that devastated the island several times. In 1834 by order of King Otto destroyed and eight nuns who lived there were hosted in various families in Sikinos.

The Temple of Episkopi

It is the most unique and interesting monument of the island. Surrounded by Byzantine chapels , cells and ruins of ancient buildings , the temple standing silent and enigmatic. Originally considered temple of Apollo , but it is a funerary monument of the 3rd AD century . The 17th century was converted into a Christian church with a dome.

Castle

In the castle will make quiet walks and admire the old stone mansions. In this area there are cafes, shops and a beautiful square , all built on the edge 280 meters above the sea.

The temple of Pantanassas

This temple located in the Castle Square. It was built in 1787.

The Black Cave

It is the longest cave of the island and one of the biggestt caves of the Cyclades. It is situated at sea level on the north side, below the monastery Chrisopigi and is accessible only by sea.

Other Sights

Sikinos

Byzantine Museum, Folklore Museum,

Useful Numbers

Municipality of Sikinos: 22860 51238

Health Center: 22860 51211

Police Station: 22860 51222

Post Office: 22860 51239

KTEL: 6937865866

Taxi: 6937865866

www.sikinos.gr 

www.ethnos.gr

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