Sikinos is one of those remote Cycladic islands that even some Greeks don’t know much about, let alone contemplate visiting. You definitely should, if a complete absence of tourism vibe is what you are looking for – a cute island with several sandy beaches, two villages, and a very long way from Piraeus Port in Athens!
Read our Sikinos travel guide to discover the main attractions on Sikinos island, where to swim, what to eat, and how to get to and around Sikinos.
Introducing Sikinos
Not more than a huge boulder in the Aegean Sea, just north of Santorini and east of Ios, Sikinos has been inhabited from antiquity.
It’s always managed to maintain its off-the-grid position, including times when it was a place of exile for political prisoners of Greek juntas.
Rich in history and offering a laid-back holiday, Sikinos Island mainly attracts seasoned Greek travelers.
It’s especially attractive to those who love the quintessential Greek summer – the sun glowing on the bare Cycladic rock, pristine nature, the azure sea, whitewashed houses, and Greek island cuisine.
The landscape is rocky, with just a few beaches available on the south side of the island. There are two settlements on the island – the port town of Alopronia and the main town in the hills – Chora.
Stay in Alopronia for the beachfront experience or in Chora for evening entertainment and traditional architecture.
Although Sikinos offers wonderful swimming, hiking trails, an ancient settlement, its very own vinery, several bars and restaurants, and a true island vibe, it might be too quiet for anyone looking for an active holiday.
If you thought Santorini had the best sunset, wait till you get to Sikinos.
How to Get to Sikinos by Air
Sikinos does not have an airport, so the best option is to use the one on Santorini and then hop on a short ferry ride to reach Sikinos.
Although comfortable, this option requires the planes, the Santorini shuttles between the airport and the port, and the ferry timetables to all match up, and usually, they don’t!
If they don’t, the easiest way is to take a long ferry ride from Athens.
How to Get to Sikinos by Ferry
Sikinos is connected to Athens’ port of Piraeus several times a week during the summer, both by high-speed vessels (5 hours, €98) and traditional large and more comfortable ferries (8-10 hours, 48€ one way).
Several inter-cycladic ferries will call on Sikinos during the summer. Make sure to check Ferryhopper for the best info on the island connections and book a few months ahead.
TIP: The tradition among Sikinos kids and young people is to jump into the sea the moment its main ferry, the large Dionisions Solomos, leaves the port and swim to it. Don’t miss this if you are in Alopronia.
Island Hopping
Sikinos is part of the Western Cyclades, so choosing any number of islands on that route (Kythnos, Serifos, Sifnos, Kimolos, Milos, Folegandros, Ios) will work wonderfully with Sikinos, before ending your stay in Santorini and flying off from there.
My perfect combo would include Milos for history, fun, and landscapes, Sikinos for a relaxing atmosphere and battery-recharging, and Santorini for a cosmopolitan atmosphere.
Getting Around Sikinos: Local Transportation
Hiring a Car, Quad/ATV, or Scooter
Sikinos has a rent-a-car agency with small vehicles and scooters available in the port of Alopronia, but many choose not to bother as there is only one road on the island and a good bus service.
If you like to scooter but, like me, avoid the busier islands, Sikinos is a great place for scooter rental.
Walking and Hiking
Sikinos is big on hiking; there are many marked trails on the island, mainly formed from the traditional walking paths used by the island shepherds for centuries.
The hilly terrain of the Sikinos countryside is adorned with terraced gardens, dry-stone walls, meadows, chapels, and churches, oftentimes leading up to cliffs with magnificent views.
Public Bus System
The public bus service connects the port, the village of Chora, the winery, and the site of the ancient monument of Episkopi.
All this, plus a detour to one of the beaches is covered by the island’s one public bus (2€ per person).
Best Time of Year to Visit Sikinos
☀️ High Season (June – August)
Definitely the best time to visit Sikinos Island.
During high season Greece feels crowded and busy, but Sikinos with its rooms-to-let, slow rhythm, and relaxing atmosphere feels as if from another era.
TIP: High season is also when most religious celebrations (followed by excellent parties) take place.
🌱 Shoulder Season (April – May, September – October)
May and September (especially) are good months for anyone looking to avoid the Greek summer heat.
April and October in Sikinos might be slow and some outlets may have not opened yet.
❄️ Low Season (November – March)
Very few people live in Sikinos year-round (less than 200), so spending winter here is not for everyone. However, if you are looking for a quiet island for the winter, Sikinos pretty much tops the list.
How long to stay in Sikinos?
You can see the entire island in a 2-night stay if on an island hopping tour.
However, I recommend at least 5 days if you are on a mission to relax, and then continue the journey revitalized.
Sikinos’ Top Tourist Attractions
There are just a few landmarks and attraction sites on the island, but all of them are second to none!
Don’t expect loads of opportunities for an active holiday, instead enjoy the tranquility of this Cycladic off-the-charts gem.
The charm of Sikinos lies in its utter simplicity, untamed nature, pristine beaches, and azure waters.
The Best Beaches in Sikinos
Alopronia
The main beach of the island is just next to its ferry and the fishermen’s harbor. Alopronia is a sandy, family-friendly beach with tamarisk trees and communal umbrellas providing shade.
Right next to its western side, a café, a mini-market, and a tavern provide anything one could wish for during a beach day.
TIP: The island stages open-air cinema showings, a volleyball tournament, and other events on the beach, so if you are lucky with timing, you might join in!
Alopronia Rocks
If you’d rather have a rocky beach, there is a very small one to the left of the ferry dock in Alopronia, opposite the fishermen’s harbor.
A beautiful place for a break from the sand.
Daliskari
A pebbly beach 1.8 miles away from Alopronia to the east (45 minutes walking, 10 minutes by car). Daliskari is a secluded cove offering protection from the winds and shade of tamarisk trees.
There are no facilities on site, so make sure to bring water and snacks.
Agios Giorgos
A sandy and pebbly beach 6 miles east of the port (2 hours on foot, 13 minutes by car) is a wonderful alternative to Alopronia with a super tasty taverna on-site and a small concrete dock if you fancy a jump.
Definitely my favorite Sikinos beach.
TIP: A favorite among the island’s wind-surfers.
Malta
Although you could walk to Malta in around two hours from Chora, taking an excursion boat from the port is by far the best way to visit this beach, where you will likely be the only one present.
Make sure to bring all your supplies as there are no facilities at Malta Beach.
Major Historical Sites and Museums
Monastery of Panagia Chrysopigi
The 17th-century church of Zoodochos Pigi (the Life-Giving Spring) is within the Chrysopigi Monastery, a wonderful, serene place on top of the hill on the east side of Chora.
You reach it by climbing rocky stairs and enjoying unobstructed views to the north of the island. Be sure to visit the wonderful monastery shop and support the nuns’ care of the place.
TIP: A chapel alongside the stone stairwell is Panagia Pantohara built for the famous Greek poet and Nobel Prize laureate Odysseus Elytis.
Episkopi Monastery and Ancient Episkopi
A unique place in the Cyclades islands, Episkopi is a living embodiment of the island’s past.
A Roman mausoleum turned Apollo temple, turned Christian Church (around the 5th century) dedicated to the Dormition of the Virgin, is one of my favorite ancient sites in insular Greece.
Its architecture, heritage, significance, and its ‘hidden treasure’ appeal are all well explained by a local guide. The guide narrates the history of Episkopi on daily afternoon tours, and you can visit it by the island’s bus.
Winery
The island has a strong wine-producing heritage and Manalis Winery is introducing it into the 21st century.
Its premises with vineyards on the northern slopes of the island, between Episkopi and Chora, are ideally visited during the sunset.
Byzantine Museum of Sikinos
Visit the Byzantine relics and icons in an impressive two-story traditional townhouse in the center of Chora for a closer look into the medieval heritage of the island.
Folklore Museum of Sikinos
The museum is located in an old Olive oil press in Chora. it’s only open in July and August but is worth seeking out because it showcases the rural history of the island and its inhabitants.
Sikinos Villages
Beside Alopronia, its main port, Sikinos is blessed with its hillside capital, Chora, divided into two parts – Chorio (meaning village) and Kastro (meaning Castle).
Kastro
The main square and the Church of Pantanassa
Wonderful open space square with the island’s cathedral, containing beautiful old icons.
Breakfast pastries at Zagoraios
The traditional bakery of the island offers fantastic morning pastry treats, including my favorite custard cream bougatsa.
The Old School building
Erected by the National Benefactor Andreas Sygros in the early 20th century nowadays hosts all sorts of creative exhibitions during the summer.
Chorio
Chorio is a residential area gaining prominence with the restoration of old ruined houses.
It’s a beautiful part of Chora for a leisurely stroll along the quaint alleys.
Sikinos Cuisine: What to Eat in Sikinos
🍴 Kouneli stifado (rabbit stew) – especially good in Klimataria tavern
🍴 Thyme honey – from the Sikinos Beekeeping Cooperative
🍴 Sikinos goat and sheep milk cheese, as well as sour milk
🍴 Almond pasteli – a sweet bar made with local almonds and honey
🍴 Manalis Winery labels – white, red, rose, and dessert wine
