Sikinos Cyclades, Tour of the island

OR Sikinos located between Folegandros and Virus. Oinoi was the ancient name of the island from the word wine = wine. Alopronia, Village, Castle : the 3 settlements, 260 residents (2011). OR Country Sikinos he's got 2 settlements, the Village and Castle. THE Trullos is the highest mountain (553 m.)

SIKINOS – SIGHTS

From Alopronia the bus to Country (3,5 Km) and Dialiskari (2,5 Km). From the Country the bus continues on Bishopric (4,5 km), the St. George (4,5 km), the Monastery (1,5 km) and the Prophet Elias (2 km).

Castle (15^th) : 1^th settlement of Chora. The old fortification settlement of the island built in 280 m. on the hill (It is 2,5 km from the port). Here you will find most coffee, restaurants, rented accommodation, shops, etc..
Village : The 2^th settlement of Chora : White houses, labyrinthine alleys and old churches, like Ag. Kingdom and Her income Virgin.
Central Castle Square : Reference point, with benches, next to the church of Pantanassa, here is where the big festival takes place 15 August.
Pantanassa Church (1787), The Metropolis, Castle : The gilded wood-carved iconostasis and the Post-Byzantine Collection Collection stand out, works of her painters Cretan Schools. In the summer you will see them in 1^The City Hall floor.
Monastery of Zoodochou Pigi or «Chryssopigi» (1690), Castle : It is built on the edge of a cliff, to 350 m. and with stunning views. Castle house with high walls, loopholes, sinkholes etc. was a stronghold of the inhabitants by the pirates. The old dining room of the Monastery, the summer, hosts art exhibitions. It can only be visited in the afternoon, ideal to admire the sunset.

Panagia Pantochara or Church of Elytis (2011), Castle : "Virgo Sikinius Odysseus Elytis has risen", the inscription outside the Temple reads. Odysseas Elytis (1911-1996, poet, Nobel Literature 1976), he had never visited Sikinos but praised her. It is located on the road to the Monastery of Zoodochou Pigi and was built by Elytis' partner and poet Ioulita Iliopoulou, the 2011 to 100 years since the poet's death, thus fulfilling a vow of his.
Folklore Museum, Village : In the old olive mill, with tools and information related to the mill (private)
Diocese or Temple of the Diocese, inland : It's a strange building that was originally thought to be Temple of Pythion Apollo, but was eventually recognized as Roman mausoleum (2^th-3^thcentury. A.D.). The Diocese was later converted into a Christian church with the addition of a dome (17^th), dedicated to the Assumption. In the space you will also see old buildings, cells and its small Byzantine chapel St. Anne. Access by paved road, by bus, by your own means of transport or on foot (about 5 Km from Chora).
"I am just happy to be free of Sikinos», Bishopric : In recent excavations in the Diocese, An intangible marble tomb from Roman times has been discovered (2^th – 3^th). In addition to the bones and remains of the deceased's clothing, the other findings showed that she was a rich woman, as they found a gold necklace, bracelets, rings, buckle, bone pen, mirror, vessels etc.. From a stone inscription found in the tomb, the name of the deceased, it was "I'm tired».
Old school (1901), between Castle and Village, in the country : Neoclassical building, which was built with the money of the benefactor Andreas Syggrou.
Traditional Cycladic House (1800), Castle : Old traditional Cycladic house with period objects of the Cultural Association "Odysseas Elytis".
Archaeological Site of Agia Marina, after the Diocese : You will see parts of the wall, building sections, etc. as well as the ancient cemetery. From the church of Agia Marina you will have a nice view, for photos to the Diocese. Access, by bus to Bishopric and then walk down the path.
Paleokastro, B., to Cape Malta : Ruins of the ancient Acropolis, nice view. Access by bus from Chora to Profitis Ilias (2 km) and then on foot.
Black Cave, B., under the Monastery of Zoodochos Pigi : It is one of the largest caves in the Cyclades, and access is only by sea.

SIKINOS – beaches

The beaches of Sikinos are few, small and most are located in the SE. Island's, right and left of Alopronia. Access is by local bus from the main road, for Deliskari and Agios Georgios, by foot, from paths or by boat (there are no taxis on the island).

Alopronia Beach, at the port : Sandy, with crystal clear shallow waters, shade trees and a few umbrellas with benches of the Municipality. In the settlement you will find cafes, restaurants, hotels, super market, etc.. If you come from Folegandros or Ios, for a day trip, Alopronia is the ideal place. You will swim, you will drink coffee, you will eat by the sea, you will lie down under the trees.
Deliskari Beach or Saint Nicholas, from the homonymous church : Is located 2,5 km Β. from Alopronia and access by bus. small beach, with sand, trees for shade, and umbrellas of the Municipality.
Agios Georgios beach, in A. or NE;;; the chapel : Sand, wicker umbrellas of the Municipality for shade, trees, nice rocks for sunbathing and seclusion and the tavern «Savory», for fresh fish and seafood (tel. : 698 493 1695). Access from the paved road, with your own vehicle(4,3 km from Chora).
Malta Beach, NW., at Cape Malta : small beach, pebbly, clear water, without shadow;; and surrounding rocks. Access from the Castle and the path of Chrysopigi (6,5 km, about 2 hours from the Castle) or by boat.
Agios Panteleimon Beach, in tO. of the island and in the N.. of Alopronia, with a chapel of the same name. The most photographed beach due to the natural cave that exists here. pebble, stone and natural cave for shade. Access by boat, on foot from Alopronia and the path (3,6 km) or for the more adventurous on foot from Chora.
Santorini or Santorini Beach, to the N., after Agios Panteleimon beach. small beach, with white pebbles, crystal clear waters and surrounding rocks. Here came the boats from Santorini, to load the island's agricultural products, etc.. Access from the path of Ag. Panteleimon and from Alopronia, from the path from the Diocese or by boat.
Ai Giannis beach, ND., from the homonymous church : small, isolated, pebbly, without shadow. Access from a difficult path that starts from the Diocese (about 1,5 time) or by boat.
Karas Beach, N., at Cape Akras : little creek, access from a difficult path from Ai Giannis.

For sea transport on the beaches by boat :

Dimitris, tel. : 6937 261800 (caique)
Sikinos Travel, tel. : 2286 051 111, 694 651 6086, 694 6904 924, https://sikinostravel.com, sea excursions, hiking etc..

For day trips from the surrounding islands :

Ios-Sikinos

With the ferry or with private boats you can charter or follow the browser.
Meltemi Watersports Virus, boat rental or day trip to Sikinos, with tour and food at Manali Winery (tel. : 6973 479306, Mylopotas Ios, https://meltemiwatersports.com)

Folegandros - Sikino

with the linerDIONISIOS SOLOMOS». He leaves Folegandros at noon, arrives at the port of Alopronia, where you can swim, to tour the country, to eat at the Castle and return at night back to Folegandros (price per route : 5 €).

SIKINOS - LOCAL PRODUCTS

Thyme honey (information : Sikinos Agricultural Beekeeping Cooperative "OINOI" and Beekeeping Cooperative "Hill" tel. : 6997 907039
Male cheese Sikinos (produced from goat's or sheep's milk, and it is a soft cheese with a sweet taste, ideal for cream cheese pies)
Wild herbs, capers, kritamo, pickled bulbs
Local flavors such as stuffed goat, rooster wines, Fava meatballs, pumpkin meatballs, chickpeas, Giants, vineyard beans, «you were fucking» (dolmadas with wild mountain leaves), "Honeydew" cream cheese pies and of course fresh fishes.
Sweet Sweet such as nougat with local honey, dessert watermelon, translucent (watermelon juice and dough, sprinkled with honey and sesame seeds)
Sikinioti wine, mostly red, from arid varieties, information : Manali Winery, NW., on the road Castle - Episkopi (to be visited June-September, tel. : 6932 272854, manaliswinery.gr). The vineyards are located at an altitude 400 m. and are separated by terraces. Produces 4 labels, "In White", "En Thermo", "SIKOINOS Rose", and the sweet wine "Liosato".

The winery also has a restaurantRotate (tel. : 6996 670 910), with local cuisine and stunning sea views. Also for private use (upon request), for Political Wedding or Reception (It is 2 Km from the Castle, 6 Km from Alopronia). Access by the local bus in the afternoon or by the small bus of the Winery, 16 people (upon request).

SIKINOS - COFFEE & RESTAURANTS

ALOPRONIA

yearly wind, restaurant, cooked, fish
Markoni, Cafe Bar
Lucas, restaurant, cooked, souvlaki
capers, on the main road Alopronia-Chora, restaurant
Club after “THEMONIES», on the road Alopronia - Chora, for fun until the morning

COUNTRY - CASTLE

Careless, bar, cocktail
Castle, Cafe Bar
Plateia_Sikinos, at the main square, coffee-bar-food
Garbi's hangout, fish, meat, skewer etc.
Soulatso, restaurant, tavern
Rotate, Manali Winery, on the Chora-Episkopi road, restaurant

PEZOPORIA IN SIKINO

Anhydrous, with 61 churches, stone walls, terraces and low hills, waiting for you to explore it. Follow the old stone paths, running through the whole island, and the dirt roads leading to the beaches (information : http://www.sikinos.gr ).

Indicative hiking trails :

Castle - Alopronia (easy, 3,5 km, 35’) : Follow the old cobbled path Chora - Alopronia, starting behind the old Primary School, to Agios Vlasios, you reach behind the center "Themonias" and from there you descend from the main road that leads to the port or continue from another path, located on the other side of the road.

Village-church Monday Presence (easy, 800 m., 15’): From the village follow the road and then the path to the chapel , from here enjoy tranquility and endless views.

Castle- Zoodochos Pigi Monastery – Malta Beach (6,5 km, 2 hours): From Castle and Monastery, through the main road that reaches it Prophet Elias (asphalt), you will continue on a path that passes through it Paleokastro, and descends to Malta Beach, for a nice swim in the sea.

Castle – Bishopric – Agios Panteleimonas - Alopronia (difficult, 13 km, 4 hours) : From the Castle, to the Diocese and then by trail, which passes next to dry stones you continue to Agia Marina. From the path you descend to the beach of Santorini, for a cool swim on the beach. For your return or you will ascend to the Diocese, to take the bus or you can take the boat (in consultation with the boat's driver, Dimitris, tel. : 6937 261800).

SIKINOS - EVENTS & FESTIVALS

Sikinia –Sikinos holidays, early July and in 15 August, events, concerts, theater etc..
15 August, with sack races, watermelon fights, constructions in the sand etc. on the beach of Alopronia from the Association of Sikini
Photography Festivals, as part of the Sikinos Festival, July-August - exhibitions with photographs of Sikinos, events etc.
Documentary Days, Sikinia, early July, with Greek and foreign documentaries
Night Astronomy, Sikinia, in the Diocese
Feast of St. Panteleimon, 27 July, food, wine , island party
Feast of the Life-Giving Source, 2 May, at the monastery
Church Pantanassas, on Orthodox Sunday and August 15
Virgin Mary, 21 November
Elevation of the Cross, 14 September, festival

ACCOMMODATION

Galanos area, Alopronia

«Eucalyptus», rooms, tel. :22860 51009
Male Spyros, rooms, tel. :22860 51212

Alopronia

Hotel Porto Sikinos, hotel- bar-restaurant, tel. : 22860 51220, 2860 51247, www.portosikinos.gr
Arches, tel. : 22860 51281, 22860 51234, 6932 272857, www.manalis-camares.gr
Castellus, tel. : 6972 377729
Maistrali Studios, tel. : 22860 51181, 697 7507234, www.maistrali-sikinos.gr
The Rock, tel. : 2286051135, 6945 442059, therock-sikinos.com
Rock (Mary),tel. : 22860 511186, 6973727571, 210 9624320 (Athena)
Serenity, tel. : 22860 51005, 6937 261800
Lucas Studios, tel. : 22860 51075, 22860 51076
Ostria Studios, tel. : 22860 51062
Flora, tel. : 22860 51214, 22860 51100
Tower, tel. : 6937 343128
Bunamas, tel. : 22860 51236, 6974 377405

Country

SUNSET, Sikinos– Sunset, tel. : 6971599010, 6987954050 http://sikinos-sunset.gr
Manalis Konstantinos, rooms, tel. :22860 51067, 6932 900948
«Fireplaces», George Margetis, tel. : 22860 51304, 6939 565315
Romance, Armenian Elpiniki, rooms, tel. : 22860 51242, 6986 544921
Andriani's work, rooms, tel. : 22860 51097
Stegadi Luxury Apartments, Gardener Anastasia, tel. : 6948 409566
«Persephone», Doufli Kalliopi, rooms, tel. : 22860 51229, 6974 181331
Charoula, Castle, tel. : 2286051212, 6977085623

SIKINOS – ACCESS

Piraeus – Sikinos

by boat "DIONISIOS SOLOMOS», the company's ZANTE FERRIES, zanteferries.gr, (about 10 hours) and the itinerary : Piraeus, Serifos, Sifnos, milo, Kimolos, Folegandros, Sikinos, Virus, Santorini (Santorini).
Folegandros -Sikinos with the "DIONISIOS SOLOMOS», for a day trip (with a refund).

Port of Lavrio, Attica – Sikinos

the ship "ARTEMIS», Every Friday it runs on its islands Cyclades and unites them with Sikinos, the company's Hellenic Seaways (about 11 hours and 5 '). The itinerary is : Lavrio, Kea, Kythnos, Syros, Paros, Naxos, Virus, Sikinos, Folegandros, Kimolos, milo.

Port of Syros Cyclades - Sikinos

by boat "ARTEMIS», the company's Hellenic Seaways performing daily intracycladically itineraries, in the islands milo, Kimolos, Folegandros, Sikinos, Virus, Naxos, Paros, Syros, https://hellenicseaways.gr.
The island features a heliport (consultation with the Municipality).

useful information

Municipality of Sikinos, tel. :22860 51238, sikinos.gr
Sikinos Port Authority, tel. :22860 51121
Piraeus Port Authority, tel. : 210-4226000
Police, tel. :22860 51222
infirmary, tel. : 22860 51211
Sikinos Travel, tel. : 2286 051 111, 694 651 6086, 694 6904 924, https://sikinostravel.com
KOUNTOYRIS TRAVEL, travel agency, Alopronia, tel. : 22860 51232, 6981 594106
Local bus, tel. : 6937 865866 (guide), 22860 51242