In relation to other tourist overpopulated islands, Sikinos remains untouched and has not lost anything of its authentic local colour, remaining an ideal destination for calm vacations in a serene and beautiful landscape next to the crystal clear sea.
Sikinos is one of the small islands of the southern Cyclades, with an extent of 41 sq. km. It is found east of Folegandros and west of Ios.
The most important settlements of Sikinos are the Hora and the Kastro. The two settlements abstain a few hundred metres from each other. The Hora, with its beautiful old mansions, white houses, vaulted windows and cobbled streets enchants each visitor. It is built on the verge of an abrupt precipice near north-western coasts, in an altitude of 280 metres. In Hora the visitor will get to know one of the smallest authentic Cycladic settlements, and will surely be charmed by the cobbled narrow streets, picturesque cafés, white houses and stonebuilt mansions – exquisite samples of traditional Cycladic architecture built amphitheatrically on the hill, with doors and windows in various colours and small verandas, while bushes and flowers that fill the air with fragrances, pop up everywhere.the imposing white volumes of the old windmills stand at the highest point of Hora, in the light blue background of the Aegean sky .
One of the main sights of the island is the monastery of Zoodochos Pigi that resembles a fortress and sometimes was useful as a shelter of residents from the raids of pirates. The monastery was abandoned in 1834. The church of Zoodochos Pigi dominates in the middle of the monastery.
The 300 residents of Sikinos mainly deal with livestock-farming and fishing and less with agriculture and tourism, which is still found at its initial stage. Locals are simple people, warm and hospitable. They care for and love visitors of their island and make everything possible for them to have a comfortable stay in their place.
An asphalt street of 3,5 kilometres – the only one in the island, connects Hora with the harbour, Alopronoia or Ano Pronoia, a small summer settlement in a small gulf on the eastern coasts, where the traveller will find cafés and taverns with tasty “homemade” foods and a marvellous sandy beach with clean waters..
Sights
Hora
The only asphalt road of the island leads to Hora, which is built at an altitude of 280 metres and is one of the most beautiful of the Cyclades. Is constitutes of two districts, the Kastro and the Horio. The castle is the oldest settlement that remains completely picturesque, with stone built houses, courtyards full of flowers, narrow streets and whitewashed steps. In the centre of the settlement you will meet the church of Pantanassa, which constitutes a unique sample of post Byzantine ecclesiastical architecture, and hosts the miraculous icon of Panagia that according to legend came by itself from Crete.
Among the sights of Kastro, we also find the church of Panagia Pantochara, dedicated in the memory of Odysseas Elytis as well as Byzantine and post Byzantine collections of ecclesiastical heirlooms, in the building of the community.
The three old windmills at the end of the settlement add one more tone of colour to this perfect setting.
Alopronoia
The harbour of Sikinos with the strange name Alopronoia or Ano Pronoia, is found on the east coast and is a small summer settlement, that apart from the jetty for the ferry boats, also allocates a smaller shelter for fishing boats and private ships.
Monastery of Zoodochos Pigi
The monastery of Zoodochos Pigi, that resembles a fortress and sometimes was used as a shelter of residents from the raids of pirates, is one of the main sights of the island. This monastery was built in 1690 and celebrates the first Friday after Orthodox Easter. The church of Zoodochos Pigi dominates in the middle of the monastery.
Museums
The Byzantine Museum is found inside the Castle, which includes a photo exhibition, icons and other religious heirlooms of the Byzantine and Post Byzantine period. The Folklore Museum, which is accommodated in an old olive press in Horio, transports visitors to other past times in a very fascinating way.
Episkopi
One of the most important sights of the island is the region of Episkopi, where there locates the most important sample of ancient habitation in Sikinos. In the region we find a temple like building from the 3rd century B.C., which in the 5th century A.D. was changed into a Christian church, dedicated to the Dormition of Virgin Mary.
Beaches
Most beaches in Sikinos are approached by fishing boat, but offer a unique sense of peacefulness and calm. Only two beaches near the harbour of Alopronoia have road access.
To the beaches, Agios Georgios, Daliskari, Malta, Agios Panteleimonas, Agios Yannis and Kara, you will need to go with a boat or a chartered fishing boat. The Mavri Spilia on the northern coast is one of the most beautiful beaches of the island.
Source: http://www.cyclades-tour.gr
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