Sikinos
Chora and Episkopi on Day 1, the south-coast beaches on Day 2.
Sikinos is the quietest island in this part of the Cyclades — overshadowed by Ios to the east (parties) and Folegandros to the west (Instagram). The single inhabited area is the twin settlement of Chora and Kastro on a hill 3.5km above the port at Alopronia. The defining sight is Episkopi: a 3rd-century Roman mausoleum-temple that was converted into a Byzantine church in the 7th century. The whole structure is unusual enough to be classed as a UNESCO-tentative monument. Beaches are few, mostly reached by boat or trail, and almost always empty. Sikinos asks nothing and gives back the rare gift of being unbothered.
Getting there
No airport. Ferries dock at the small port (Alopronoia). Direct from Piraeus 5–10h on the Western Cyclades line, or via Folegandros/Ios (~30–60 min).
Read full route
Tip: Sikinos pairs naturally with Folegandros and Ios on the same line.
When to Visit
Sikinos is one of the least visited Cyclades — one village, one road, one sublime sunset spot at Pantanassa. Open May-October. June and September are best. Don't expect bars or any kind of scene; this is for people who want absolutely nothing scheduled.
2-day itinerary for Sikinos
Day 1: Chora, Kastro & Episkopi
- · Alopronia Port
The small port settlement, with the only beach you can walk to from the harbour (Alopronia Beach is right there). A bus runs to Chora to meet most ferries. - · Chora & Kastro
Twin medieval settlements on the same hill, locally called Pano Meria. Kastro is the older, fortified Venetian core; Chora is the more recent expansion downhill. White houses, vaulted alleys, a few tavernas at the central square (Plateia). One of the prettiest unphotographed Choras in the Cyclades. - · Pantanassa Church
Domed 17th-century Byzantine church at the heart of Kastro, the local pilgrimage site. The interior preserves a wood-carved iconostasis and 18th-century icons. - · Episkopi
1.5km west of Chora on a marked path or short drive. A 3rd-century Roman mausoleum-temple with extraordinarily well-preserved Doric columns and pediment, converted to a church (Koimisi tis Theotokou) in the 7th century. The most unusual ancient structure in the Small Cyclades. Free entry. - · Manalis Winery
Family-run winery 2km southwest of Chora producing assyrtiko and an unusual local Sikinian variety. The oldest organised winemaking on the island. Tastings by appointment in summer. - · Alopronia Beach (sunset swim)
Sikinos is small enough that the harbour where you arrived is also where you'll dine — and the bay itself is a sheltered swim. After the day's cultural loop, an unhurried late-afternoon dip at Alopronia Beach is the natural decompression before dinner. Fine sand, calm shallow water, and the kind of quiet that defines the smallest Cyclades.
Day 2: Beaches & Boat Trip
- · Alopronia Beach
The port beach — sandy, sheltered, with a couple of waterfront tavernas. The only beach you can reach without walking or boating. Surprisingly clean and clear given the easy access. - · Agios Georgios Beach
Small sandy beach 1km east of Alopronia along the coastal path. A whitewashed chapel above. No facilities. Often empty. - · Boat to Karra Beach
Small daily boat from Alopronia to the southern beaches inaccessible by land. Karra is the most beautiful — sandy, deep clear water, completely undeveloped. Ask at the port the morning of. - · Sunset at Pantanassa
Walk back up to Chora for sunset from the terraces below the Pantanassa church. The view west takes in Folegandros and beyond. Dinner at one of the tavernas in the central square.
Top beaches of Sikinos
Alopronia Beach
The port beach — sandy, calm, sheltered. The only beach you can walk to without effort. Surprisingly clean for a port beach. Ideal for a quick swim before or after a ferry.
- Type
- Fine sand
- Length
- 200 m
- Depth
- Shallow — sheltered harbour
- Wind protection
- Southwest-facing — sheltered from the meltemi (the summer N/NE wind); calm in summer, exposed only to rare S/SW winds
- Facilities
- Light: a couple of waterfront tavernas, no organised sunbeds. Right at the port.
Agios Georgios Beach
Small wild cove with a chapel above and clear water. Reached on foot from the port in 20 minutes. The easy escape from the slightly busier Alopronia.
- Type
- Fine sand and pebble
- Length
- 150 m
- Depth
- Medium
- Wind protection
- Southeast-facing — sheltered from the meltemi (the summer N/NE wind); calm most days, exposed only to rare southern winds
- Facilities
- None. 1km coastal walk east of Alopronia.
Karra Beach
The most beautiful beach on Sikinos — sandy, completely undeveloped, on the southwestern coast. Reached only by the small daily boat from Alopronia. Bring everything.
- Type
- Fine sand
- Length
- 100 m
- Depth
- Medium to deep — clear, swimmable
- Wind protection
- South-facing — sheltered from the meltemi (the summer N/NE wind); calm in summer, exposed only to rare southern winds
- Facilities
- None — accessible only by boat from Alopronia.
Dialiskari Beach
Tiny pebble cove on the south coast. Crystal water, complete solitude. Worth the effort if you're craving total isolation; not worth it if you just want a swim.
- Type
- Pebble
- Length
- 50 m
- Depth
- Medium
- Wind protection
- South-facing — sheltered from the meltemi (the summer N/NE wind); calm in summer, exposed only to rare southern winds
- Facilities
- None. Reached only by boat or 1-hour hike.