Port Beach

Port Beach in Sikinos, Greece is located just 4 km south of Chora. The beach is within walking distance of the port. Port Beach is the main beach of the village of Alopronia. The beach is family friendly and is well-organized with sun beds and umbrellas. Port Beach is the longest beach in Sikinos and features soft sand. You will find fish taverns in the area. There also trees that will provide you with natural shade. If you’re looking for a less secluded beach while visiting Sikinos, Port Beach is the perfect choice.

Malta Beach

Located 8 km east of Chora, Malta Beach is actually a small cove on the northern side of Sikinos Island. This is the ideal beach to visit if you are looking for a tranquil afternoon lounging and swimming. Malta Beach is nudist friendly with a lot privacy. The sandy beach has little white pebbles. The beach is completely exposed to the sun, so you will want to bring umbrellas with you. Malta Beach is only accessible by boat, so if you are exploring the coast of Sikinos Island by boat, this is the perfect spot to stop and cool off. Above Malta Beach there are some ancient ruins you can explore.

Agios Georgios Beach

Agios Georgios Beach is located 5 km southeast of Chora on the island of Sikinos. The beach is small with golden sand that contains some pebbles. The crytalline water is clean and perfect for swimming. This beach is a favorite with the locals, so even though the beach is quite isolated, you may enjoy some company. You will still find Agios Georgios Beach a good place to relax. There is a fish tavern nearby for when you crave a delicious meal. Agios Georgios Beach on the island of Sikinos can be reached by car or by boat from the harbor of Alopronia.

Santorineika Beach

Santorineika Beach is made up of two pebbles coves. It resembles a couple of pools. Santorineika Beach is located at the southern side of Sikinos Island. The name of the beach comes from the fact that boats from Santorini used to dock at there. You can only reach Santorineika Beach by boat or if you are up for a long walk. There are some yacht clubs and pleasure boat centers in the area, so getting to the beach isn’t difficult and well worth it. You can make it part of a boating trip as a point of attraction to relax and cool off. Near Santorineika Beach you will also find the beaches of Ai Giannis and Agios Panteleimon.

Greece is filled with beautiful beaches and the Greek island of Sikinos has many of them.

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Visit Alopronia Village

Alopronia is a village where you will find the majority of tourist activities on the island of Sikinos. Alopronia is also known as Ano Pronia. The village is located at the southeastern part of Sikinos, just 4 km from the capital of Chora. Alopronia is located at a bay that is popular with fishermen. When visiting Alopronia, you will not want to miss admiring the fishing boats. August – December is when the highest level of fishing activity occurs.

If you happen to visit during these months, you may see the villagers fishing for squids at night. Alopronia in Sikinos has a nice nightlife, though there are no clubs. You will find taverns with music, food, and wine. Some of the taverns are found on the waterfront, which can make for a romantic date. The beaches of Alopronia are ideal for snorkeling and swimming.

Visit the Archaeological Site of Agia Marina

Found on the southwest side of the island of Sikinos, the Archaeological Site of Agia Marina is located on a hill. You can get to this site by following a hiking trail that begins at the Monastery of Episkopi and passes through the Pigadia of Manalis and ending at the chapel of Agia Marina. Ruins of buildings that date to the Hellenistic and Roman periods can be seen once at the site. When you visit the Archaeological Site of Agia Marina, you will also be treated to a wonderful panoramic view of the surrounding islands.

Tour a Museum in Sikinos

The Byzantine Museum is a must-see when on the island of Sikinos. The museum is in the central square of Chora. The Byzantine collection showcases the island’s important icons. Most of these icons are post-Byzantine icons of the Cretan school. Another museum on the island of Sikinos is the Folklore Museum. The Folklore Museum is in an old olive mill that belongs to the Margetis family. At this museum you will be able to see how the mills worked. Tools are also showcased at the museum in the village of Chorio and is only open to the public during July and August.

Sample Wine at the Manalis Winery

The Manalis Winery is open to visitors and the perfect attraction for any wine-lover. The traditional winery is located on the northwest side of the island of Sikinos. It is 400 meters above sea level, which offers you wonderful views of the sea and surrounding areas. The estate is on fertile vineyard land that has produced grapes and wine since ancient times. Manalis Winery produced four wine labels: The SIKOINOS White, the SIKOINOS Rose, the SIKOINOS red, and the Liosato. At the entrance of the winery, you will find a self-service bar taster where you can taste these wines.

Sikinos is a beautiful destination to visit in Greece. While here, you will want to do some of these activities!

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Visit Monasteries and Churches While in Sikinos

Sikinos, Greece is home to a few monasteries and churches. The Monastery of Episkopi is an important monument of Sikinos. It was build in the 3rd century as a Roman burial monument. It would become the Temple of Apollo Pythius and then converted into the Orthodox Christian church that is dedicated to the Dormition of the Virgin. The monastery is surrounded ancient ruins, Byzantine chapels, and fragments of marble sculptures.

If you enjoy hiking, there is a trail that leads from Chora to the monastery. The hike takes about one hour. While visiting Sikinos, you can also see the Monastery of Zoodohos Pigi, the Church of Panagia Pantanassa, and the Church of Panagia Pantohara.

Enjoy the Local Food and Drink of Sikinos

Sikinos, Greece has wonderful tastes for you to explore while you’re visiting. Local products of the island include honey. The residents of Sikinos Island are known for collecting and preserving honey in its pure form. Pasteli is a sweet sesame seed that is baked in honey. The island of Sikinos is also known for its wines. The history of wine on the island dates back to ancient times.

You will also want to try the stuffed lamb, baked rabbit with potatoes, and Greek salad with local capers. You will find places to get coffee and pastries around the island as well. If you’re a seafood lover, you might want to check out Almyra in Agios Georgios. You can also find cocktails, especially if you are in Chora.

Visit the Beaches of Sikinos

If you’re visiting Sikinos Island for a relaxing vacation, you’re going to want to spend time at the beaches. Most of the beaches on the island are secluded and quiet. Port Beach is just 4 km from Chora, within walking distance of the port. Port beach is organized and there are some beach bars on site. Dialiskari Beach is a small cove also located 4 km from Chora. The beach features white sand, blue water, and trees for natural shade. Other beaches you can visit include Malta, Agios Georgios, Livadi, and Satorineika.

Hike Around the Island of Sikinos

Sikinos is a wonderful place to walk and hike. The northern side of the island is quite beautiful to walk as it is like a large garden full of rare wild flowers. Toward the center of the island the landscape becomes more mountainous, which provides great views of Sikinos and the surrounding water and island. There is a beautiful hiking trail that goes from the Monastery of Episkopi to the Chapel of Agia Marina. Hiking trails around the island of Sikinos range in difficulty from easy to difficult.

Sikinos is a beautiful island for relaxation and exploration.

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While the island of Sikinos is one of the least populated of the Greek islands, you will find it has much to offer. The village of Chora is one of the most authentic villages to be found in the Cyclades group. Visiting the island of Sikinos will also give you a chance to see a few monasteries that are found on the island.

The island has no airport, so getting there is done by ferry. The closest airports to Sikinos are located in Santorini and Athens. Both of those locations have ferry service that goes to Sikinos. Here are a few monasteries you can visit while in Sikinos.

Monastery of Zoodochos Pigi

The Monastery of Zoodochos Pigi is located in just northeast of Chora. It is located on a hill, so it offers a wonderful view of the sea and much of Sikinos. Stay to enjoy the sunset and you won’t be disappointed. The monastery was built in 1690 and was a monastery for women. The walls around the monastery were to protect the residents during attacks. Generally the castle was the first choice, but if it was under attack, residents would seek shelter at the Monastery of Zoodochos Pigi. The monastery is tall and white-washed.

Monastery of Episkopi

Located 4 km southwest of Chora, the Monastery of Episkopi is a historical site that consists of a Byzantine monastery that is built over a Roman mausoleum. The monastery is found at the ancient settlement of Episkopi. The temple was built during the 3rd century AD. It was a Roman tomb monument that is thought to have become the Temple of Apollo the Pythious. This is disputed though as the architecture is that of the Roman mausoleum. In the 5th century, the temple became a Christian church that was dedicated to the Dormition of the Virgin. The monastery features a bell tower and a dome. Underground there are arches crypts. The Monastery of Episkopi is one of the most fascinating monuments to be found on Sikinos Island.

Church of Panagia Pantanassa

The Church of Panagia Pantanassa was built in 1787 in the square of Chora. The church features a blue dome and wood-carved baroque iconostasis. Iconostasis are portable icons that can be placed anywhere within a church. Votive offerings to the icon Pantanassa is located at this church. This church is the most famous on Sikinos Island and it’s no surprise why.

Sikinos is a beautiful island in the Cyclades. Thanks to its history, the monasteries and churches on the island make wonderful sightseeing stops during your visit. You will be transported back in time as you explore the historic monasteries. Before visiting, make sure you’re aware of any possible dress codes, but either way dress appropriately for such a visit.

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About Sikinos, Greece

Sikinos is one of the least-populated Greek islands. The coastline of the island runs just 41 km, but boasts clean beaches that offer wonderful views of the sea and surrounding area. The capital of Sikinos, Chora, is built on a hill and provides a view that’s worth experiencing. The island is hilly, which offers many spots to take in the view from a different vantage point. The landscape of Sikinos Island makes it the perfect destination for hiking adventures.

Getting to the tranquil island of Sikinos can be done by ferry or by plane. There is no airport on the island, the closest is on the nearby island of Santorini. From the port of Santorini, you can take the 2 – 3 hour ferry ride to Sikinos.

You can also catch a ferry to Sikinos from the Piraeus port of Athens, though the trip takes 9 hours. The closer islands to Sikinos such as Ios and Folegandros also offer ferry service.

How to Hike in Sikinos

One of the most appealing things about Sikinos is its natural beauty and the opportunities to go hiking around the island. There are a number of hiking trails to be found there, so you will easily find a few to suit to suit your experience level and time limit. Trails on the island range from 1.4 km to over 12 km and take anywhere from 35 minutes to over 4 hours to complete. Here’s a look at some of the trails you might want to try:

• Shorter hiking trails. One of the shorter hiking trails on the island of Sikinos begins at Kastro and leads to Alopronia. This trail is about 3.5 km long. If you’re looking for a quick hike that isn’t difficult, this is the trail for you.
• Longer hiking trails. If you’re experienced and adventurous, a longer trail such as the one that begins at Chorio, goes to Episkopi, and ends at Alopronia will be more your pace. This trail is considered moderate in difficulty, so even if you’re not a seasoned hiker, but in decent shape, it will appeal to you.
• Cultural walks. If you are interested in a more cultural hike, there is a trail that begins at Episkopi Church. This hiking trail will take you past two Byzantine churches, Saint George and Saint Anna; and an old cobbled path that leads to a fortified ancient village on the small hill of Aghia Marina, where you can view scattered ruins.

If you are wondering where to go, you should consider getting a hiking map. You can find them in various places throughout the area. Consider checking with your hotel, at a tourist information center, or in some of the shops that are in the area.

While on the island of Sikinos, you should consider going for a hike!

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Try the Local Products of Sikinos

A few of the top products of Sikinos, Greece include figs, olives, and honey. Collecting and preserving honey is a valuable skill many of the islanders have. Pasteli is a sweet that is made of sesame seeds and baked in honey. The honey of Sikinos is known for its strong aroma and sweet taste.

Many of the locals of Sikinos make their living fishing, so you won’t want to leave without trying some of the fresh seafood dishes of the island.

The island of Sikinos produces a type of olive that is smaller than the typical olive, but makes a tasty oil that you can either try while eating in one of the restaurants or you may want to take some back home to remind you of your trip.

Wine and other Drinks of Sikinos

The ancient name of Sikinos was “Oinoi,” which means wine in Greek. Tourists who visit the island love to experience the unique and refreshing flavors of the local wines. The SIKINOS White wine is made from Monemvasia, Asyrtiko, and Aidani. It is a bright golden-yellow colored wine with a fruity taste. The SIKINOS red wine is a beautiful purple color made from Limnio and Mavrotragano.

Any wine lover will enjoy a visit to a winery on Sikinos Island. There, you can sample the wine collections while enjoying a breathtaking view. If the winery also has a restuarant, you can take advantage of both the delicious food and wine the island has to offer. Raki is another local drink of Sikinos, Greece. Raki is an alcoholic drink that is often served with seafood.

Unique Ways to Experience the Food and Drink of Sikinos

For anyone who enjoys being out on the water, a fishing tour is the perfect choice. You will be taken out on a fishing boat to where the fisherman has cast his nets. You can watch how the fish are pulled from the water before heading to a beach where the crew will clean and cook the fish for you to enjoy!

Some walking and hiking tours in Sikinos conclude at a local winery where you can try the wines of the island. You can check with individual walking and hiking tours to see which include tasting the local food and drinks of Sikinos.

A wine tour at a vineyard and winery on Sikinos is a wonderful date idea, especially if you book a tour when you’ll be able to catch the sunset. Anytime of day you will be treated not only to good wine, but spectacular views as well.

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