This remote Cycladic island, tucked between Ios and Milos, is one of the quietest, most secluded Greek Islands you could wish to find. The port area of Alopronia (sometimes called Skala) is where you will be staying. Two or three tavernas and a lovely beach (mostly sand) are close to your accommodation. The noticeable absence of the usual swarm of motor-bikes, the scourge of so many a Greek Island, is a godsend.
Ultra-lazy days pottering between beach/taverna/accommodation can be punctuated by a caique trip to the beach of Agios Nikolaos (subject to demand). Undoubtedly, you will wish to visit the fortress hill village of Hora/Kastro. Set upon a ridge overlooking the sea, this charming settlement with 2 tavernas, a post office and delightful main square is a million miles from mass-market tourism. A further hour on foot to the west and a partly ruined monastery, formerly a look-alike Roman temple which later metamorphosed into a Christian church, will materialise in the heat haze. Walking back down to Skala from Hora/Kastro can take an hour, but the magnificent scenery and views are worth it.
Sikinos has no great sight and makes no claim to one, which is the reason it survives untouched between two islands that draw far more attention. The rhythm is beach, taverna, the walk up to Hora and back, and the discovery that a week of it is not too long. Ferries call less often than on the neighbouring islands, so the return leg is the part of the trip worth planning first.
Getting there
Travel between Santorini and Sikinos is by ferry (2 hrs. 10 mins.).
| Leg | By | Roughly |
|---|---|---|
| Santorini → Sikinos | ferry | 2 hrs 10 min |
Crossing times are the scheduled durations of the route, not a timetable. Sailings vary by season and operator.