The essence of Greek holidays can be summed up in a few words: the fewer the people, the better the holidays. Now, it may not be much of a revelation, but a flute with no hole is not a flute, a doughnut without a hole is a Danish. To let go of life’s shackles you must dispense with your preconceived notions of what a holiday should be. Let Sikinos work its magic on you for a week, and you’ll be back for seconds before you can say moussaka.
Sikinos is in the Cyclades, one of the most popular island chains in the country, so you’d expect a certain degree of overtourism. But that is not the case. Far from it. The lack of infrastructure on the island organically limits the amount of people who can visit at any time. To be sure, that same lack of infrastructure severely constrains the number of available activities, and normally that would be viewed as a drawback. But not in a place like Sikinos where that is more by design than by accident. The preservation of the way of life trumps any immediate monetary gains. For now, at least. So, what to do on an island that placidly dances to its own tune?
Churches & Monasteries
Walk around and find out. This island is perfect for exploring on foot, and you can start with the quaint, charming Chora – the capital village of the island. There are blooming bougainvillea set against a backdrop of bright whitewashed buildings, with narrow alleyways and blue-domed churches such as Pantanassa-Timios Stavros, built-in 1787. The main village square is predictably postcard-perfect and is next to the aforementioned church. There are more churches to visit, while you’re at it. Go up to the highest point in Chora and the dazzling Monastery of Zoodochos Pigis sits sentinel overlooking a vast stretch of the Aegean. In Chorio – the other of the two main settlements on the island, the Byzantine Church of Christ and the churches of Agia Anna, Agios Vasilis as well as the Eisodia tis Theotokou are part of the attraction.
Sikinos is not just about churches, though. The island has a tremendous history that dates back to the 4th century AD. Episkopi is the largest such site, and you’re well advised to walk around its grounds to marvel at the Temple of the Koimesis of Panagia, which was repurposed with material from a preexisting Roman mausoleum. Other notable sites include the Byzantine Monastery of Episkopi and the chapel of Agia Marina.
Taste the Wine
Meanwhile, if you seek other activities worth your time then head for Wine Country. Sikinos, like a lot of Greek islands, produces its own wine. Has been done for centuries. And you’re invited to take part in the Dionysian celebrations. Take your Greek holidays to another level. Mingle with the locals and find out some more about the minutiae of everyday life.
And if you want to unwind from all that sightseeing and trekking, you’ll be glad to know that Sikinos has your Greek holidays covered when it comes to beaches.
Beaches
Depending on what you want and who you’re travelling with, there are beaches to suit every taste and every need. For instance, if you’re travelling with family and kids, Port Beach is ideal as it is a short walk from the port and has enough amenities. You’ll find sun loungers and umbrellas for shade, although there are plenty of trees lining the shore if you find yourself on the wrong end of musical chairs. It is also the longest beach on the island, boasting soft sand and crystal clear waters that are shallow enough for kids to splash around in. Meanwhile, come lunchtime, plenty of fish tavernas exist in and around the area.
Another fine family-friendly beach is Dialiskari. It is near the port of Alopronia and has basic amenities like sun loungers, as well as soft, white sand that is great for castle building. You’ll also find shade, courtesy of the trees along the coastline.
However, if you’re traveling solo, or with friends and feel like letting loose, we have a few suggestions. Agios Georgios beach is a prime example of what Greek holidays mean. It is completely devoid of any amenities and is secluded within a small cove. Getting to it means grabbing a boat from the port or by car. Shade is provided by some trees on the shore, while food from a nearby fish taverna is your only choice.
For the intrepid, we present Malta Beach. This Is a nudist-friendly enclave, where you can let it all hang out with impunity. It is secluded and to get to it you will have to get a boat. As you’d expect, there are no amenities whatsoever. What there is, however, is some ancient ruins up the hill, behind the embankment. Malta beach is small. And it has no shade, but it has character, so if you’re up for some adventuring, don’t think twice. Go for it.
Discover the Serenity of Sikinos: Your Ideal Greek Holidays Destination
Greek holidays are all about discovering new places and maybe even discovering a part of you that you didn’t know existed. Try your hand with Sikinos, and like Odysseus, you may just find your Ithaca at the end of the trip.
