Seeking Wanderland

Sikinos, a small, unspoiled island near Ios and Folegandros in the Cyclades, provides classic Cycladic architecture, with lovely terraces, short stone walls, numerous chapels and bougainvillea covered streets. In ancient times, Sikinos was known as Oinoe, which stems from the Greek word “oinos,” which means wine. According to legend, the gods of love arranged a marriage between the dethroned monarch Thoas and the nymph Niis on Oinoe island, Sikinos, their son, gave his name to it and the island was renames as Sikinos. The island offers amazing natural landscape, peacefulness, cultural wealth, and a delectable flavor of the Cyclades’ strong traditions.

Chora is built on a sheer cliff at the Northwestern corner of the island, it features a paved plaza with a column, several palm trees, a stunning view to the Aegean sea, blue domes churches and tiny white arched homes, small lanes and manors, which are some of the outstanding examples of classic Cycladic . architecture. Chora’s plaza is the social hub of the island, with traditional cafés, stores and its graceful church, which was erected in 1787. Kastro, a fortified village constructed on the brink of a cliff dating back to the 15th century, is the location of Chora’s highest point, where three wild mills are towering the cliff top, and features white buildings over a century old, jasmine-scented lanes, and yards filled with bougainvillea, geraniums, and vine trees.

Sikinos’ beaches are pristine, with pure blue and turquoise waters. Some of the most popular of them are Alopronia, Agios Georgios, Dialiskari, Agios Panteleimonas, Santorineika, Agios Ioannis, Karras, and Maltas. Furthermore Mavri Spilia cave in northern Sikinos, is one of the most magnificent in the Cyclades, can only be reached by water and is an ideal stop on a sailing day. Sikinos isand is also supreme destination for hikers, including amazing gorges, old villages, secluded beaches, breathtaking panoramic views and scwnic environment.