Sikinos, Cyclades

Cyclades

Sikinos

A tiny Cyclades island where almost nothing has changed in decades.

Getting around

Scooter friendly

Cost

€€

In peak season

Quiet

Best months

May, Jun, Sep, Oct

From Athens

9h ferry

In pictures

Sikinos

Sikinos — view 1
Sikinos — view 2
Sikinos — view 3
Sikinos — view 4

Sikinos is one of the smallest and least visited inhabited Cyclades islands — just 41 km² with around 250 permanent residents. It has a beautiful Chora, a Roman mausoleum converted into a Byzantine church, good local wine, and an atmosphere of almost surreal quietness. The beaches are not spectacular, but the setting of the hilltop village at sunset is extraordinary.

How it scores

Beaches
Nightlife
Food
Culture
Nature
Family
Accessibility
Value for money

The catch

Almost nothing to do by conventional standards. Limited accommodation. Ferries can be infrequent.

Where it sits

Cyclades, Greece

Sikinos — frequently asked

When is the best time to visit Sikinos?
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The best months to visit Sikinos are May to October. It's very quiet, even in August, so even peak season is workable.
How do you get to Sikinos from Athens?
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Sikinos has no airport — you'll need to take a ferry from Piraeus or Rafina, which takes about 9 hours. Some travellers fly to a nearby island and ferry across.
Is Sikinos good for couples?
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Sikinos is one of the most romantic Greek islands — sunsets, candlelit tavernas, sea-view rooms.
Is Sikinos good for families with kids?
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Sikinos is not the easiest island for families with young kids.
Is Sikinos expensive?
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Sikinos is affordable by Greek-island standards.
Do you need a car on Sikinos?
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A scooter or ATV is the easiest way to get around Sikinos. Buses cover the main routes but a scooter unlocks the quiet beaches.
What's the catch with Sikinos?
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Almost nothing to do by conventional standards. Limited accommodation. Ferries can be infrequent.