Sikinos

This week let yourself be whisked away on an island in the South Aegean. Sikinos is part of the Cyclades and is located right in-between Ios and Folegandros. In Ancient Greece it was known as Oinoe, the Island of Wine.

In contrast to its neighboring island Ios, Sikinos is quiet and not as developed. However, this could soon change because there are plans to build a resort and connect it with the mainland by helicopter.

Besides some ancient ruins the island offers two villages, Alopronia and Chora. Alopronia is located at the port and offers some taverns that serve food for the few tourists who visit that beautiful island. Only around 50 people call Alopronia their permanent home, most of them fishermen. The villagers have even invented a special bait for squids. You can certainly not find a club on the island to dance all night but you can find live music in local taverns at the port.

Chora is built up on a mountain and has an amazing view of the sea. It is said to be one of the smallest and most picturesque villages in the Cyclades. Chora is made up of two settlements which are located only a few meters from each other. Part of it dates back to the 15th century. Chora is known for its typical and authentic Cycladic style - white houses, paved alleys, old windmills and churches. When strolling through the village, one can find himself lost in a labyrinth of narrow paths, secret passages and old mansions.

The most well-known sight on Sikinos is the Monastery of Episkopi - a hiking path leads there from Chora and it takes only an hour to get there. The temple was built in the 3rd century and later converted into a Christian church. An earthquake destroyed most of the monastery but it is still a unique sight and worth a visit.

If you are looking for a beautiful and quiet island with secluded beaches and the white and blue houses everyone expects from Greece, then you should definitely think about visiting Sikinos!