Sikinos

Sikinos is a tiny, unspoiled Cyclades island with a dramatic hilltop Chora, ancient Roman remains, and pristine beaches. Located 6 hours from Piraeus by ferry, it's probably one of the most authentically Greek and least-visited islands in the entire Aegean. It's perfect for travelers who want to escape the crowds.

Sikinos is one of the smallest and most overlooked islands in the Cyclades, tucked quietly between Ios and Folegandros. With just 270 permanent residents and virtually no tourist infrastructure beyond a handful of family-run rooms and tavernas, it offers something increasingly rare in Greece. It's a completely genuine Greek island experience where you can still feel the slow pace of local life.

The island's twin hilltop settlements, Kastro and Chora, form one of the most atmospheric villages in the Cyclades. Perched on a high ridge, they offer sweeping views of the Aegean Sea in both directions. Below, the tiny port of Alopronia serves as the island's only connection to the outside world, featuring a small sandy beach and a few tavernas that wake up whenever the ferry boat arrives.

What Sikinos lacks in size it makes up for in character. The ancient Episkopi monastery, which is actually a converted Roman mausoleum and one of the most mysterious archaeological sites in the Aegean Sea, sits alone on a hillside above terraced vineyards. If you're walking the old mule paths between villages, you'll encounter pretty much nothing but stone walls, wild herbs, and the vast blue sea stretching to the horizon.

Sikinos doesn't try to impress you; it's simply what it is, and that's more than enough.