Saturday, August 27, 2011

Sikinos, Cyclades Islands

In brief
Sikinos is an ideal destination for tranquilest, relaxing holiday; friendly, open people, long walks to hills and swimming to clear blue sea create ideal scenery. Traditionally exposed and developed through white, stony houses and chapels, white narrow roads with artistic wall paintings, Sikinos states an Aegean landscape, a glorious, pictorial, elegant view.

General Information
Sikinos has retained all of its island character, and this adds to its attractions for those in search of peace and an authentic atmosphere. A beautiful unspoiled island, bare rocky with a gentle country in the southeast. 
Quietness, great walks and crystal clear waters put this island in picture.
The island has been inhabited since ancient times, as has been proved by the finds made in the Episkopi district.
The only road on Sikinos links Alopronia, the island’s harbour, with Hora or Kastro, one of the most beautiful villages anywhere in the Cyclades. There are fine stone mansions to admire, and a church of Our Lady “Pantanassa”. The Zoodohos Pigi monastery, built on the peak of a rock, is more reminiscent of an impregnable castle from a distance.
As on all the more isolated Cycladic islands, the local religious feasts are celebrated with great enthusiasm.

Sightseeing
The capital, Hora, is situated high up in the mountains. It really consists of two villages, an old and a new one. The old part is also called Horio ("Village") and the new Kastro. Here, you'll find a small folklore museum and a quite impressive church from the 18th century.
When Turks and pirates invaded the island, the locals that lived in Kastro used to pour boiling oil on the enemy. You can still see where the oil came out just outside the wall.
Another sight is the nunnery Zoodohos Pigi ("Life-giving Source"), built in the 15th century and dedicated to the Virgin Mary. 
Episkopi is also well worth a visit. No one knows for certain what the ancient ruins under the 7th century church were. The most common theory is that it was a temple dedicated to Apollo, and there is also an amphitheatre in the site.
Mavri Spilia (Black cave); as the name states a wild cave with mystery, dark, enchanted nature.     



  
Useful Information
(Area 41 sq. km. Distance from Piraeus 113 nautical miles)
How to get there
By sea from Rafina
Rafina Port Authority: +30 22940 28888, 22300

Useful telephone numbers    
Area Code: 22860
Municipal Office: 51238, 51228
Police: 51222
Port Authority: 51121
Health Center: 51211

http://www.sikinos.gr

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