This Mediterranean island of paradisiacal beaches remains untouched by mass tourism all year round.

Far from crowded coasts and saturated seaside resorts, a small Mediterranean island still offers paradisiacal beaches untouched by mass tourism. This natural setting, bathed in sunshine all year round, attracts travellers in search of authenticity. Yet few people are aware of its existence.

Sikinos, a secret jewel in the heart of the Greek Cyclades

Located in the Cyclades archipelago, Sikinos is one of Greece’s least-visited islands. With its 300 permanent inhabitants, it retains a timeless charm. Visitors can enjoy unspoilt scenery and a peaceful atmosphere.

This island of just 41 km² offers secluded coves and crystal-clear waters. What’s more, its rugged terrain is home to hiking trails offering spectacular views of the Aegean Sea. Lovers of peace and quiet will find it an ideal retreat from the hustle and bustle of tourism.

Unlike Santorini or Mykonos, Sikinos has not succumbed to the sirens of intensive tourism. As a result, its heavenly beaches remain accessible without reservations or queues. This tranquility makes Sikinos a rare destination for discerning travelers.

“Sikinos represents the Greece of yesteryear, the Greece our grandparents knew before the influx of visitors.”

Secret beaches with turquoise waters

Agios Georgios beach is one of the island’s treasures. Its golden sand and shallow waters attract families. Dialiskari beach, on the other hand, attracts more experienced swimmers with its unspoilt seabed.

Malteza Beach also offers a wild, unspoilt setting. Accessible via a coastal path, it rewards walkers with an exceptional panorama. There are no lined-up sunbeds or street vendors on these heavenly beaches.

• Agios Georgios: main beach with traditional taverna
• Dialiskari: a secluded cove with deep waters
• Malteza: accessible only on foot
• Santorinaiika: pebble beach overlooking the cliffs
• Agios Panteleimonas: an ideal snorkeling spot

An ideal year-round Mediterranean climate

Sikinos enjoys over 300 days of sunshine a year. Temperatures range from 15°C in winter to 30°C in summer. This mild climate makes it possible to visit the island at any time of year.

Spring remains the ideal time for hiking and exploring the villages. During this season, wild flowers cover the hills. Heavenly beaches become havens of absolute peace.

Summer attracts a few more visitors, but the numbers remain moderate. September and October offer perfect conditions for swimming. The sea retains its warmth, while tourists become rarer.

Even in winter, the island retains its appeal for lovers of raw nature. The locals carry on their ancestral traditions. This authenticity appeals to travelers in search of true experiences.

Chora and Kastro, timeless villages

Chora, the main village, dominates the island from a hilltop. Its white houses with blue shutters embody traditional Cycladic architecture. From here, you can look out over the paradisiacal beaches below.

The Kastro district dates back to the 15th century and bears witness to the island’s Venetian past. Its narrow streets are home to miniature chapels. The medieval atmosphere transports visitors to another era.

No large retail chains have yet set up shop here. Family-run taverns serve local produce cooked according to ancestral recipes. This simplicity is the real luxury of Sikinos.

How to reach this unspoilt island

Sikinos can only be reached by ferry from Piraeus or the neighboring islands. The journey from Athens takes around 7 hours. This relative difficulty of access partly explains the preservation of the island.

Shorter connections exist from Santorini or Ios. These crossings take less than an hour. Yet few travelers make the detour to discover these little-known paradise beaches.

Local accommodation is limited to a few guesthouses and rentals. It is therefore advisable to book in advance during the high season. This limited capacity guarantees the tranquility of the area.

Transportation on the island is limited to a single bus and a few cabs. Renting a scooter allows you to explore hidden corners. In this way, each traveler can create his or her own itinerary to the secret coves and heavenly beaches for which Sikinos is so discreetly renowned.

• paradise beaches