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Kastro (Chora) on Sikinos

Kastro is just three kilometres from the port. The bus stops both at the beginning of the village, and at the end of it. Regardless of where you get off you will be met by typical Cycladic architecture and houses intertwined along narrow winding alleys.

Kastro (Chora) on Sikinos in the Cyclades.

The oldest parts of the Kastro.

The village is built on the edge of an almost 300 meter high cliff. At the part of the village that faces the water, the rocks plunge straight into the sea. That the village was built right here was to protect the inhabitants against the pirates who then ravaged the entire Mediterranean.

In Kastro on Sikinos is the beautiful church of Panagia Pantanassa.

The old Kastro is nicely lit up in the evening.

The oldest part of the village is built like a castle, that is why it is named Kastro since it means castle. Clear traces of the Kastro is still visible. In the square, there is a beautiful church called Panagia Pantanassa. Many say Chora for Kastro, but I have chosen the original name Kastro, mostly because the neighbouring village is called Chorio.

The oldest part of Chora is built as a fortress, hence the name Kastro which means castle or fortress.

Part of Kastro that is renovated.

Kastro seen from Chorio on Sikinos.

Kastro seen from the neighboring village Chorio.

Kastro and Chorio seen from the Nunnery of Zoodochos Pigi on the island of Sikinos near Folegandros.

Kastro and Chorio seen from the Zoodochos Pigi nunnery.

The village is really small, and it do not take long before you have walked in all alleys. However, it will take long before you are tired of looking at the village, for it is indeed a lovely village. Anyone who likes a typical Cycladic "chora" can do nothing but love Kastro. Especially for the beautiful mix of old houses that are in ruins, and newly renovated houses so whitewashed that your eyes will hurt. Please visit Kastros twin village Chorio village, which is next to the Kastro.

One of many labyrinthine alleys in Kastro.

There are many fine churches in Kastro – Chora.

One of the churches in Kastro.

Kastro has post office, shops, bakery, ATM, travel agency, and several tavernas and cafes. Two of the nicest cafes (they also sell snacks) lies opposite each other in a narrow alley with a roof of flowers. Both locals and tourists settle down for a coffee or to eat something while they have full control of everything and everyone that pass through the alley. Because most people will pass this alley at least once during the day.

Cafe in Kastro and Chora at Sikinos.

Café alley in Kastro during the siesta.

Shops, bakeries, ATM, travel agency, taverns, bars and cafes in Kastro.

Same alley when it's lunch time. I certainly look happy. :-)

The café alley in Kastro from the other side.

In another small alley, just metres from the one above, there are two excellent tavernas. They are so pleasant that you never want to leave. Therefore, it is often difficult to get a table unless you get there early in the evening.

Taverna Klimataria in Kastro (Chora) on Sikinos in the Cyclades.

Family-owned Taverna Klimataria has been around for more than 35 years.

Whitewashed arches, alleys and stairs in typical Cycladic style.

It's easy to get lost in Kastro.

There are several cosy bars in Kastro.

But if you follow the signs, you will reach the right end. :-)

Above Kastro live some old windmills just waiting to be visited. Feel free to go up there and feel the beat of history and enjoy the beautiful views.

One of the windmills above Kastro.

On many islands in the Cyclades, the old windmills remain, like here on Sikinos.

Here I am playing peek-a-boo with one of the windmills. Can you see me?

The first time we travelled to Sikonos in the late 1990s we stayed in Alopronia, but we had all our dinners at Taverna Klimataria in Kastro. Every night the gentlemen in the pictured below played old Greek rebetiko music. They played on old instruments, such as goat bellies, and played and sang absolutely amazingly well.

Live Greek music and dance on Sikinos with goat stomach as an instrument.

The musicians played old instruments, like goat stomachs, and they were sooo good.

On the last night before we were to go on to the neighbouring island of Ios, the last bus to the port had left, so we had no choice but to go down. It was a starry night and they were full moon. As we walked down the road we enjoyed silence, stillness and a beautiful moon sea. By this time, most people were sleeping on Sikinos, while the night life on Ios had just begun.

Full moon on a starry night on the island of Sikinos in Greece.

As we walked down the road we enjoyed silence, stillness and a beautiful moon. Ios in the background.

ACCOMMODATION IN KASTRO

Before, there were no hotels or pensions in Kastro, but since a few years there are several. Almost all the tourists who visit Sikinos live in Alopronia, but Kastro seems to attract more and more. Stegadi Apartments and Comfy Room both look very nice.