It is difficult not to fall in love with Sikinos the moment you set eyes on it. You feel happiness and anticipation when you see the small port of Alopronia with its crystal-clear blue water. It is a characteristic and beloved image of the Cycladic Islands – the little white-washed houses next to the sea with all its shades of blue. It’s an image you never really get used to, it just nests deeper and deeper into the heart. Whoever is lucky enough to visit the island in the springtime will be fascinated by the terraces in full bloom with wild flowers. In the summertime, the lack of green color creates and wonderful contrast – the terraced vineyards, dispersed olives trees and small gardens. Viticulture has played an important role in the history of the island. According to Plinios, the island’s name in ancient times was Oinoe, (‘oinos’ being the ancient Greek word for wine) due to the extensive wine production. The elderly still remember the mules carrying grapes to be loaded onto boats at Alopronia.
Like most of the islands in the Cyclades, Sikinos was repeatedly occupied and invaded by pirates. Indications of  the island’s first inhabitants go back to pre-historic times. In the 10^th century BC, the Ionians settled there. In the 5^th century BC, it was under the occupation of the Athenians, followed by the Romans, Byzantium and then the Venetians (governed under the Grand Duchy of Naxos). In 1537, the island was occupied by the Ottoman Empire until its independence and unification with the rest of Greece in 1829.
Today with its flora and fauna protected by Natura 2000, Sikinos has developed tourism without the adverse effects seen in other places. It has managed to retain the charm it has always had, but also provides comfort and all the amenities to the traveler, such as Wi/Fi throughout the island. In other words, it has developed its tourism with an emphasis on detail, and that makes all the difference! All these, on a small Cycladic Island between Folegandros and Ios, just 102 miles from the port of Piraeus.