Hike· Sikinos· Greece — Cyclades
Episkopi Temple-Church Hike (Sikinos)
36° 40.2′ N · 25° 5.5′ E
A walk or ride across the island's spine to Episkopi, a 3rd-century AD Roman mausoleum that became a Byzantine church. Long closed, it was restored and reopened, and the work won a Europa Nostra award in 2022.
Practical
Position is the archaeological site in OSM. History (sikinos.gr, Wikipedia): it was long thought to be a temple of Pythian Apollo, but is now identified as a Roman mausoleum later converted into a church. It was abandoned in the 20th century and closed for about 50 years. The Ephorate of Antiquities of the Cyclades restored it from 2016. Excavation found Roman and Byzantine fresco fragments and the sealed tomb of a woman named Neiko. Walking routes from sikinos.gr: Chora - Episkopi - Agios Panteleimonas - Agios Dimitrios - Chora, 14.3 km, 5 hours. Chora - Episkopi - Manali winery - Agios Panteleimonas - Alopronia, 12.9 km, 4 hours 30 minutes. Episkopi - Agia Marina, 1.4 km, 35 minutes. The bus from Alopronia also runs to Episkopi. Opening hours are not published on the municipal page (verify locally). Little shade: start early, carry water. Residents hope to revive the traditional 15 August celebration here.
Best for
A cultural day hike from the harbour
Season
Best Apr-Jun and Sep-Oct; early morning in summer