Kini: Sunset in the Cyclades

The island of Syros has a regular municipal inter-village bus service that connects the main town, Ermoupolis, with the various outlying coastal villages of Syros. Although the network only covers half of the island, it is a good and cheap way for travellers who are short of time to explore the island within a few hours. The bus departs from the municipal bus station near the harbour; one round around half of the island would take about one and a half hour.

There are several villages on Syros, both inland and coastal, which are worth a visit. The owner of the guest house in Ermoupolis recommends Kini, as it is the place, she said, 'with the most impressive sunset on the whole Syros'. 

Apparently most of the fellow visitors to Syros have heard of this too, as almost 70% of all passengers on the bus get off at Kini. 

By all means Kini is a small colourful fishing village pleasant enough to spend a few hours, although I must say, for some reasons, it does not bear much resemblence to the Cyclades, but reminds me very much of rural villages in Turkey's southeastern Aegean coast.

The village of Kini is located in a scenic bay, with a small beach in the centre of the town, and another beach about 500m away in another cove. Except for a few hotels, most of the accommodation available in Kini are self-catering apartments and cottages for rent. The small village centre has a few beachside restaurants and bars. On weekends business are brisk, thanks to visitors from Athens who come here over the weekends.

The cats in Kini have a very relaxed attitude when it comes to afternoon naps. Like most feline population in Greece, they live on the streets and sleep whenever wherever they deem convenient. It does not bother them a bit if you are using the table or not.

And this one is even funnier - he/she has lots of character: this little kitty stands up on its two hind legs, put the fore legs on the concrete wall barrier, slightly tilts the head and look at mer as though he/she is admiring the scenery, at the same time observing my every move.

It was a 3 hour wait for the long-fancied sunset over Kini - and this is how it looks like:

It is not as dramatic as I had thought, but never mind, Kini is a nice village and it is certainly a place worth a visit.

Copyrights@2010. All text and photos by YC Cheng. All Rights Reserved.