Artemonas Sifnos
Artemonas Sifnos – the village
Artemonas Sifnos is a village definitely worth exploring on any visit to Sifnos. This incredibly well-preserved village was where many of the island’s wealthy nobility, merchants and ship captains built their grand mansions and estates during Sifnos’ thriving days in the 18th and 19th century. A walk through Artemonas reveals the aristocratic past through the distinctly Cycladic architectural grandeur of these manor houses. Intricate decorative elements, arched doorways bearing family crests, and pebble mosaic floors hint at the wealth and refinement of the old inhabitants.
As well as the grand old houses in the narrow laneways, Artemonas offers a range of shops, cafes, bakeries and restaurants that are worth checking out. Below are some of the best selections of Artemonas Sifnos to investigate.
For more information about Sifnos Greece and its attractions visit here
Artemonas Sifnos restaurants – best places to eat and drink
Mosaic (Mosaiko) Artemonas
Mosaic is a lovely ‘small plates’ cafe/restaurant set on a terrace near the church. You can find it by parking in the main parking area then wander north along the laneways towards the church. On the menu you’ll find favourites done very well – for example fava is served with smoked pork as well as capers to give it a lift, potato salad comes with smoked fish and chick peas, greek potatoes with tarragon and ginger (yumm) and (of course) fried cheese with homemade jam. Highly recommended.
Flaros
Flaros offers terrace or roof settings for a meal or drink. The terrace is good for people watching but the roof gives a great view over Artemonas towards Appollonia. The venue is named after the traditional clay chimney pots that you see everywhere on Sifnos and Ilias has set up the bar with a wide range of wines and other drinks on offer. For food, there is a good selection of Mediterranean dishes done well with offerings like Sifnian chickpea balls and bream fillet with chickpea stew. A little more expensive than Mosaic but good.
Others
Margarita and To Liotrivi are both located near the bus and parking area – Margarita’s always seems to be popular.
Perivoli is tucked away past Mosaic and offers a lovely orchard setting. The food is ‘Greek with a twist’ style and done very well.
Lempesis is another sound option and Ampate is a new addition that is getting good comments.
Artemonas Cafes
Yellow Bicycle is a good spot for breakfast and snacks and desserts. Try the lemon pie and loukoumades.
Artemonas Sifnos – culture
Artemonas hosts a number of cultural landmarks and activities which are worth checking out.
Archaeological Museum of Sifnos
Housed in a grand manor house, this museum displays a collection of archaeological artifacts found on the island spanning the Early Cycladic to Byzantine eras. Notable exhibits include marble anthropomorphic sarcophagi, Hellenistic statues, and ancient offerings to the sanctuary of Apollo.
Nikolaos Tzimas Gallery
Named after the Sifnian artist, this art gallery in a restored mansion hosts exhibitions featuring works by Tzimas and other contemporary Greek painters and potters.
Folklore Museum
Found within the picturesque walled Mitopouleas estate, this museum recreates traditional Sifnian life through a series of period rooms furnished with antique furnishings, costumes, tools, and ceramics.
Historic churches
See impressive ecclesiastical architecture and religious art at the Panagia Ouranoforos monastery and the churches of Agios Spyridonas and Agios Minas with their ornate wood-carved iconostases.
Cultural Nights
From June to September, the village comes alive on summer evenings with this festival hosted in the main square. It includes art exhibits, food stalls, traditional dance and music performances, and more.
Ceramics workshops
Artemonas is known for its pottery crafts. Visit studios like the Claypit Pottery to see demonstrations of potters crafting signature Sifnian ceramics using techniques perfected over centuries.
The Mpairames and Lembesis pottery stores are worth visiting.
Artemonas Sifnos – best places to stay
Artemonas does not have a huge choice of places to stay if you want to be walking distance from the centre – there’s more around Appollonia (10 mins walk). But there are some options for you if that’s where you want to base yourselves.
Windmill Villas Artemonas
A small group of residences built around the ‘Spithas Windmill’ with good views over the Kastro and out to sea. There are studios and apartments on offer and its a comfortable place to stay with good service.
Other options
‘Houses’ ‘Rooms’ and ‘Studios’ seem to be the main style around Artemonas – choices like Myrto Bungalows, Poppy’s House, and Sofia’s Studios will have you near to the centre but will still be quiet for a relaxed stay.
The friendliness and service from those running the accommodations are often noted here – which is true across the island.