Sifnos
Sifnos
Sifnos is a charming Greek island located in the western part of the Cyclades archipelago in the Aegean Sea. It has a land area of approximately 74 square kilometers (29 square miles) and a coastline that stretches for about 70 kilometers (43 miles). Sifnos is known for its traditional Cycladic architecture, picturesque villages, beautiful beaches, and rich culinary heritage.
The island is home to several main villages, each with its own character and charm. Apollonia, the capital of Sifnos, is a lively town with narrow streets, whitewashed houses, and a vibrant atmosphere. It is known for its shops, cafes, and traditional tavernas. Artemonas, located nearby, is a picturesque village with neoclassical mansions, beautiful gardens, and stunning views of the surrounding hills. Other notable villages include Kastro, an ancient fortified village with a medieval character, and Vathi, a tranquil fishing village with a beautiful bay.
Platis Gialos Sifnos – best beach village
Sifnos offers a variety of beautiful beaches that cater to different preferences. Platis Gialos is one of the most popular beaches, known for its golden sand, crystal-clear waters, and a range of facilities and water sports activities. Chrissopigi is a unique beach with a picturesque church located on a rocky islet, offering a stunning backdrop for sunbathing and swimming. Faros, Vathy, and Kamares are other notable beaches known for their natural beauty and relaxing ambiance.
One of the unique features of Sifnos is its rich culinary tradition. The island is renowned for its local cuisine, which combines traditional flavors with modern influences. Visitors can indulge in delicious dishes such as chickpea soup (revithada), caper salad, and the famous Sifnian cheese pie (sfougato). Sifnos is also known for its festivals and celebrations, where traditional music, dancing, and local delicacies take centre stage.
Best places to stay on Sifnos
Platis Gialos is a popular choice to stay on Sifnos with its sandy beach and range of cafes, bars and restaurants. Niriedes is a well established and popular choice, located just at the eastern end of the beach with a good view. Massive breakfasts are enough to keep you going to dinner and Thanos and the team will make sure you are well looked after. Halfway along, just back from the beach, you’ll find Verina Terra in a nice setting and with well designed rooms. And a very easy stroll to the beach area. There are plenty of 2/3 start options around the beach area.
You’ll find the 5 star Elies Resort at Vathi Beach Sifnos on the south west side of the island. It’s a resort with 33 spacious rooms, a lovely pool and close to the very good Vathi beach area. Probably the most luxurious hotel style accommodation on Sifnos. Again there are a few other villas/houses dotted around Vathi Beach.
The other main area for accommodation is around the old Kastro area. Verina Astra is listed as a 3 star place but should be higher. Stylish rooms, a very nice pool and great views from every room. Cheaper options to consider are Gerofinikas, Smaragdi and Andromeda.
Faros is a nice beach settlement to stay at as well. It’s a little away from the other centres and that keeps it relaxed and quiet. Nos Hotel and Villas and Venereum will both give you a very comfortable stay with Fabrica and Maisons A La Plage other options a little down the price scale.
Best sights on Sifnos
There’s plenty to see on Sifnos if you don’t fancy a beach day. Some of the most notable are:
Apollonia is the capital of Sifnos and worth exploring for its charming ambiance and vibrant atmosphere. Wander through its narrow streets lined with whitewashed houses, boutique shops, art galleries, and traditional tavernas. Don’t miss the central square, where you can relax at a café and observe the local life.
Located on the northeastern coast of Sifnos, Kastro is an ancient fortified village that offers a glimpse into the island’s rich history. Explore the narrow alleys, visit the Church of the Seven Martyrs (careful – can be a windy walk!), and take in panoramic views of the Aegean Sea.
Just a short distance from Apollonia, Artemonas is a picturesque village known for its beautiful architecture, blooming gardens, and serene atmosphere. Stroll through the village’s charming streets, admire the neoclassical mansions, and visit the Panagia Kochi Church, known for its exquisite frescoes.
Panagia Chrissopigi on the southern coast is a striking monastery perched on a rocky promontory overlooking the sea. The monastery is a significant religious site and offers breathtaking views of the coastline.
Situated on the highest peak of Sifnos, the Monastery of Profitis Ilias offers panoramic views of the entire island. The monastery itself is a serene place to visit, featuring beautiful architecture and a peaceful atmosphere.
In Kastro, the Folklore Museum provides insights into the island’s traditional way of life. It displays a collection of folk art, historical artifacts, traditional costumes, and tools used in daily life. It’s a fascinating place to learn about the island’s cultural heritage.
Best Beaches on Sifnos
There are plenty of good beaches on Sifnos – the best ones are probably these:
Platis Gialos Beach: Platis Gialos is one of the most popular and well-developed beaches on Sifnos. It features a long stretch of golden sand and crystal-clear turquoise waters. The beach offers excellent amenities, including sunbeds, umbrellas, and water sports activities. There are several tavernas and beach bars nearby where you can enjoy a meal or a refreshing drink.
Vathi Beach Sifnos: Vathi Beach Sifnos is a picturesque sandy beach nestled in a deep natural bay. It boasts calm, shallow waters and a relaxing ambiance. The beach is well-organized with sunbeds and umbrellas available for rent. Vathi Beach Sifnos offers natural shade provided by trees, making it a great choice for those seeking shelter from the sun. There are tavernas and cafes close to the beach where you can grab a bite to eat or enjoy a leisurely drink. A visit to Vathi Beach Sifnos is highly recommended.
Kamares Beach: Located near the port town of Kamares, this beach is easily accessible and offers a mix of sand and pebbles. It’s definitely one of the better ‘port’ beaches and it provides a tranquil setting with clear waters ideal for swimming. Kamares Beach offers sunbeds and umbrellas for rent, and there are tavernas and cafes along the waterfront, allowing you to enjoy a meal or a snack while enjoying the sea views.
Chrissopigi Beach: Situated near the iconic Panagia Chrissopigi Monastery, this beach is known for its natural beauty and spiritual ambiance. It features a combination of sand and smooth rocks, making it perfect for sunbathing and snorkeling. Chrissopigi Beach offers limited natural shade, but the nearby rocks provide some shelter. There is a taverna close to the beach where you can dine and enjoy traditional Greek cuisine.
Faros Beach: Faros is a small fishing village with a charming beach surrounded by lush hills. The beach offers soft sand and crystal-clear waters, making it ideal for swimming and relaxation. Faros Beach has sunbeds and umbrellas available for rent, and there are tavernas and cafes along the waterfront where you can enjoy fresh seafood and local delicacies. Betty’s Bakery is an interesting place to pick up some pastries and bread.
If you’re looking for quieter and more secluded options, you could look at Poulati – a mixed sand/pebbles beach in a secluded cove, Vroulidia on the north east coast – it takes a short walk to get there but you’re rewarded by quiet crystal clear waters and Fasoulou which a remote beach accesssed from Kastro via a hiking trail (no facilities there).
Best restaurants and bars on Sifnos
At Platis Gialos you’ll find a range of eating places with a range of prices to match. Omega3 is perhaps the best known with star spotting opportunities if you’re into that sort of thing and popular with the boatie set – reviews though seem to have been less complementary lately. Maiolica is perhaps the pick of the newer places with To Steki and Cyclades offering a simpler more traditional menu and doing it well.
Plenty of bars in the area to quench that thirst with Lost Bay on the beach possibly the pick.
Appollonia is also good for evening eating – Oraia is traditional style in a courtyard setting, Kelari and Okyalos are similar. Cayenne goes for a more modern style and reactions may depend upon your preferences.
Botzi Bar is a well established bar in the area and has expanded to provide additional roof top space across the laneway. Cosi and Argo other options to try.
In Artemonas check out Mosaic for small plates, Perivoli for well presented Greek food and Flaros for a nice setting.
At Kamares Camaron is a pizza restuarant with other offerings and very friendly service. Passione Italiana also provides good Italian style food and Isalos is more casual style with a good position for sunset views.
And of course the much hyped Cantina Sifnos in a beautiful setting beneath the Kastro vilage – it’s one of those places that you might feel you have to visit because everyone talks about the food and the sustainable approach. Is the hype overdone? Well you can decide.
Island hopping from Sifnos
Serifos and Milos are easy ferry trips and Folegandros may be a possibility depending on ferry schedules.
Map of Sifnos
Sifnos Tips
A wander through Artemonas will show the fallen grandeur of some of the big mansions. There’s also a great bakery called Atsonios Angelos and the Yellow Bicycle for drinks and snacks.
If you’re into ceramics, Sifnos offers plenty of examples of the old styles and you’ll see the Flaroi (decorative chimney pots) everywhere on Sifnos. If you have room you can also take home your own clay pot (skepastaria) and have a go at cooking the chickpea Revithada dish.
If you’re after a good cup of coffee, head to Way Cup Roaster behind Chrisopigi and near Apokofto Beach – a very nice brew in a garden setting with a friendly dog.
Make sure you reserve a car early if you’re heading to Sifnos at busy times – they’ve been known to run out.
Sifnos questions answered
Is Sifnos worth visiting?
Yes! It has everything you want in a small Greek island – beaches, villages and very good food. The only people it would not suit might be those looking for the party lifestyle.
Can you fly to Sifnos?
No. You can reach Sifnos by ferry from Athens, Santorini, Mykonos. See Getting to Sifnos for more details.
How to get around Sifnos? Do you need a car in Sifnos?
You do not absolutely need a car to experience Sifnos but like anywhere, having a car will give you flexibility to go wherever you’d like to at your preferred times. There is a local bus service that goes to many places on teh island but timings are restricted, particularly in the evenings. Driving in Sifnos is easy, we use Suntrail and have never had any problems.
Is Sifnos expensive?
No. We found it on par with most of the Cyclades islands and cheper than Mykonos/Santorini.
Where does the ferry arrive in Sifnos?
Kamares is the port village in Sifnos, located in teh north west of the island. As port settlements go, it’s quite nice with a decent beach, a good range of eating places and even a working pottery studio.
How big is Sifnos?
It is 74 square kilometres in area (43 square miles) so not large at all.
Is Sifnos touristy?
This one is always hard to answer, depending on your expectations. A large part of the island’s activity is geared towards summer visitors so you’d probably say ‘yes’ but it is not overrun (although busy in Ju/Aug) or tacky.