Platis Gialos Sifnos

Platis Gialos Sifnos is a lovely beach village in the south east of Sifnos. It’s a popular beach known for its crystal clear waters and golden sand as well as plenty of good quality restaurants (it’s known as a foodie hotspot), bars and options to stay (a google search shows 184 options). It’s a picturesque location surrounded by green hills and cliffs helping to provide a location with some shelter from prevailing northerly winds.

With its golden sands, crystal clear waters, and laid-back island vibe, Platis Gialos is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful and popular beaches on the Greek island of Sifnos. Located on the southern coast just 10 minutes from the capital Apollonia, Platis Gialos offers the quintessential Greek island beach experience.

This expansive 1 km long beach has everything you could want in a Mediterranean destination – soft sand, shallow calm waters, beachfront tavernas, amenities like sunbeds and water sports, and proximity to attractions. Its convenient location and family-friendly setup attracts visitors from across Greece and Europe.

This in-depth guide covers everything you need to know to plan the perfect beach day or holiday in Platis Gialos Sifnos. We’ll provide information on:

How to get to Platis Gialos
The beach itself and nearby coast
Facilities, amenities, and activities
Where to eat, drink, and stay nearby
Nearby attractions and excursions
When to visit

There are plenty of attractions in Platis but there are also plenty close by if you feel like exploring. More information here.

Platis Gialos Sifnos - hotels - best places to stay

Platis Gialos offers a good range of places to stay from basic rooms right up to ‘luxury’ options. Some of the best ones are:

Hotel Nereides – Nereides has a commanding view of Platis beach from the north-eastern end. If you don’t mind a few steps, it provides easy access to the beach area. The rooms are simply furnished in the Cyclades style and Thanos provides a large breakfast on the terrace for his guests to enjoy. The hotel also has a small pool for guests.

Verina Terra – this is a small complex of suites set in a sheltered area just back from the beach and a level walk to the beach area. The complex is very nicely furnished and there’s a wellness focus with group or individual yoga options on offer. It also has a pool and a vegetable garden to supply guests.

Ammos Sifnos Village – Ammos is a small set of apartments right on the beach and very close to all the attractions. It’s a family business that has been running for many years and there are 9 room configurations to choose from.

Aerina Luxury Apartments are part of the Fos collection and are located at the north-eastern end of Platis Gialos. There are 6 residences on offer and all are located close to the beach via a level walk.

Akrotiraki Apartments are at the southern end of the beach , on the way round to Lazarou Beach. The renovated apartment offers a sweeping view of Platis Gialos Sifnos and is set a little away from the main area if you want a real quiet time.

Villa Irini is set 300m behind the beach area and so has a nice elevated outlook over Platys Gialos. It has a range of rooms, suites and apartments for couples up to families.

Platis Gialos Sifnos - best places to eat

Omega 3 Sifnos – it’s the glamour spot, the influencers’ favourite, the place to be seen, celebs galore (Bono, Tom Hanks etc etc). Also well frequented by the sailing set. For such a reputation , you’ll be surprised to see the setting – beachfront but very small (described as a shack, see the photo below right), open to capture the views and the atmosphere but next to a busy general store. The menu is seafood focused of course and using quality ingredients in a non-traditional way. Worth a visit if you can get a reservation.

To Steki – Steki is a good contrast, being much closer to a traditional taverna. It’s set on the beach walk under the shade of some trees and always seems to be buzzing with a good crowd. You’ll find all the traditional favourites here and they are done well – recommended.

NUS (entrance shown on the left above) makes use of quality ingredients from the Narlis Farm (which you can also visit for cookery demos). It’s another nice setting towards the southern end of the in an open courtyard. Its difficult to choose from the menu but if they have the Revithada available (the well known Sifnian chickpea dish) then its definitely worth trying – so soft and flavoursome. But all the dishes are good 🙂

Mamma Mia (of course there has to be one) is the pizza option along the beach. It offers a full range of Italian delights as well as pizza and is always busy – a good sign.

Maiolica – another classy offering providing a broader range of Mediterranean food. Hummus with grilled octopus is good if its on the menu and the crusted sea bass is good too.

Getting To Platis Gialos Beach

Platis Gialos beach is conveniently located on Sifnos’ southern coast, approximately 8 km south of the island’s capital Apollonia.

There are several easy and affordable transportation options to reach the beach:

By Bus from Apollonia

Frequent bus service from Apollonia bus station with the ride taking about 15 minutes.
Buses run regularly from morning to late evening during summer high season.
Bus fare is only a few euro per direction.
Buses drop off right at the edge of Platis Gialos beach.

By Taxi from Apollonia

Taxis from Apollonia take just 10 minutes to reach Platis Gialos.
Fare is around 10€ each way.
Taxis can be booked in advance or found at designated stands around Apollonia.

By Rental Car

Driving from Apollonia takes approximately 15 minutes depending on traffic.
Ample free parking is available at the beach, making a rental car a convenient option for exploring Sifnos.

Transfers from Kamares Port

Many hotels and villas in Platis Gialos offer private shuttle transfers from the ferry port in Kamares upon request. Inquire when booking accommodations.
Private transfers take around 20-25 minutes and may cost 25-30€ per group each way.

Arriving in Platis Gialos is smooth and easy whether by bus, taxi, rental car or private transfer from anywhere on the island.

About Platis Gialos Beach

Platis Gialos is the longest beach on Sifnos, stretching over 1 km along the coast. The soft golden sand gently slopes into the turquoise blue Aegean Sea, creating ideal swimming conditions.The beach never feels crowded thanks to its spacious size. You’ll find plenty of room to spread out on the sand even during the peak summer months.

There are some organised sections in front of the bars and cafes but also plenty of ‘free’ space where you can pitch your own towel or umbrella.

The shoreline transitions from pebbles to sand to create protected swimming areas. The crystalline waters are clear, clean, and shallow, making Platis Gialos beginner-friendly. Parents can easily watch their children play safely from shore.

Dotting the back of the beach is a row of tavernas, cafes, bars, and shops to provide nourishment, refreshment, and amenities. There are also sunbeds, umbrellas, showers, restrooms, and water sport centers available to cater to visitors.

Beach Amenities

Some of the facilities and amenities found at Platis Gialos Beach include:

Sunbed and umbrella rentals available from beach bars – roughly 10€ per day
Watersports centers for activities like stand up paddleboarding, tubing, waterskiing
Lifeguards on duty daily from 10am to 6pm during high season
First aid station and water safety buoys along the beach
Showers, restrooms, and changing rooms
Beach volley ball courts and equipment rentals
Access ramps and equipment for disabled visitors
Waste and recycling bins to keep beach clean

With its outstanding amenities and facilities, it’s easy to have an enjoyable and comfortable beach day at Platis Gialos.

Things To Do at Platis Gialos

There’s no shortage of activities to enjoy during a beach day at Platis Gialos:

Swimming & Sunbathing

Of course, the main draw is swimming and lounging on the soft golden sand. The calm, clear waters and shallow sand are ideal for swimming and paddling for the whole family.

Snorkeling

Snorkel out from shore to spot colourful fish, sea urchins, and other marine life. See octopuses hiding in rocky coves.

Paddleboarding & Kayaking

Paddleboard, kayak, and canoe rentals are available for exploring the coastline while getting an arm workout. Yoga paddleboard classes too!

Massages

Indulge in a relaxing beach or poolside massage at one of Platis Gialos’ hotels like Platis Gialos Hotel. Blissful!

Sunset Drinks

Grab a cocktail at a beach bar and admire the sunset over the Aegean Sea. Magical ambiance.

With its abundance of amenities and activities, Platis Gialos truly offers something for every interest, age and energy level.

Nearby Attractions & Day Trips

While lounging at Platis Gialos will occupy many hours, it’s also worth exploring some nearby attractions:

Chrysopigi Beach

Just south of Platis Gialos lies the quieter Chrysopigi Beach, accessible via a scenic 30 minute coastal path walk or 5 minute boat ride. Great for peaceful tranquility. Check out the monastery and also grab a coffee at Way Cup near Apokofto Beach.

Artemonas Village

Admire the traditional architecture and shops in the charming hillside village of Artemonas, 5 km away. Enjoy dinner at Mosaic or Flaros and dessert at yellow Bicycle. Best things to do at Artemonas.

Apollonia Town

Wander the winding alleyways and get lost in the island’s lively capital town, just 2 km north. Grab a drink at Botzi Bar or dinner at Cayenne.

Profitis Ilias Monastery

Visit this iconic whitewashed hilltop monastery for 360 degree panoramic views over Sifnos.

Vathy Beach

Take a 20 minute bus ride east to swim in the protected cove of Vathy – here’s more to do at Vathi Beach.

Day Trips

Take a guided day trip by boat to Kimolos or the uninhabited island of Polyaigos for a change of scenery.

Walking

Take a short stroll from teh southern end of Platis Gialos around to Lazarou beach – it’s really a big deck with loungers and cafe/bar facilities if you’ve had enough of the sand.

Platis Gialos provides the perfect home base to explore all of these nearby attractions on day trips or excursions.

Accessibility & Facilities

Platis Gialos stands out for its accessibility and facilities to accommodate visitors of all needs:

Designated disabled parking spots right at beach entrance.
Wide wooden ramps provide wheelchair access onto the beach from the parking lot.
Special beach wheelchairs available for entering the sea.
Floating water wheelchairs allow disabled swimmers to enjoy the ocean.
Accessible bathrooms, changing areas, and showers.
Many restaurants and beach clubs offer accessible tables.
Clear signs and beach attendants to assist disabled visitors.

Thanks to this infrastructure, those with limited mobility can comfortably enjoy Platis Gialos beach and its amenities.

When to Visit Platis Gialos

Due to its southerly location, Platis Gialos enjoys warm weather and water conditions from May through October, making it ideal for beach season.

Peak tourist season is July to August when the weather is hottest but beaches and boats are most crowded. Prices also increase.

May-June and September-October are excellent shoulder months with fewer visitors, lower rates, and pleasant swimming conditions.

The beach is quietest November-April during low season when hotels and restaurants reduce hours or close. But weather can be unpredictable.

Regardless of season, the beauty of Platis Gialos shines through!

Getting to Sifnos Island

To reach the island of Sifnos, visitors have several transport options:

Ferry

Regular ferries from Piraeus port in Athens run 2-3 times daily, taking 2-3 hours.
Connecting ferries from other Cyclades islands like Serifos, Milos, and Paros.
Arrive at Kamares port in Sifnos, then bus, taxi or transfer to Platis Gialos.

Flight + Ferry

Fly to Athens International Airport, then ferry onwards.
Or fly to Milos Airport, then quick ferry connection to Sifnos.

Cruise

Visit Sifnos as part of multi-island cruise of the Cyclades, with a stop in Kamares port.

Once on Sifnos, getting to Platis Gialos is smooth via the transportation options covered earlier.

Why Visit Platis Gialos Sifnos

To summarize, below are the many excellent reasons to add Platis Gialos to your Greek Islands itinerary:

Ideal golden sand and crystalline calm waters perfect for swimming and lounging.
Convenient facilities like sunbeds, umbrellas, restrooms, and restaurants right on beach.
Proximity to Apollonia for dining, nightlife, shopping and attractions.
Accessible by bus, taxi, rental car or transfers from anywhere on the island.
Abundant amenities and activities like watersports, massage, hiking trails.
Accommodation choices include beachfront hotels or short walk away.
Nearby quieter beaches like Chrysopigi for variety.
Welcoming atmosphere for families, couples and all visitors.

Soak in the magic of Platis Gialos on your next Sifnos holiday! Just follow our guide to plan your transportation, beach time, activities, dining and accommodations in this Greek island paradise.

About the author

Paul is an experienced traveller who has visited areas of North America, most of Europe and Australasia. He has a particular interest in the quieter and more authentic locations throughout the world.

He’s been visting the Greek Islands since 1987 and has seen the changes that higher visitor numbers have brought – some good and some not so good. Paul has a preference for the Cyclades islands but enjoys others as well (particularly Alonissos in the Sporades). In fact anywhere with a combination of nice beaches, good food and friendly locals will get his attention.

Paul last visited Sifnos in 2023 including a stay at Platis Gialos and visits to most of the restaurants mentioned in this article. This article was updated in October 2023.