Discover Sifnos Island: The Quintessential Greek Island

Located in the western part of the Cyclades, Sifnos island was an island that only the Greeks knew about. All those ferries cruising across the Aegean sea, stacked with people passing this great island, on their way to Mykonos, Paros and Milos not knowing what they were leaving behind. Secretly the people in the know are happy to see these ferries bypass the island!

Over the years Sifnos has seen an increase is tourism, but at its core, it is still a place where Greeks like to spend their summer days, welcoming the travellers who have decided to visit Sifnos. 

Whats is Sifnos known for?

Sifnos island is known for the Cycladic whitewash houses, breathtaking views and of course the capital of the island, Apollonia. The village that sits a top of the island, where you will find some of Greeces best restaurants and bars. 

Not only is Sifnos known for its great food and nightlife it is also popular for its pottery and ceramic art, which can be found through the island villages or Chora's

It is one of the few islands in the Cyclades that still have siesta's. So you may find yourself walking around villages and being the only person on the street. But do not worry, everything livens up at night!

How to get to the island of Sifnos?

By Ferry:

There are daily ferries that take you from the Athens port of Piraeus to Sifnos. The journey takes around 4 hours.

By Plane:

Sifnos does not have an airport, but you are able to fly in to the island of Milos. From there it is a short 1 hour ferry trip to Sifnos.

Getting around Sifnos island

When you are planning your trip to Sifnos, it is best to rent a car to get explore Sifnos island. Do this in advanced to make sure you have you car booked and waiting for you as you hop off the ferry.

Sifnos gets very busy during the summer months and finding a car is almost impossible.

Best Beaches in Sifnos

Heronissos beach

This is a special little beach. Located 15km's from Appolonia this little cove is a sandy beach that is not organised, so bring your umbrella and towels. There is a taverna that serves some great traditional Greek food, and the water is warm and crystal clear to swim.

It really is one of the best beaches on the island.

Kamares beach

Located not too far from the port, this long stretch of sandy beach has everything a family will need. 

The beach is well organised with beach bars along the shoreline, and there is a cafe at the point of the beach that has sun beds.

As the beach is on the port there is plenty of food and drink options. Also the beach is shallow so its great for kids to swim in all day long.

Platys Gialos beach

Located 9km's from Apollonia, this long sandy beach is a popular tourist destination that is both organised, with restaurants right on the waterfront, and a non-organised section of the beach.

If a great beach for families, and the water is crystal clear makes this a very popular beach.

Vathi Beach

This beach sits 10km's south west of  the capital of Sifnos, Apollonia. Its a sandy beach that is partly organised. The beach is surrounded with tavernas so eating and drinking will not be a problem. Espeically if traditional Greek food and seafood is what you are after.

The whole beach is picturesque with the shallow and turquoise waters, which is a perfect beach for families.

Things to do in Sifnos

Explore the island

Jump in your car and start driving. There is so much to see on the island of Sifnos, especially the villages and beaches. Villages such as Faros, Kastro, Platis Gialos, and Vathy are great for a swim and to sample the local restaurants.

While visiting Kastro a must is to visit the Church of Seven Martyrs. It sits on its little cliff face and is a great place to take photos!

The church of the seven martyrs is easy to find as it is located at the entrance of Kastro village.

Sailing around this beautiful Greek island

This is a great way to see the island and discover some coves on the island that are not accessible via a car. The best way to find a sailing tour is to ask your hotel for some sailing companies, or head down towards the port to find out prices and tours.

Chrissopigi Monastery

Perched upon a rocky outcrop, the Monastery of Panagia Chrissopigi stands majestically above the sea, renowned as Sifnos' revered guardian. Dating back to the 16th century, it was constructed atop an older church, sheltering the revered Panagia icon discovered by fishermen adrift at sea. Locals credit this miraculous icon with safeguarding the island from perilous threats. 

The name "Chrissopigi" was given to the monastery by the Cretan monk Parthenios, who recorded the Virgin Mary's miracles in 1677. It pays homage to the Monastery of Chrissopigi in Chania, Crete, where he resided prior to his arrival on Sifnos.

Visiting the village of Artemonas

A 15 minute drive from the centre of Sifnos os the village of Artemonas. The centre of village is only for pedestrians so you will need to find a parking spot just outside of the village.

The village is like stepping back in time. It is less busy than the main port and Apollonia, so if a quieter pace is needed, then visiting Artemonas will be for you!

Best bars and restaurants on Sifnos Greece

To Limanaki

Located at Faros, this family run restaurant has tables sitting right on the waters edge. The owner servers up delicious Greek seafood dishes.

Don't forget to ask for the fish of the day as this changes daily and is dependent on what has been caught that morning.

A dish to try (even in summer) is the fish soup and the chickpea soup

To Kelari

A short work from the centre of Apollonia is this traditional Greek taverna serving beautiful Sifnian food in the area of Kato Petali. Meat is on the menu here and lots of it. All cooked in their wood fire oven.

Their outdoor area is perfect on a hot summers night - eating dinner under the grape fines.

Araxovoli Tavern

Located at the port of Kamares, this taverna is a great option if you have spent all day at the beach nearby. This restaurant serves all Greek meat dishes and some great seafood dishes. Its the perfect place for a bite for lunch and then heading back to the beach for swimming and sunning.

Platis Gialos 

Located at Platis Gialos this beach front cocktail bar serves up some delicious cocktails and wines. Serving up the old faithfuls as well some of their own Greek creations.

If you are after some food, the menu is a Mexican Greek fusion, for something different!

Best Hotels in Sifnos

Niriedes Hotel

Located on the seaside of Platys Gialos is a cute family run hotel. 

The hotel has a large outdoors swimming pool and a Jacuzzi. There is also a gym, a lounge area with fireplace, books and table games available in the lobby, an art gallery and gift shop, and an indoors playground for children. 

Stars: 3

Elies Resorts

Located in Vathi Bay this beautiful hotel looks out on to the Aegean Sea. Within the hotel you'll find, air-conditioned apartments with free WiFi and satellite TV are available in the Cycladic style. A private pool and an open-air covered lounge are included in some suites

Stars: 5

Ammos Apartments

Located at Platys Gialos these apartments have spectacular views of the beach. The apartments are ideal for 2-6 people and are air-conditioned and also have a small kitchenette.

The apartments also offer private parking if you have a car.

Stars: 3