Sifnos

Sifnos is the Western Cyclades most popular and most attractive island. Despite a growing tourism Sifnos still feels genuine. The beautiful scenery is ideal for hiking, beaches are good and there are wonderful cliffs to swim from. Sifnos main characteristics, and a big reason why so many return year after year, is the peculiar calmness that the island exudes. Already after a few minutes on Sifnos, you get a feeling of inward peace. Everything on Sifnos seems to go in slow motion, and even buses and taxis have a slower speed than on other islands.

Do you like ceramics, then you have come to the right island, you will surely carry home more than what is useful. Good value, it is. Sifnos is known all over Greece - and in fact even outside the country - for its talented potters. It is said to be almost one hundred potters on the island, a figure you probably have to take with a grain of salt. Many are they, but for sure not that many.

GETTING HERE
The easiest way is to go by air to Athens. From Pireus, the port of Athen, there are daily ferries and catamarans to Sifnos. The catamaran takes a little over three hours. Another option is to travel by air to Santorini, where there are boat connections to Sifnos two to three times a week.

Platys Gialos.

Vathy.

GETTING AROUND
Communications are very good. The bus service on Sifnos is a shining example: it departs on time, it will arrive on time and it operates on almost the whole island. That there are clear timetables on several places on the island makes it even better. All buses are based in Apollonia. But the best way to discover Sifnos is by car or moped. The island is not large, but there is much to discover. Car and moped rental services are available in Kamares and Apollonia.

VILLAGES
Sifnos can boast of a numerous of beautiful villages, one of them - Kastro - is for sure on my chart. All villages, except the capital Apollonia and the small villages around it, are located on the coast. Here are some of the beautiful villages of Sifnos pictured.

Kamares
Kamares is the port of Sifnos and it lies beautifully between two high mountains that are separated by a shallow and child friendly beach. In the port, sailing boats crowd together with fishing boats and leisure time anglers' that bait with bread. The seafront is lined with tavernas, ouzerias, bars and cafes; some are really good.

Apollonia.

Apollonia
Apollonia, the capital of Sifnos, is located in the middle of the island, about 5 kilometres from Kamares. Thanks to its central location, Apollonia is a good base for exploring the rest of the island. Around Apollonia there are five small villages (Exambela, Kato Petali, Ano Petali, Katavati and Artemonas) so close to each other that it is difficult to make any sharp limits between them.

Kastro (see picture on top of the page)
Within easy walking distance (3 km) from Apollonia lies the pedestrian Kastro, the most beautiful and scenic village on Sifnos. It is a magical village where you can easily spend many hours. Just the magnificent view makes the village worth a visit. Kastro was built around a cliff as a defence against pirates and it was a piece of cake to detect potential enemies. Here are a couple of tavernas and a few trendy cafes that plays beautiful music and offers breathtaking views.

Faros
Faros is, whatever season it is, the stressed big city dwellers ultimate retreat. Faros is not a large village; rather a small, cosy and charming fishing village. Despite the village's small size there is everything you need: two small shops (fresh bread every morning), three tavernas, one ouzeria, one coffee bar where you can eat breakfast, very good accommodation and two child-friendly beaches. And everything is so to speak "just around the corner".

Faros.

BEACHES
Sifnos has many fine beaches. There is something for all tastes: sandy beaches, exemplary cliffs to swim from, shallow child-friendly beaches and secluded bays for those looking for the naked loneliness. You can read about some of the beaches on Sifnos below. Other beaches are: Chrisopigi, Apokofto, Efta Matyres and Panagia Poulati.

Platys Gialos
island's longest sandy beach with light brown sand. The view from above is heavenly: the small fishing boats look like they are floating in the air. Here you can find almost anything you can imagine along the 1 ½ kilometre long beach: shops, tavernas, bars, pottery workshops and pensions. All in handy crawling distance.

Vathy
The lagoon-like bay of Vathy certainly invites bathe and long lunches on one of the waterside tavernas. The sand is bright and fine; the water is inviting and clear. The strip of the beach is extremely narrow in some places; you will find the widest strip to the left. If you go to the right you will come to the small monastery Taxiarchis, on the other side of the monastery the beach continues. Good tavernas with good location are in the middle of the beachfront and on the other side of the monastery.

SIGHTS
The main attractions on Sifnos are undoubtedly the village Kastro and the beautiful scenery that is ideal for hiking. The island's pride is the small monastery Chrisopigi, just outside the village of Faros. The monastery is situated on a small island that is connected with the mainland with a tiny bridge. If you stay in Faros it is close to Chrisopigi, you see the cliff and the monastery were ever you are. Below the monastery there are beautiful cliffs and it is a perfect place to take a bathe.

ACCOMMODATION
Before you arrive to Sifnos, you should decide which village you like to stay in. And it's not as easy as it sounds, one would prefer to stay in all villages. Do you want to stay near a beach then you should choose Platys Gialos, Kamares, Faros and Vathy. Do you prefer to stay in a village, then Apollonia, Kastro or Artemonas is the best choice. The quietest stay you will get if you choose to stay in Faros or in the small coastal village Chersonissos in the north. Most hustle and bustle you will find in Kamares and Apollonia.

If you do not book a place to stay in advance, you can either choose to follow one of the people that rent rooms that will meet all the ferries in the port, or ask on Municipal Tourist Office which is located in the port.

Chrisopigi.

MORE ABOUT SIFNOS
Geographical location »
Map of Sifnos »
Ferry timetable »

OTHER LINKS
Serifos - nearest island »
Weather in Greece »

PICTURESFROMGREECE.COM
Faros »
Chrisopigi »
Artemonas »

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