Sifnos is considered to have an exquisite dreamlike quality among other islands. It is a medium sized island situated at East Cyclades and it is assembled by three whitewashed villages which surround the capital Apollonia. It is very famous for the traditional pottery, basket weaving, architecture and gastronomy, considering it is the birthplace of the famous chef Nikos Tselementes.

Getting there From Athens you can get to Sifnos by boat from the port of Piraeus or the port of Lavrio. Alternatively if you can afford it you can rent a helicopter to get you there!

Where to stay in Sifnos

Sifnos has a number of hotels and rooms to let to please any type of visitor. The main town you can book a room is the capital Apollonia. Staying in Apollonia allows you a handful of options for shopping and dining.

If you would like to indulge into cubist Cycladic architecture you should look into Atermonas. Another beautiful location to book your stay would be the island’s medieval capital Kastro. If you would like to reside by the sea there are plenty towns to choose from like Vathi beach.

Exploring the island Although Sifnos has a rather small road network it has a very good bus coverage which will get you almost anywhere.

Beaches

The biggest and most popular beach is Platis Gialos, which is organized with sunbeds and umbrellas. Next to the sea you will find a variety of cafe-bars and tavernas.

A family friendly option is the beach of Vathi, on which you will also find a small church situated in the middle of the bay. There too you can find a variety of options for food and drinks. Another impressive beach is the rocky Chrisopigi where large flat stones allow sunbathing next to the crystal clean turquoise waters.

Nightlife Although this island is considered a calmer and quieter destination compared to others, the center of the island Apollonia does provide some fun night life.

Churches and Monasteries

On this island you will find a record number of churches and monasteries of great religious and architectural value. It is worth to pay a visit at one of the monasteries that although they are inactive nowadays, they are of exceptional historical and religious value. The monastery of Vrissiani in Exabela was built in the 17th century and also hosts the Ecclesiastic Art Museum.

Other Monasteries worth mentioning are those of Prophitis Ilias Apsilos, Saint John Chrysostom in Kato Petali which housed the first Greek school of the island, Virgin Mary of the Mountain which offers visitors an exceptional view and that of Virgin Mary of Firogia which was restored in 1978 by the Hellenic Society for the protection of Environment and Cultural Heritage earning a the Europa Nostra prize.

Hiking Trails

Sifnos offers four exciting hiking trails with a view! The first trail is that between the capital Apollonia and the Monastery of Profitis Ilias, which on average lasts 1 hour and 30 minutes. The monastery is situated on the highest top of the island at an altitude of 690 m. It rose on top of the ruins of an ancient building that must have been the island’s Acropolis. This ancient path starts from Firogia and goes uphill throughout its duration including a lot of steps and little shade. Once you arrive there you feel that all the effort you put what totally worth it! The view from that top is so impressive that on a clear day you even catch a glimpse of the Peloponnese and Ikaria Island. Within the Monastery you will find a conservatory where you can get yourself some coffee.

Another hiking trail is that between Firogia- Mavro Chorio- Bathi, which has moderate difficulty and takes approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes. To begin the trail of Agios Georgios tou Kontou –Platis Gialos, you must drive towards Vathi and turn following the sign that designates «Kontou» and at the end of the road you can leave your car. The trail goes downwards crossing at some point a valley of olive trees and ends at the beach of Platis Gyalos and should take about 3 hours to complete. Last but not least is the trail of Atermonas-Poulati-Kastro-Faros, which is consisted of three separate paths which you can follow consecutively. This is an easy path, with many different sceneries and which takes about 2 hours to complete.

Gastronomy

In Sifnos the locals mean business when it comes to their food. Having figured out how to make the most of what their land has to offer them, they harvest the finest ingredients and they cook with love to produce unique flavors that will capture you. Look out for their traditional chick-pea soup, traditionally served on a Sunday, which is cooked slowly for many hours in a special handmade pot.

Don’t miss their traditionally homemade «smocked pork» they call siglino, chick-pea croquettes, caper salad, Manoura cheese, chirovoskoi which is wild green leaves, dry figs and homemade liqueurs just to name a few.