Sifnos

Little Sifnos is the island of scents and taste, but tourists generally fall in love with its blue sea and quaint villages.
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Sifnos is an island still little considered by mass tourism. Light years away from the crowds of Mykonos and Santorini, it is perfect for a dream holiday in the Cyclades thanks to its beautiful beaches, quaint villages and cuisine, which is of far higher quality than that of other islands.

Large enough to have a variety of places to visit but small enough to be visited unhurriedly in 3-4 days, Sifnos is a little paradise of valleys and mountains covered with olive trees, almond trees, oleanders and herbs.

It has more than 200 churches (some say even more than 300), is home to the most important culinary event in the Greek islands, the Cycladic Gastronomic Festival, and boasts an important tradition in the production of terracotta ceramics.

It has good reason to be proud, but elegant Sifnos prefers to keep its feet on the ground. Hospitable and charming, it attracts tourists with its simplicity: crystal-clear sea, typical white houses with blue balconies, heady scents of wild plants.

Sifnos Beaches

Few, but beautiful and varied: such are the beaches of Sifnos, an island that caters to everyone’s taste. There is not one that identifies it, you don’t go to Sifnos for the long sandy beaches or the rocks: you go to find a bit of everything. The only common factor is the sea, as blue and transparent as one might expect from a Greek island.

One of the most beautiful and popular beaches on Sifnos is Kamares, a wide sandy beach on a narrow bay between two mountains. It is a well-equipped beach with all facilities and with numerous bars and shops nearby. It is perfect for families because its seabed is very shallow and the waters are calm despite the boats that come in and out of the harbour, so even small children can be in the water safely.

Another beach recommended for those who want the convenience of bars and shops nearby is Platos Gialos, the most fashionable beach on the island… mundane but still in the non-swanky tones of Sifnos.

If you prefer rocks and reefs, the beach recommended for you is Chrisopigí, the ideal place for those who love diving, snorkelling and scuba diving, or for those who want to sunbathe without getting sand in their swimming costumes. On the beach, which is nothing more than a strip of rock, stands a characteristic monastery.

What is missing? A pebble beach? There is also one in Sifnos: it is the pretty little Seralia, located next to the Kastro.

Another five beaches not to be missed in Sifnos are:

Things to do in Sifnos

The attractions of Sifnos are its quaint villages and beautiful beaches. Besides the recommended places to stay, the village of Kastro, probably the most beautiful on the island, is worth a visit.

Kastro

Founded more than 3000 years ago, this village perched atop a hill by the sea is today sparsely populated. Strolling through the narrow alleys of the centre, barely wide enough for two, maximum three people side by side, you will not infrequently come across some period artefacts and a wonderful panoramic view of the sea.

Most tourists arrive in Kastro by car or moped (be careful, however, because the streets in the centre are too narrow for cars), but it is much more fascinating to arrive on foot from the village of Artemon. The path is downhill (on the way!) and along the way you will be intoxicated by the scent of aromatic plants.

In Kastro there is Eftamártyros (Church of the Seven Martyrs), the most photographed church on the island of Sifnos, and a small archaeological museum, plus a few taverns and small shops ideal for a cold beer and some shopping.

The little church on the rock

The Church of the Seven Martyrs is a small chapel built in traditional Cycladic architecture that sits atop a rocky islet emerging from the sea not far from Kastro. To reach it, you will have to climb some stairs that run along the rock.

Apollonia

A small, elegant but unpretentious town, Apollonia is the administrative centre of the island of Sifnos, located on a plateau about 4 km from the nearest seaside town. It seems a short distance, but the road is winding, so few tourists decide to book a hotel in Apollonia, while the majority of residents live here.

It is therefore the ideal location for those who want to do some local living, but also for unforgettable sunset aperitifs with views of the nearby islands of Sikinos and Folegandros. There is no shortage of clubs with music for staying out late.

There are few hotels in Apollonia, while there is a good choice of holiday homes, residences and flats from the cheap to the exclusive. From Apollonia, located in the centre of the island, one can easily travel by bus.

Artemon

Artemon is an area of Apollonia with its own distinct identity, where the wealthiest islanders have built themselves villas, one more beautiful than the other. You too can enjoy the peace (and luxury!) of this village by booking your holiday home here or, if you are not so wealthy, a studio apartment.

Platis Yialos Sifnos

Platis Yalos Sifnos is the most famous and popular seaside resort on Sifnos. In this town that seems to be built for tourists most of the hotels are concentrated, mostly quaint family-run hotels in the lower-middle price range: simple but comfortable. If you prefer something more luxurious, opt for a residence or villa.

Platis Yialos is recommended for those who want to have everything without having to move: hotel, beach, shops, bars, restaurants and nightclubs.

Kamares

Kamares or Kamarai is the most holiday resort on Sifnos: not the most beautiful, not the most built-up, but definitely the most welcoming. Tucked between the sea and the mountains, it is the island’s main harbour, but it is a sleepy harbour that occasionally sees the occasional ferry come in, not a constant coming and going of boats. The main street is the harbour itself, lined with bars, restaurants and small shops.

Kamares is the best place for those travelling with children because its beach is particularly safe; it is also suitable for those who do not want to hire a car and prefer to travel by bus: connections with other places on the island are quite good.

The choice of hotels in Kamares is very good, so it is quite easy to find quality accommodation at a good price.

What to do in Sifnos

Popular day trips from Sifnos are a sailing trip or a visit to the island of Serifos, which can be reached in only 40 minutes by hydrofoil.

Finally, among the things to do in Sifnos, don’t miss a Greek cooking class so you can replicate the taste of your holiday at home, already dreaming of the moment you leave!

Where to stay in Sifnos

The southern part of the island of Sifnos is the most touristically developed, with more hotels, bars, bus connections and other services. Look for accommodation in this area if you want comfort and something to do in the evening.

The northern part is more remote and wild, with less choice of accommodation, and is therefore recommended for those seeking tranquillity and nature.

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Recommended hotels in Sifnos

We offer a selection of hotels at Sifnos to suit all categories of travellers. The most booked by tourists are the sea-facing hotels, often right on the beach. If you want to play it safe, choose one of the following: they are among the most booked hotels in Sifnos, sorted by number of reviews.

Hotel
Hotel Kamari
Kamares - Kamares
9.4Superb 515 reviews
This hotel is located in the village of Kamares, 200 metres from the long sandy beach.
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Hotel
Hotel Boulis
Kamares - Kamares
8.7Fabulous 453 reviews
The Hotel Boulis is located right on Kamares beach and boasts a beautiful view of the sea and the mountains.
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Hotel
Myrto Hotel
Kamares - Kamares
9.4Superb 395 reviews
Myrto Hotel is just 200 metres from the blue flag Kamares Beach.
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Apartments and vacation homes in Sifnos

If you prefer space, privacy and the ability to prepare your own meals to a hotel holiday, book a holiday home at Sifnos. We recommend a few below, but in this case we advise you to book early because houses and apartments for rent at Sifnos are in high demand.

Apartment
Giannakas Studios
Platis Yialos Sifnos - Platis Gialos
8.9Fabulous 396 reviews
Situated 80 metres from the cosmopolitan beach of Platis Gialos in Sifnos, Giannakas Studios offers a 24-hour front desk and rustic-style accommodation.
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Vacation homes
Giaglakis Rooms
Platis Yialos Sifnos - Platis Yialos
9.7Exceptional 350 reviews
Boasting a garden, Giaglakis Rooms is situated in Platis Yialos Sifnos in the Cyclades region, 1.
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Residence
Cape Napos
Faros - Faros
9.6Exceptional 281 reviews
Situated within 1.
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How to get to Sifnos

The small island of Sifnos does not have an airport so you need to take at least one plane and a ferry to get there . You can choose to fly to Athens or Santorini: the former is generally cheaper and with more connections, both by plane and ferry to the islands.

The duration of the ferry crossing from Athens to Sifnos varies considerably depending on the company chosen, roughly between three and six hours. The faster ships save time but are more expensive. The connections are quite frequent so despite the absence of direct flights it is quite easy to reach Sifnos.

If you like island hopping, Sifnos can be a good base for exploring the other islands in the vicinity: you will find frequent connections to the other Cyclades such as Milos, Serifos, Kithnos, Santorini, Folegandros, Sikinos, Ios and Kimolos.

Sifnos Weather

What's the weather at Sifnos? Below are the temperatures and the weather forecast at Sifnos for the next few days.

Sunday 8
12°
13°
Monday 9
11°
12°
Tuesday 10
12°
13°
Wednesday 11
12°
13°
Thursday 12
12°
14°
Friday 13
13°
13°

Where is located Sifnos

Islands around