Sifnos is a small island located at the west Cyclades. It is relatively
quiet for most of the year, but it becomes crowded during August when
it becomes a favorite destination for Athenians on vacation.
Sifnos is served by daily ferries from Piraeus. The new “fast” ferries
make the trip in a couple of hours, while the traditional ferries take
about 5 ½ hours to reach the main port of Kamares.
It is advised to make reservations before arrival, although the friendly
travel agents and the municipal travel office at the port can help visitors
locate accommodations.
A great deal of apartments and hotels have been built in Kamares, and
probably it is easier to find a room there or in Platis Gialos, than in
the smaller towns.
Around Sifnos
Kamares
Kamares is a relatively quiet port dominated by tourists who wander
around the one main street that curls around the port and the long sandy
beach. Besides the numerous restaurants and shops at the promenade, and
the hotels further up the hill, one would be hard pressed to find any
other places of interest at Kamares. The scenery is certainly pretty with
the steep mountains that hug the bay, but not spectacular. Thus a bit
of exploration further inland, and at the other side of the coast is
necessary. One can get to other parts of the islands by bus, or better
yet by car or moped.
Apollonia
Apollonia is the capital of the island and it spreads along
several hill plateaus at the center of it. It is a pretty little town
with whitewashed low houses and a busy center that becomes very popular
as night falls. Most shops, restaurants, and trendy bars are located in
the center of the town along a narrow pedestrian street that bustles with
life once the sun goes down. Driving inside Apollonia can be a real pain,
so most everyone finds (if they are lucky) a parking spot on the outskirts
of the town.
Plati Gialos
While it is the busiest, and most popular destination of
the island, it is a surprisingly dull town. The beach that is the main
attraction is lined with soft brown sand and the water is very clear.
The town however is a conglomerate of vacation homes of Athenians, generic
rooms for rent, and hotels of every kind and size. All this architecture
is scattered over a wide area around the hills unable to establish any
kind of appealing character.
Chrysopigi
A
nice little cove with a quiet beach and the islands most photographed
church atop the headland that frames the small bay.
Faros
A surprisingly attractive fishing village that has been transformed
into a tourist town for those who seek a quiet place to spend a week or
two. It has the benefit of the proximity to three very nice beaches. The
one is right at the end of the asphalt where one is forced to park,
while the second is located at the other side of the village. The third
one, Fasolou, is a beautiful little beach over the headland to the east
of Faros.
Vathi
A small village that has doubled in size in recent years thanks
to a large hotel that was built in front of the best part of the beach.
The hotel’s
architecture has tastefully conformed to the local architecture and
it is spread over a wide area with small units that blend in with the
village.
Artemonas
A nice little town built atop a hill on the eastern part of
the island. It was built by the Venetians and its church was built on
the ruins of an ancient temple.
Kastro
By far our favorite town of the island. Very picturesque with narrow
streets that wind around white washed medieval arhitecture, and with a
great view to the east. The nearby fishing cove named Seralia is a nice,
quiet place to spend the days swimming, snorkeling or fishing.
What to Eat
While in Sifnos we had breakfast at Pipis caffe in Kamares almost every
day. Frape and the coiled cheese pies by the water is an excellent way
to start the day!
For lunch some of the delicacies of Sifnos that we tried and liked included:
Revithokeftedes: deep fried shickpea balls
Kolokythokeftedes: deep fried zucchini balls
Greek salad (horiatiki) with “mitzithra” instead of feta
cheese. Mitzithra is made of the remainders of the milk once feta is
set. It is therefore lighter and has a loose consistency.
Pastitsada: beef cubes cooked in red sauce over thick macaroni.
Grilled octopus
Chicken souvlaki
Chilled red wine
Best time to visit
Best time to visit Sifnos is late May, June, or July. The island gets
very crowded in August, and it might be hard to find accommodations if
you have not booked in advance.
Getting to Sifnos
Sifnos does not have an airport; therefore boarding a ferry from Piraeus
is the only way to get there (unless you have your own yactch).
Both “fast” ferries, and traditional ones serve the island
with daily calls to the port of Kamares. Most of these ferries make several
stops on the way to Sifnos or back. Other ports of call on the same route
usually include the nearby islands of Kythnos, Serifos, and Milos.
Things to do in Sifnos
Sifnos is a good place for a quiet holiday. Swimming and hiking would
be at the height of any outdoor activities you might enjoy on the island.
Sifnos does not have much in the way of attractions designed to keep visitors
busy. It is genuinely a laid-back place where one can enjoy good conversation
with one’s company, a good dinner or drink, and a stroll around
a small town.
The main reason that Sifnos is very popular with Greek visitors is because
it offers no distractions beyond what Greeks really enjoy: Good company
(bring your own or find some on site), a good beach, and good conversation
over a long dinner.
Sifnos is also a good place to spend two or three relaxing days for island
hoppers. In fact, unless you really want to get away from it all in a
small fishing cove like Seralia or Faros, any stay longer than four days
might seem like an eternity on Sifnos.
Given the island’s reputation for fine pottery, ceramic shops where
potters allow visitors to watch them practice their craft are an attraction
of their own. It would be regretful to leave the island without purchasing
one of the authentic ceramic objects from Sifnos.
Don’t miss:
Walk the streets of Kastro at sunset. Even though the sun sets beyond
the hills and not on the sea, the light reflected on the medieval houses
is beautiful.
Stroll, have dinner, and a drink (or two) in the narrow cobble stone
streets, in Apollonia in the evening.
Places of Interest Nearby
Sifnos can easily fit in an island hopping tour of the west Cyclades.
The islands of Kea, Kythnos, Serifos, Kimolos, and Milos are nearby, and
they are usually served by the same ferries that leave Piraeus and call
each port in succession.
Telephone Numbers
Port Police: 2284-03-1617 (get updated and accurate ferry schedules)
Municipal tourist office in Kamares: 2284-031-977
