Top Spots on Sifnos
PHOTOGRAPHY - IRJALIINA PAAVONPERA
“Sifnos is a must for the traveler who yearns for a genuine Cycladic experience”
Exploring the island by foot is an ideal way to take in the hidden gems of the island, but to get to the top spots easily from one end of the island to the other, take the buses which run all day into the evening. Or, if a spontaneous whim finds you wanting to go across island, call a taxi to support local business. From its many beaches to the towns high in the hills, Cycladic culture and charm awaits at every turn on Sifnos.
Vathi
A not to be missed visit is Vathi, with its less crowded bay beach, small airbnbs and winding roads with fig trees and frangipani. In the evenings locals and visitors dine at small tables on the edge of the sea, while local fisherman can be viewed coming to shore with their daily catch. From fresh calamari and many other seafoods, to ‘Sifnos balls’ a traditional Greek dish of chickpeas, to goat’s feta on a salad with fresh oregano, or accompanying lamb skewers, there is delight and satisfaction in the freshness of the island food.
Platis Gialos Platis
Gialos is a charming little beach town just a few kilometers from Apollonia, the main town on Sifnos island. The beach tends to be more crowded with families, but the atmosphere is lively. It is a town full of small attractive shops and wonderful seafood tavernas on the beach.
Apollonia
This postcard pretty town offers visitors an unparalleled Cyclades experience. It has been the capital of Sifnos since 1836. There are restaurants in narrow streets overlooking the hills out to the Aegean Sea. At any number of attractive places, you can sit and relax amidst stone washed beauty and bougainvillea, to enjoy the peaceful and cool atmosphere, great food and Sifnos wine.
Artemonas
Artemonas is a jewel in the crown with old windmills situated on the hills against superb landscape and seascape. This small village of stone streets with many shops and tavernas, also features a beautiful town square where festivals and celebrations typically include Greek dancing under the stars.
Faros
This tiny perfectly picturesque village can be walked in 10 to 15 minutes each way. The residents live by fishing, with three continuous sandy beaches of Fassolou, Faros and Glipho, from where begins the most famous, highly regarded path of Sifnos, leading to Chrysopigi Monastery. The setting is tranquil so many writers and readers spend the day at Faros, and the early evening on the balcony of the Aegean at Chrysopigi. From Faros one can also easily stroll to Kastro.
Chrysopigi
The fully white monastery at the edge of the peninsula welcomes Sifnos visitors. Panagia Chrysopigi is the patron saint of the island and a famous pilgrimage all over Greece. It has exquisite architecture and stupendous views. Built in 1650 on the torn rock which, according to tradition, was miraculously split in half in order for the women, who used to light up the vigil lights, to be saved from the invasion of pirates. It is said that the icon of the Virgin Mary, dedicated to Zoodochos Pigi, was found by fishermen while it was sailing in the sea. The rocks at the base of Chrysopigi are the favorite of swimmers on Sifnos.
Kastro
The medieval village of Kastro is a fortified cliff-top village, east of the capital Apollonia. Offering magnificent views of the sea, Kastro was built on the ruins of the former island’s capital and is one of the most picturesque villages in Sifnos. Part of the fortification walls still stand today, and the village mainly consists of narrow streets, beautiful stone houses, old mansions as well as 16th-century churches. The village’s name comes from the castle that was built in the 15th and 16th century during the island’s Frankish occupancy. This village is rich with antiquities, and at every turn in the labyrinth of tiny streets there are ancient artifacts to admire. A favorite spot on Kastro is Castro, a bar with a view and personality to be experienced.
Valerie Paavonpera
Explore the Cyclades Islands
Escape the busy pace of life in Athens and enjoy an idyllic a five-day sailing adventure through the Greek Mediterranean. Discover the Cyclades Islands without checking in and out of hotels. Relax on onboard or try your hand at sailing, SCUBA or stand-up paddle boarding.
Getting There
POSTCARDS FROM Sifnos
