SHOULD SEE.
APOLLONIA.
KASTRO.
THE REST OF THE ISLAND.
What is it about Sifnos that attracts Greeks from the Mainland?
There is no airport. And it is not a stop on the ferry running to Mykonos, Santorini, or other mass-market islands.
Ferry service from Pireaus (Athens) takes a little over three hours. The next stop is usually other Cycladic islands more popular with local Greeks than tourists.
So what do they see in Sifnos?
Is it the hidden coastlines, small beaches, or whitewashed towns? Or is it a lack of tourist buses, beach clubs, and crowds? Come, see Sifnos and decide for yourself.
Should See Sifnos Port.
Kamares.
Kamares is the port of Sifnos. This is where the ferries arrive and depart. It is also home to small boats due to its protected cove.
Kamares is only two streets wide in several places. You will find the standard rooms for rent, car rentals, cafe, and A.T.M., but not much else.
Kamares Beach.
250 yards walk from the ferry pier is this beach with chairs and umbrellas to rent seasonally. There are cafes along the beach for food and drink.
Prophet Elias of Troulaki Monastery.
To the left of Agios Symeon., when standing on the ferry pier, is this monastery on Sifnos’ highest point. More than 2200 feet above the bay, the church dates to circa 1600 A.D.
You can drive up the backside of the mountain a good portion of the way. However, there is still a climb from the road.
Apollonia.
The capital town of the island is approximately 3.5 miles from the ferry pier. Many parts of Apollonia are pedestrian or have private parking for locals.
The only public lot I know of is along the road from Kamares. Look for the square blue sign with a white “P” on your left-hand side.
The Pedestrian Streets of Apollonia.
Stroll the streets of this traditional Cycladic village, and try to lose yourself. There are small stores, cafes, tavernas, rooftop dining, and other treasures to discover.
Artemonas.
Anymore, this town, a mile north of Apollonia, is a suburb of Apollonia. However, the architecture changes.
This is where the wealthy Siphnian ship owners would build their 19th-century mansions. Artemonas is also predominantly pedestrian.
Like other Cycladic villages, the pedestrian streets wind back and forth and go up and down. Part of the charm is losing yourself. We find everyone before dinner time.
See Sifnos’ Kastro.
This is not only the best-preserved medieval town on Sifnos but one of the best in the Cyclades. Sitting on a cliffside on the east coast, it is obvious to see its location was a matter of protection.
Castle of Sifnos.
The island’s first inhabitants were living here circa the 3rd millennium B.C. It would be the first capital of the island. In the 6th century A.D., the church installs the Archdiocese of Sifnos.
Archaeological Museum of Sifnos.
This small museums collection includes mostly local finds dating from the Bronze Age to the late Byzantine period.
Chapel of the Seven Martyrs.
The seven Martyrs refer to the seven youth of Ephesus who sleep for 184 years. That is not why you visit this church. In fact, you don’t visit this chapel.
Sitting on a rock outcropping below the Kastro, it is ‘the’ Instagram spot on Sifnos and very popular with brides.
The picture is from above with the sea behind it. There is a paved path from the south side of the Kastro. There are several low walls to sit on during the climb back up.
See the Rest of Sifnos.
There is almost a church for each day of the year. However, many of them are only open on that day for its festival. So regardless of when you visit, you can find a festival, although they vary in size.
The Monastery of Panagia Chrissopigi.
Perhaps the second most-photographed church on the island is this monastery. Dating from the 16th century, this monastery is on top of an older church. Inside is the icon of Panagia, the island’s patron saint.
Faros Beach.
There is sand right at the water’s edge, and the water is crystal-clear. There are umbrellas and chairs for rent.
Monastery of Panagia Vrysiani.
On the road to Faros and Platys Gialos, this is the largest monastery on Sifnos.
There is a small Museum of Ecclesiastical Art on the property. Its collection includes manuscripts, historical icons, and other religious relics.
Archaeological Site of Agios Andreas.
This is one of the most interesting Mycenaean discoveries in the Aegean. This 8th century B.C. site sits on top of another settlement from the twelfth century B.C.
There is a small museum of artifacts from the site near the entrance. Reach the site from the road running between Apollonia and Vathi.
Church of Saint Andrew.
On top of the Agios Andreas site is this church dating from 1701 A.D. There is no doubt that missing parts of the archaeological site are building material for the church.
Vathi Beach.
On the west coast of the island is this protected bay. It has a sand beach and a few tamarisk trees for shade. There are water sports (seasonal) and tavernas for food and beverage.
Cherronisos.
This charming fishing village is at the north end of the island. The protected bay has small fishing boats at anchor.
See Sifnos Naturally.
Hiking Sifnos.
Sifnos Trails has ten different hiking routes ranging from just over three miles to more than nine. Many are fairly easy, although all have uneven terrain.
Towers of Sifnos.
The ruins of 85 towers are visible all over the island. Some are just a few rocks, while others still retain part of their shape. Many are visible on the hiking trails.
See Sifnos Summary.
Hopefully, you can see Sifnos has plenty to explore.
Although it does not have the major Greek sites, it also doesn’t have its mobs.
This is a great island to relax or at least slow down for a few days.
Toss in the great cuisine, maybe a glass of wine, and experience Sifnos.
Is it time for you to see Sifnos?