ISLAND

Sifnos: The authentic Cycladic island

Traditional white houses, cobbled streets, picturesque churches, gastronomic delights and a long tradition of ceramic art are some of the features of this special island. The rich history coupled with a genuine Cycladic beauty, gives it a distinctive identity that will be difficult to leave anyone indifferent. A not so cosmopolitan  island without the "image" of other islands that “captures” the visitor with its simplicity. Ideal for relaxing moments, with family or not, with reference to the various landscapes that keep  undiminished the visitor’s interest.

Time for exploration

Apollonia: Apollonia is the capital of the island (known as “Stauri” by the locals) and is built on three hills.  Αt the cobblestone streets somebody can see churches and traditional white Cycladic houses that win over at once the visitor with their clarity and uniformity. “Panagia Ouranofora”, “Agios Sostis”, “Panagia tou Barou” and “Agios Spyridonas” are some of the picturesque churches worth visiting. Visitors can explore the historical aspects of the island in the folklore museum of the area .In the narrow streets somebody encounters small taverns with ouzo, bars and clubs with live Greek music for unforgettable nights of entertainment. The truth is that here you'll meet people who came to enjoy a more “hip” way and relaxed mood, and not to take out their "frustrations" to wild clubbing.

Artemonas: Artemonas is one of the largest villages of the island, located 1.5 km north of Apollonia. It boasts an aristocratic appearance since here are many traditional neoclassical mansions and villas. Here you will find the home of poet John Gryparis and the windmills on the top of the hill. You can visit the village’s churches “Panagia ths Ammou” and “Panagia Kohi”. The paths lead to the villages “Ano” and “Kato Petali” which are located between Artemona  and the capital.

Kamares: Kamares is the largest coastal village of the island and here lies the harbor. Here you will find many tourist shops with souvenirs and ceramics for which the island is famous. Trademark is the large sandy beach that connects the two ends of the port. Near the port is developing the village of Agia Marina or “Pera Banta” as the locals call it. Worth  visiting the churches Agia Marina and Agios Simeon. Many are the taverns with local dishes and the bars for the night hours.

Castle: It is perhaps one of the most "must" choices for the visitor. Smacks of a bygone era, a journey through the time. Built on a cliff ,has a long history as excavations unearthed artifacts of the Geometric, Classic and Archaic period. The architecture   is 14th-century’s and typical are the fortress settlements: the external walls of houses are also the walls of the castle. Note that the Castle was the medieval capital of the island until 1836. And another thing: The view from there? Simply unique!

Other picturesque villages to visit is Vathi, Exambela (home of the famous chef Nicolas Tselementes) Katavati, Faros and Cheronissos.

Beaches like a dream

The most popular beach is Makris Gialos. The golden sand and crystal blue water make it right one of the most beautiful beaches in the Cyclades. The beach at Vathi is ideal for those with young children since the water is shallow and safe. Within ten minutes from the Castle is Seralia a small pebble beach. There you will find many fish taverns and drink ouzo. In 20 minutes you will find Poulati a rocky coast with "wild beauty" beneath the Monastery of Panagia. The beach at Faros and Fasolou are offered for a tranquil swimming. For those who love adventure appropriate is Chrysopigi beach between Faros and Makris Gialos :a rocky peninsula- coast with topaz blue water ideal for bold swimmers.

Taste of… Sifnos!

While vacationing on the island must succumb to the local temptations! Chickpea, beans with garlic sauce, fresh fish, cream cheese and “kaparosalata” are some of the traditional dishes of the island. From sweet treats we recommend sweet macaroon, nougat, gingerbread, “kouloures”, and sweets called “loukoumia”. The local  wine. is also excellent.

Events

Many are the festivals of the island during the summer and beyond. Take place in the monasteries of some villages like Vathi, Exambela, Kamares, Katavati, Makris Gialos and Chrysopigi.

Useful Information

How to get there
By ferry from Piraeus(5 hours)
By hydrofoil from Piraeus

Links
By ferry from Piraeus Sifnos is connected with Ios, Kimolos, Kythnos, Milos, Santorini, Serifos, Folegandros, Sikinos, Paros, Syros, Lavrion and Rethymno.
By hydrofoil from Rafina, Sifnos is connected with Kythnos, Milos, Paros, Naxos, Mykonos, Serifos.

Internal bus
Buses and taxis within the island. You can also rent a car or motorbike. Convenient are the routes on excursion boats.

Useful Phones

Port of Sifnos: 22840-33617
Police: 22840-31210
City hall: 22840-31345, 22840-31110
Health Station: 22840-31315
Pharmacy: 22840-31900
Taxi station: 22840-31656, 22840-31688, 22840-31626

Επιμέλεια: Μάγδα Λαμπροπούλου