The best things to do in Sifnos include white-washed churches, stunning beaches, traditional settlements, archaeological sites and more. It is a small Greek island in the Cyclades island group, flanked by Milos and Paros. This tiny island is jam-packed with delicious foodie experiences, historic village fortresses, golden sandy beaches and a network of walking trails that have been in use for thousands of years.
Sifnos may be small, but you’ll certainly be kept busy. Striking a balance between affordability and accessibility, the island makes relaxing Cycladic-style holidays a breeze. Here are the best things to do in Sifnos, Greece.
How to get to Sifnos
Sifnos doesn’t have an airport, so it’s only accessible by ferry. The easiest way to get there is by ferry from Piraeus Port in Athens. The quickest ferry is the high-speed SeaJet which will get you to Sifnos in 2.5 hours. A single ticket starts at €66.
The more budget-friendly ferry, Aegean Sea Lines, takes about 5.5 hours and prices start from €35 for a single ticket.
I recommend booking your ferry tickets in advance – particularly if you’re travelling during the height of summer. Note that ferry timetables are seasonal and subject to change. Zante Ferries tends to serve Sifnos during the winter and spring.
How to get around Sifnos
Sifnos is a large enough island that you can’t just rely on travelling on foot. Luckily, there are several ways to get around Sifnos.
The first option is to hire a car in Kamares or Apollonia. It’s the best way if you want the freedom of your own schedule. Alternatively, you could rent a moped. It makes exploring Sifnos so much easier. Note, you’ll need a driver’s license.
There are regular buses which operate from Apollonia to the main villages across the island. This is a good option but you have to pay attention to their timetables.
It’s possible to book a taxi but it is not recommended for daily use as it will start to get very costly.
The best time to visit Sifnos
Temperatures on Sifnos stay fairly mild throughout the year with lows of 15℃ in January and average highs of 27℃ in August. The best time to visit really depends on ferry accessibility and crowds.
For a regular ferry timetable, visit anytime between May and November. If you would like a quieter trip, go during the shoulder seasons of April to May and September to October.
How long to spend on Sifnos
Sifnos is laidback enough for a lazy beach holiday. Its proximity to Athens makes it a handy destination for families who want somewhere accessible to relax for a week.
If you’re more of a go-getter on holiday, you could pair Sifnos with another Greek island close by. You’re surrounded by some absolute jewels in the Cyclades including Paros, Naxos, Mykonos, Folegandros and Santorini. It just depends on how far you want to take the ferry.
If you’re island-hopping, two or three days is a good amount of time to spend on Sifnos. For example, spent two days on Sifnos and three days on Folegandros.
The best places to stay on Sifnos
While Apollonia is the capital of the island and has a good selection of hotels, it is highly recommended to stay in Kamares. The harbour town is right by the ferry terminal which is useful if you don’t want to drive.
Kamares also has a top-quality beach and sea-facing restaurants serving up everything from seafood to spaghetti (yes, there are some Italian restaurants here funnily enough!).
Apollonia has more nightlife, but there are a few bars in Kamares that make evenings fun. Sifnos isn’t the best place to go if you’re seeking a Mykonos-type party scene anyway.
Why Sifnos is definitely worth visiting
Sifnos is among the first few stops on the ferry from Athens, making it a popular and accessible holiday destination for Athenians.
It doesn’t have an airport so it’s much quieter than its popular Cycladic cousins Santorini and Mykonos, but it’s all the better for it. The villages are relaxed, the sandy beaches offer plenty of space and it’s a budget-friendly Greek island.
Sifnos has a typical Cycladic-style character with its squat white-washed villages and blue-domed churches rising over craggy volcanic rocks. But make no mistake, it has its own personality too in its sizzling food scene and world-class ceramics.
Its earliest inhabitants date back to around 3000 BCE. Owing to its wealth of quality clay and lead, gold and silver mines, Sifnos was one of the richest places in the ancient world.
Remnants of its past can be found in archaeological sites today and you can still buy Sifnian pottery from workshops that have been in operation for generations.
The best things to do in Sifnos: the 12 best Sifnos attractions
#1 See the Church of the Seven Martyrs
Arguably one of the most scenic churches in the Greek Islands (and there are a LOT of churches, believe me!), the Church of the Seven Martyrs sits atop an islet just off the coast of Kastro village on Sifnos.
It’s one of the most photographed locations on the island and it’s easy to see why. Your first view of it looks downhill onto a rocky outcrop where the white Cycladic-style chapel seems to emerge from the sea.
A snaking white path leads you from Kasto to the chapel with waves breaking against the rocks below.
This church usually opens for pilgrims and religious ceremonies, otherwise, it remains closed.
It’s free to have a look around the outside though. Take care as you descend along the trail. Although well-marked, a brisk wind can make navigating the stone steps tricky.
#2 Go beach-hopping
Sifnos has some absolutely phenomenal beaches. Think generous crescents of golden sand lapped by calm turquoise waters. Some feature small fishing villages which offer up tavernas when you want to cool off and grab a bite.
Others are more wild and little challenging to get to but you’re rewarded with privacy and plenty of space to stretch out your towel. Why not mix and match with a spot of beach-hopping?
The best beaches on Sifnos include:
- Kamares Beach – family-friendly with tavernas, golden sand and the ferry terminal
- Platos Gialos Beach – a busy sandy beach with tavernas and watersports
- Faros Beach – sandy beach shaded by trees with hotels nearby
- Paralia Chrisopigi – pretty and sandy with monastery views
- Vathy Beach – quiet sandy bay with crystal clear waters
- Apokoftos Beach – one of the island’s most beautiful beaches with monastery views
- Heronissos Beach – secluded little sandy beach in a village famous for pottery
- Vroulidia Beach – quiet pebble-sand beach with dramatic coastal scenery
Side note, the easiest way to go beach-hopping around Sifnos is to hire a moped. It’s about €20 a day. It is a lot of fun. The roads are very well-maintained too if a little windy!
#3 Admire the traditional settlement of Kastro
Kastro was the capital of Sifnos up until 1836 when it moved to Apollonia. The hilly settlement has been occupied for over 3000 years and offers a fascinating glimpse into the island’s past.
As was customary for Greek island towns, the centre is a higgledy-piggledy maze of narrow streets surrounded by high white-washed walls and five entrances.
The architectural technique serves as a defence mechanism to protect the town from invaders and marauding pirates. A similar style can be found on the island of Folegandros nearby.
As you wander the labyrinthine streets (note, you can’t drive here), you’ll come across little shops, tavernas and old churches. Follow the main street to the end to be greeted by glorious views of the Aegean Sea below.
The Church of the Seven Martyrs can also be found off the coast here so you can combine it with your visit to Kastro.
#4 Wander the streets of Artemonas
Artemonas is the second-largest village in Sifnos. Positioned high on a hill in the centre of the island, it’s much quieter than the more tourist hotspots of Apollonia and Kamares.
For a place to stay away from the crowds, Artemonas is a good choice. It’s also a nice pitstop if you’re travelling across the island from places like Kastro and Kamares.
The village is characterized by narrow winding streets, pretty white-washed houses and two old windmills. There’s no driving in the centre so you’ll find hotels around the outskirts for ease.
There are some lovely restaurants here serving traditional dishes like revithokeftedes (chickpea balls).Kafeneio-Ouzeri TSELEMENTES is highly recommended as it has a beautiful garden to cool off in over lunch.
#5 Eat around the island
No visit to Sifnos is complete without sampling some of its signature dishes and delicacies. A favourite already mentioned is revithokeftedes, a type of chickpea fritter that’s similar to falafel.
Chickpea lovers can also try revitha, a two-day chickpea soup made in an earthenware pot with onions and olive oil. It’s delicious with bread and a glass of wine. Another traditional dish to try is mastelo which is lamb baked in a clay dish.
While not exactly traditional to Sifnos, you’ll find some excellent gyros takeaway shops. These are pita bread wraps stuffed with meat (usually chicken or lamb), along with onion, tomato, chops and tzatziki. There’s usually a cheese version for vegetarians.
Of course, fresh seafood is plentiful here and you’re spoiled for choice when it comes to tavernas serving up the catch of the day.
Splash out and treat yourself at Omega 3, rated as the best seafood restaurant in Sifnos. Its tables are right on the beach so you can watch the sea as you dine. Head’s up, it’s quite expensive in comparison to other seafood restaurants on the island.
#6 Explore the capital Apollonia
Apollonia is the largest village and capital of Sifnos. The squat white houses spread out over the hills are actually a collection of villages that have been combined into one.
It’s the place where you’ll find the most lively nightlife on the island so if you want a (little) party atmosphere, this is where you should stay.
The white, Cycladic buildings and narrow streets are lined with tables and chairs to while away a balmy evening. For partying, the best places to go are Cosi Club and Argo Bar.
While Apollonia doesn’t have a beach, it does have the most hotel choices on the island. For sun and sand time, Kamares and Vathy are not too far away.
#7 Visit Kamares
Kamares is Sifnos’ main port town. It’s the first place you’ll arrive when you step foot off the ferry.
It’s an ideal base for island hoppers or for those who don’t plan on driving around the island. There’s also a place where you can rent mopeds if you do need transport for getting around.
The white-washed buildings of Kamares are backed by steep hills. At the front, you’ll find a wide golden sandy beach with shade and plenty of space to throw down your towel. It’s ideal for families as parents can easily keep an eye on their kids playing in the sand.
Along the main harbour street, there are some excellent restaurants, cafes, shops and supermarkets.
Kamares also has a lively atmosphere without feeling too busy or touristy. It’s a town that’s big on convenience since you have everything you need close by.
#8 See archaeology at Agios Andreas
It’s thought that people have inhabited Sifnos since at least 3,000 BCE with archaeological discoveries dating back to Late Neolithic and Early Bronze Age Cycladic civilization.
One of the island’s key economic values was the gold, silver and lead mines, making it a wealthy place in ancient times.
One of the best places on Sifnos to explore its ancient history is the Archaeological Site of Agios Andreas.
On a hill between Vathy and Apollonia, the remains of a Mycenean town were discovered next to Agios Andreas.
An Acropolis or citadel is one of the most important remains excavated alongside houses that date back to around the 13th century BCE. It’s thought that it was abandoned in the 4th century BCE.
The hill is steep and a little challenging to climb but once you reach the top, you’re rewarded with epic views for miles around. The archaeological dig is ongoing so you may catch a glimpse of archaeologists in action.
There’s a small Acropolis Museum with artefacts found in the local area but it appears to be closed until further notice.
#9 Cruise around the island
Why not get a different perspective of Sifnos from a boat tour? Discover hidden coves and get secluded beaches all to yourself on a boating excursion around the island.
Most boat tours from Sifnos are private and best suited to groups looking for a half-day or full-day itinerary. Prices are upwards of €100.
Amanda Boat Tours sails from Platis Gialos Marina and offers three stops plus lunch onboard.
RIBAdventures features adrenaline-inducing speedboat rides, boat tours of the Cyclades, transfers and boat tours with personalised excursions around Sifnos.
#10 Visit Panagia Chrysopigi Monastery
Panagia Chrissopigi is a monastery dedicated to, Panagia, the protector saint of Sifnos. It’s found on the south part of the island between Faros and Platis Gialos.
One of the island’s most famous landmarks, it sits perched on a rocky islet which juts into the clear blue sea.
A small canal separates the monastery from Sifnos, making it reachable only by boat or crossing a small footbridge. It’s free to have a look around the outside or admire the view from the beach.
The monastery was built on top of an older church in 1650 and it’s said to bring the islanders good luck. The calm sea here makes it a popular spot for swimming and snorkelling plus Apokoftos, Chrysopigi and Saoures beaches are just a stone’s throw away.
#11 Go hiking across the island
One of the best and most sustainable ways to explore Sifnos is on foot.
There is a network of 48 walking trails across the island which provide a lifeline for rural communities. 19 of them are well marked by paths and signposted so you don’t have to worry about getting lost.
Walks can be as short as 20 minutes like Glyfos beach to Apokofto beach in Chrisopigi or take up to seven hours like the Apollonia to Panagia Toso Nero trail.
It’s recommended that you wear walking boots as the paths are rocky. Bring plenty of water and sunscreen – and maybe some swimwear if you end up on a beach!
Popular walking routes in Sifnos include:
- Platis Gialos to Fikiada Loop – an 11km moderately-challenging trail with beaches
- Firogia to Profitis Ilias – a 6.4km challenging route which ascends into the mountains
- Kastro to Chrystopigi Monastery – an easy 5.6km route through farmland with sea views
- Apollonia to Kamares – an easy 5.1km trail from the capital to Kamares
- Artemonas to Apollonia – 9.2km moderate trail with steep sections and pretty views
Sifnos Trails and AllTrails are both useful resources for up-to-date maps and route guidelines.
#12 Learn about Sifnos pottery
As you might have noticed, a few of Sifnos’ traditional dishes are made in earthenware pots. Sifnian pottery is legendary and people believe that it makes food taste better.
The island’s wealth of quality clay has made pottery part of the Sifnian industry and heritage since around 3,000 BCE. Remnants of ceramics dating back to the Geometric and Hellenistic periods have been found around Kastro and the acropolis at Agios Andreas.
Many ancient potters practised their craft up in the mountains to protect themselves from pirates. By the 1800s, the Sifnian ceramics trade was in full swing and villages along the coast were lined with shops selling earthenware.
Today, there are 19 pottery workshops on the island as well as shops selling traditional ceramics, jugs, jars and decorative items that are truly one of a kind.
Many of these businesses have been passed down through the generations. Some of the best places on Sifnos to pick up ceramics are:
- Peristeronia, Kamares
- Sifnos Pottery, Apollonia
- Apostolidis Ceramics, Kamares
- Sifnos Stoneware, Artemonas
Final thoughts on Sifnos attractions
Sifnos is well known for its exceptional food and drink, walking trails, ceramics, beaches and picturesque churches, making it a popular island in the Cyclades.
I hope this roundup of things to do in Sifnos has inspired you. Whether it’s ancient history or laidback beach time you’re after, you’ll find it here on Sifnos.
Relax and take your time because life here is blissfully simple.
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