Sifnos is a beautiful island in the western Cyclades known for its natural beauty, relaxed rhythms of life, typical Cycladic architecture and the production of traditional ceramics.
The special aura of Sifnos is sure to captivate you. Do you want the rich history and the medieval settlements, do you want the local traditions and the art of the locals or its impressive beaches? This island magnetizes you from the first moment and it’s time to discover it!
In Sifnos you will find 14 traditional settlements that everyone has to offer you something special, scattered in NATURA areas of unique natural beauty!
The capital of beautiful Sifnos is the picturesque Apollonia, named after the god Apollo. Amphitheatrically built on three hills, it enchants the visitor with its traditional Cycladic architecture.
In its main picturesque path, “the strait”, you will find old churches, shops, taverns and restaurants. The heart of the island’s nightlife beats here!
Next to Apollonia, you will find Katavati with the well-known and award-winning monastery of Fyrogeion, where cultural events are organized every year.
The diamond of Sifnos is Artemon with the amazing view.
The beautiful mansions, the cobbled alleys and the local confectionery workshops with the Sifnos loukoumia and the halva pies are some of the reasons to choose to take a walk in the village named after the goddess Artemis!
In the fishing village of Herronissos, a center of pottery in the past, you will find a windless beach, fish taverns and you will enjoy a romantic sunset in the church of Agios Georgios.
Also visit the coastal Vathi that has become a tourist destination, the natural port of Faros, the coastal settlement of Kamares surrounded by high mountains and Exabela where you will find frying pans and the monastery of Vrisi, the largest on the island.
Other smaller but equally picturesque villages are Pano and Kato Petali and Ai Loukas.
The beaches of Sifnos are impressive! Golden beaches but also rocky landscapes, small isolated or fully organized full of life and people, will satisfy you whatever you are looking for.
In Platys Gialos, the cosmopolitan beach of the island and in Vathi you will find water sports and taverns by the sea. In Faro, Fasolou and Herronisos you will enjoy the magic of the sea and you will find fresh fish!
You will find emerald waters and pebbles in the calm Saures and Vroulidia. While in Glyfo and Apokofto you will relax in the heavenly waters and you will find shelter from the sun under the tamarisk trees.
If you want to find yourself in a magical place with amazing energy that springs from the magic of nature and the passion of the people, welcome to Sifnos!
Activities
Sifnos hosts activities for everyone! Whatever type of traveler you are, you will not be disappointed. We suggest the following:
Sifnos is famous for its ceramics. If you want to watch the experienced local potters caress the clay and create small miracles, visit any pottery workshop in Sifnos as everything is open to the public.
At the Museum of Ceramics in Artemonas, children and adults can experiment with clay and have a first contact with the wheel. While if you are an artistic nature, try to paint your own ceramics at the Apollonia Cellar.
If you want to enjoy the sea to the fullest, in Sifnos you will find water sports and diving centers. Rent a canoe kayak or pedal boat and wander in the calm crystal clear waters of Sifnos.
While if you want to discover the hidden beauties of its seabed, the locals will guide you to the best diving spots.
Do you have a hobby of climbing?
In Sifnos you will find 4 fields with 70 insured routes. Just bring your equipment and get ready to climb and enjoy the magnificent view of the Aegean!
If you think that you can turn Sifnos only by car or on foot you are wrong! To discover Sifnos by sea and to reach secluded beaches you can rent a boat yourself or book a place on small and large speedboats or wooden handmade sailing boats and cruise in the beautiful waters of the island.
If you do not want to get a car in Sifnos, there are also organized bus tours to the most important sights and the most beautiful places! While another way to get to know Sifnos is to tour by bike (mountain or trekking) in its streets and paths.
But we kept the best for you in the end. In the old days on the island people moved on horses. Continuing the tradition, you can take basic riding lessons and ride the horse on the island’s paths!
Hiking in Sifnos is as special as the place itself. You will find 19 officially marked routes with cobblestones, marble or dirt trails, some of which date back to the 3rd millennium BC, passing through NATURA areas.
As you tour the botanical paradise of Sifnos you will encounter deserted beaches, monasteries, chapels and ancient towers, dovecotes, old mines, threshing floors and mills! The landscape everywhere will be complemented by wildflowers, cedars and thousands of meters of handmade dry stone.
Nature and man in a magical coexistence!
Sights
Museums: The Exhibition Center at the Archaeological Site of Agios Andreas, is a modern museum with exhibits from the excavations in the area and the rest of the island (EUROPA NOSTRA 2012).
You will also find excavation findings at the Archaeological Museum of Sifnos in Kastro. To get to know the traditional life of the island, visit the Folklore Museum in Apollonia and the old Sifnos house in Artemonas.
Of particular interest is the Museum of Pottery of Sifnos which preserves the memory of the art of Sifnos ceramic vessels and offers interactive experiences!
Ancient Towers-Fryktories: One of the unique attractions of the island are the 77 towers that were a communication network in antiquity.
With a system of exchange of messages through smoke and fire, the inhabitants communicated with each other and with other islands! Every year the process is revived by local volunteers.
Castle: The impressive medieval settlement with the Venetian architecture will awe you!
With a great view of the blue sea, have your breakfast or sit down to enjoy your drink in the small cafes that you will meet in the picturesque alleys of the castle.
Sifnos is the place of origin of the famous Greek cook Nikolaos Tselemente who significantly influenced the modern Greek cuisine! Probably nothing is accidental as Sifnos is famous for its delicious traditional recipes and local products!
During your vacation, do not forget to try the Sifnos bakery and Mastelo, a local goat or lamb cooked with wine in a special ceramic dish. In the taverns and restaurants of the island you will also find wonderful chickpea meatballs, caper salad and local cheeses such as mizithra and manoura!
For sweet try Loli, local sweet pumpkin pie and pastel!
If you want to learn more about the gorgeous Sifnos cuisine you can take cooking lessons and take some of the “art” of traditional flavors with you or attend the unique Cycladic Gastronomy Festival that is organized every September on the island.
