- Kostas Sanem -
June 28, 2014
Sifnos beaches
Sifnos sights
Sifnos is a relatively small island but there is plenty to do and see for a long weekend. Below are our highlights for sights, beaches, restaurants and bars. If you need more ideas, please visit http://www.greecetravel.com/aegean/sifnos.htm or contact our travel agency Thesaurus.
Sifnos has 365 churches - one for each day of the year and they are all beautiful. Here are some of the most famous ones and some other interesting places to see.
Kastro is one of the villages that speckle the island and it has been inhabited since 3000 BC. It sits on the top of a large rock, towering above the sea and offering a panoramic view on its surroundings. It is known for its medieval characteristics and its streets are often described as a 'labyrinth'. The village is among others home to the Chapel of Seven Martyrs (Epta Martyres), which opens only for holy masses and religious celebrations, but reminds people of the "Mamma Mia church" :) We strongly recommend a sunset visit to Kastro and Epta Martyres. Kastro also has an archeological museum, sarcophagi scattered throughout patisseries, fish houses and gift shops.
Tip from Thesaurus: Explore the historical and fascinating village of Kastro and the ancient Acropolis here. There are two restaurants, a wonderful rocky beach you can climb down to called Eftamartyris, plus possibly the best bar on Sifnos Kavos Sunrise. The owner/bartender is also a shepherd with a university degree in sociology, and the view is absolutely amazing. Also, Seralia at the bottom of Kastro has a great fish taverna right over the water.
Apollonia has been the capital of Sifnos since 1836. It is part of a complex of clustered villages spread along a hillside. The surrounding villages are Artemonas, Ano Petali, Kato Petali, and Exambela. Apollonia is the center of the villages' nightlife. It is small but it has bars, boutiques, cafés, night clubs and restaurants, so this is where we will be every evening! It also has a Folklore and Popular Art museum, situated at Haroon Square.
Tip from Thesaurus: Wander through the pedestrian paths of Apollonia, up to Artemonas - along the path on your left is Gregory's, arguably the best shop on Sifnos for traditional cookies.
Prophet Elias Monastery is standing on the highest mountain of Sifnos island, 680 meters above the sea level. It was built around 1650 on the ruins of an ancient acropolis. The footpath leading to the monastery is sometimes narrow and steep. You will need at least one hour walking to reach the top so you have to take care for your water provisions during hot summer days. The marvelous view of Sifnos and other Aegean islands from the top will be a unique reward of your uphill trekking but visibility depends also on weather conditions.
Panagia Chrysopigi Monastery is located on top of a small, rocky peninsula that is connected to the rest of the island with a small bridge. But you don't need to make a separate trip here because this is where the wedding will take place! :)
OK, it's not Mykonos or Paros, but they are still beautiful Greek beaches. Here is a list of beaches you can visit:
Platys Yialos is said to be one of the longest beaches of the Cyclades and it is an excellent place for spending the day swimming in the water or lying on the sand. It is in the southeast part of Sifnos and is considered to be the cosmopolitan beach village of the island with many sea-side tavernas and cafes. If you're looking for a venue with drink service, you can try Notos or Palmyra. Alternatively, you can go to Lazarou Beach Bar, which is very close to Platys Gialos, in a bay on its own.
Kamares is located in a deep bay on the Western part of the island and this is where the port is, but don't let that discourage you. The beach is quite long and it has been awarded with a Blue flag for its cleanliness. There are many tavernas, cafes, pubs and shops here as well as many traditional ceramic workshops. It could be ideal for your last day on the island before you take an afternoon ferry. If you're looking for a venue with drink service, you can try The Old Captain Bar or Cafe Folie.
Vathi is a traditional fishing village located on the south-west part of the island with a beautiful long sandy beach, with many excellent taverns and a few nice seaside cafes. The beach of Vathi has only been accessible by paved road for a few years, and accordingly it is less developed and touristy than the island’s other beach areas. There is a traditional potter’s workshop here and a monastery in the middle of the sandy beach.
Faros is a quaintly charming traditional fishing village resting on a sandy beach in the southeast part of the island. It is considered an idyllic spot for families with children.
Poulati is a beautiful beach close to Kastro, near the church of Panagia Poulati.
Seralia is a beautiful small beach at the foot of Kastro.
Apollonia may be small but it's full of Cycladic charm and cute little bars. Our suggestions are in Apollonia because that's where we'll meet in the evenings.
Kikladon Horos
Doloma
Argo
Cosi
Botzi
Sifnos is renowned for its traditional cuisine. The famous Greek chef Nikos Tselementes is from Sifnos.
Some local specialties you should try are Rebithokeftedes (chickpea croquetes), mastello (lamb slow cooked in vine leaves with wine and dill), ampelofasoula (string beans), revithia (chickpeas), amygdalota (almond cookes) and melopita (honey pie).
Okyalos (Apollonia)
Cayenne (Apollonia)
Tou Apostoli to Koutouki (Apollonia)
Adiexodo (Apollonia)
Argiris (Kamares)
Mama Mia (between Apollonia and Artemonas)
Manolis (Vathi)
Giorgos Lembesis Tavern (Apokofto Chrysopigi)
Sofia (Platys Gialos)
Ariadni (Platys Gialos)
Loukoumades Aggelon for dessert! (Apollonia)
Sifnos bars
