About
The Cycladic island of Sifnos is an underestimated treasure in deep blue Mediterranean Sea. After only a two-and-a-half-hour boat ride from Piraeus (port of Athens) with a quick stop in Serifos, you will reach this magical island. This island is calm and elegant with a discreet charm, which offers quality food and beautiful sights.
Arrival
All ferries will arrive at Kamares which is the main port. This could also be the location you choose to stay on this island. Alternatively, choose Vathi beach or Platis Gialos beach for a perfect beach get-away.
Getting around
In less than 30 minutes you can get anywhere on this small island. Due to this, there are no green, red or yellow car rental chains around. This means that at high season there might not be enough cars to rent, which luckily also keeps the island free from too much traffic. We suggest, especially in high season, to make a reservation before you arrive. We recommend Apollo.
Sleep
Hotel Margado, high above the village of Kamares, away from the hustle and bustle, overlooks the bay of Kamares. Stella, the manager, will pick you up from the port upon arrival and shuttle you to the hotel in five minutes. She knows everything about the island and will be of great help for you to settle in. The Margado also has one of the best breakfasts we had on the Cyclades.
Xerolithia has beautiful rooms and lovely terrace with a pool from where you can enjoy the sunset.
Eat
Kamares
There is no better place to enjoy the sunset whilst feasting on some tasty snacks. Located directly on the beach, this is the place to wave goodbye to the friends you made on the island as they leave for their next destination.
After all the Greek salad and feta cheese, in the mood for some pasta? Da Claudio is the perfect place for you. Homemade pasta and pizza, with some good red wines. It is also a good spot for some people watching on the main street.
So good that we never got a table. Located on the first floor, it has a great view overlooking the harbour.
Vathi
Feet in the sand, this is the place you’ve seen many postcards of, with typical Greek food and a glass of Rose. Try the Greek Salad with the local cream cheese. To die for!
Platis Gialos
This tavern is a must when you are in Sifnos. Alexandros, the owner, is happy to welcome you. He and his team took over this family tavern a few years back. After living in London for a while he is now blending local organic grown food with a touch of international flair. Dishes are perfect to share, so order many of them. We spent half a day here also lounging at the beach. Perfect coffee on the terrace or to take away.
Faros
Have a me-moment after lighting a candle in the Monastery of Chrisopigi, then walk to the end of the cliff and adore the beautiful sea. Turn back to the land and walk 20 minutes to your right. A wonderful picturesque path (illuminated during the night) will bring you to Faros. Limanaki Fish tavern is the place to go on the island for the best sea food. You need to reserve a table and not come too late at night so that your choice of fresh fish is not limited.
Explore
Leave after breakfast for a tour to Monastery Agios Symeon. The street seems never ending and at the end your scooter might not be able to climb the last 200 meters but you will be rewarded with an unbelievable view over Kamares bay. Wear a hat and apply plenty of sunscreen.
Continue your journey to Apollonia and have a decent coffee or cocktail on the Bougainvillea covered terrace of the Mpotzi Bar. Stroll through the village for some gifts and jewellery for yourself.
Kastro is a perfect destination for the late afternoon. Explore the village and enjoy a cocktail in one of their countless bars. Maybe the “Kavos Sunrise”? Don’t come too late, so you have some time to walk to the church of Seven Martyrs. Perfect for sunset, even if you don’t see the sun which sets on the other side of the island. This Instagram picture will get many likes in your profile.
Beaches
Kamares Beach, Platis Gialos and Vathi all have their own charm. So, try them all. Apokoto beach offers plenty of shade under pine trees. Vroulidia Beach is one of the most picturesque on the island. Don’t get turned off by the very bad road, keep driving until you reach the beach. However, if you have a car, don’t park at the beach, but further up or you might never come up again. Try the Capers Salad in the tavern here, it is their specialty. This beach was one of our favourites. It offers an amazing landscape and deep blue waters. Go early to secure a sunbed.
