For those who like to relax and enjoy the Greek version of the dolce vita, here are my favorite beaches and restaurants on the island of Sifnos. Of course, this selection is very subjective. But these are exactly the places I recommend when my friends ask me for good addresses in Sifnos.
Cherronisos
Cherronisos is a beautiful small fishermen’s beach, at the very north of Sifnos. The road to get there also offers great views.
Quiet and calm atmosphere, even in summer. There are two taverns on the beach and a mini-market.
In the evening, on your way back, you can also enjoy the sunset at the Sunset In restaurant located near Troullaki. It serves simple dishes, mainly meatballs, sausages and also grilled meats (tel: +30 228 77 72 423).
The beach of Platis Gialos
Platis Gialos, in the southeast of the island, is a large family beach with cafes, taverns and restaurants. The Palmira bar (tel: +30 228 40 71 283) is pleasant and offers a varied choice of drinks and also snacks. It also allows you to be inside and outside at the same time: you come to look for a little coolness and shade inside while enjoying the joys of the beach. In summer, it is a rather lively place.
Platis Gialos is probably the place that offers the greatest choice for lunch or dinner literally on the beach in Sifnos. If you have children, they can continue to play in the sand while you enjoy your meal. You will find several options for dining, but be sure to make reservations as the establishments are small and there are only a few seats.
My favorite restaurants in Platis Gialos:
- the best is undoubtedly Ω3 (Omega 3 – tel: +30 228 40 72 014). This tiny restaurant (about 20 square meters) offers a refined culinary experience. It serves mainly fresh fish, cooked raw. Tartars, ceviches, sashimis, fish skewers… And everything is excellent!
- NUS: an organic, slow-food cuisine, which honors the products of the island.
- Mamma Mia (tel: +30 228 40 71 219): Italian cuisine, good and classic. You can also order pizza to go and eat on the beach if you prefer.
- Maiolica (tel: +30 228 40 71 428): a restaurant that opened in 2016 and serves Asian, Greek and Oriental inspired mezze-fusion. A fresh and creative cuisine.
- To Steki (tel: +30 228 40 71 215): a traditional Greek tavern, where you can eat in the shade of the trees. You can enjoy classic Greek dishes. Nothing rare but the environment is pleasant.
On windy days, you can take shelter in a nice cove lined with rocks: Lazarou Beach (at the end of the beach of Platis Gialos, accessible by a dirt road). Wooden pontoon overlooking the sea, small beach sheltered from the wind, beach bar.
And to discover all our favorite addresses in Platis Gialos, it’s here.
Chryssopigi
The monastery of Chryssopigi is one of the emblems of Sifnos. You can sit either on the beach on the left or on the rocks on the right (I recommend the rocks, it’s nicer, but not very practical for families with small children).
There you can eat on the beach of Apokofto (to the left of the monastery) at the Lempesis tavern (tel: +30 228 40 71 295).
The beach of Glyfo in Faros
Faros is a lovely fishing port that has kept its authenticity. Glyfo is a family beach, perfect when it is windy everywhere else, because it is protected. You can sit in the shade of the trees but you have to arrive early (before 10 am), otherwise it is very crowded. Small precision: it is the beach located at the extreme right (and not the one which is right in front of the parking lot). To get there: go up and down the stairs after the restaurants.
There, I advise you to eat at Limanaki which serves only fresh products, and in particular a delicious fish soup (be careful, it is very different from the fish soup that we know in France). You can make a reservation when you arrive at the beach or call ahead (tel: +30 228 40 714 25).
The beach of Vathi (or Vathy)
It is perhaps one of the most beautiful beaches of Sifnos, with a beautiful fishing port and crystal clear waters. A monastery stands by the sea. You can also have lunch or dinner at the Tsikali tavern (tel: +30 228 40 711 50), which serves tasty food.
Afternoon walks in Sifnos
1. Artemonas
One of the most pleasant walks is the visit to Artemonas. This village has a lot of charm. I advise you to go there after 6 pm (before, it is hot and some shops are closed). In the evening, the children run around the main square (if you have little ones, there is a nice playground next to the parking lot).
In Artemonas, you can dine at Chrysso, a traditional Greek tavern (tel: +30 228 40 31 322) or at Lempesis (tel: +30 228 40 31 303). Or eat souvlaki in the main square.
If you have a sweet tooth, I recommend Kitrino Podilato.
If you want to buy local sweets, in Artemonas, the Grigoris bakery is also famous for its traditional cakes.
2. Apollonia
Apollonia is another village full of charm. It is one of my favorites! Here again, I advise you to go in the late afternoon to avoid the heat. Some suggestions for restaurants in Apollonia:
- Mamma Mia, very good Italian cuisine (tel: +30 228 40 33 086). Try to book in the upper terrace to enjoy the view.
- Okyalos (tel: +30 228 40 32 060): quality Greek cuisine
- And my favorite restaurant, Drakakis (tel: +30 228 40 31 233) : a nice terrace with a food that is out of the ordinary
Finally, in the evening, I advise you to go and enjoy a cocktail at the Rampagas bar, in the shade of the huge tamarisk tree.
3. Kastro
If you are ready to walk, then take the road from Apollonia to Kastro. Wonderful!
Of course, it is out of the question to leave Sifnos without visiting Kastro, the historical heart of the island. Stroll through the narrow streets and then stop for a drink on the terrace while listening to soft jazz notes (at the Kavos Sunrise bar or at Dolci’s).
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Here are some tips, but I’m sure you will also find other good addresses because this island is full of nice places.
Looking for accommodation in Sifnos? You don’t know which hotel to choose? Discover then our article on the best hotels of the island.
And to get around, you will also find some rental offers on the Rental Cars website. Be careful, even if you type Sifnos in the search bar, the platform also offers car rentals on Milos. Be careful not to go to the wrong island.
Enjoy your stay in Sifnos!
Laure M.
