What to see and do on Sifnos: our top 10

Sifnos is certainly one of our favorite Greek islands. We go every year and never tire of it. It’s an island that’s lively enough not to bore you, and still retains a certain serenity. A great balance of Cycladic chic and authenticity.

Here’s our best-of list of things to see and do on Sifnos.

1- Walk around Kastro

If you’re wondering what to do on Sifnos, we suggest you start with a stroll around Kastro. It’s probably the most beautiful village on the island. With its medieval atmosphere and superb natural setting, you’re sure to fall in love!

Take a stroll inside the fortified village and wander through the winding streets, galleries and staircases. Then take a tour of the ramparts to admire the superb sea views. Finally, of course, don’t forget to visit the photogenic Church of the Seven Martyrs (Eptamartyros). This little blue-and-white chapel, built on an almost-island, seems to float on the sea. The more adventurous can bathe on the rocks (a path leads off to the right of the chapel).

Our favorite addresses in Kastro: Kavos Sunrise, where you can finish the evening sipping a cocktail with a unique view, and Café Dolci, where you can enjoy the view over the valley.

2- Stroll through the villages of Apollonia and Artemonas

Apollonia is the capital of Sifnos. A must-see! We love this village, which combines a trendy edge with a very traditional feel. Its typical Cycladic architecture leaves no one indifferent: whitewashed houses, flower-filled lanes, churches with rounded blue domes and cats running through the streets.

Apollonia’s main street (called Steno, which literally means “narrow”) is lined with restaurants, bars and boutiques. There’s plenty of evening entertainment, especially in summer.

Don’t miss the charming, much quieter village of Artemonas, 3 km north of Apollonia. It’s particularly pleasant to stroll through this hilltop village, where traditional houses stand side by side with neoclassical buildings in cobbled, flower-filled lanes.

Our favorite addresses : In Apollonia, our favorite store is undoubtedly Colores, on the main street. Women’s clothing and accessories. Everything is in good taste. And what’s more, the boss, Wanda, is French. In Artemonas, indulge in the delicacies of Kitrino Podilato. And if you’d like to buy some local sweets, the Grigoris bakery is renowned for its traditional cakes.

Find all our favorite Apollonia addresses in this article.

3- Relax on the beaches of Sifnos

Among the things we like to do on Sifnos are, of course, beach excursions. Sifnos is an island of beautiful beaches, in many different styles.

• South of the island, Platis Gialos is one of the longest sandy beaches in the Cyclades. It is lined with pensions, restaurants, bars and ceramics stores. It’s the island’s main seaside resort. Lively family atmosphere.
• Faros: a pretty little fishing port with two small beaches (one near the port and the second on the right, behind the rocks). Nearby is the pretty beach of Fassolou.
• Apokofto beach, opposite the Chrissopigi monastery: as well as a view of the monastery, it offers crystal-clear waters and two good tavernas.
• Vathy: one of our favorite beaches (we’re talking about the beach just beyond the port, next to the white monastery with its two domes, in front of the To Tsikali tavern).
• Cheronissos : a beach generally less crowded than the others, in a tiny port full of charm.
• Kamares beach, with its vacation atmosphere, is ideal for families as it is on a gentle slope. Very convenient for a last swim before taking the ferry back.

Find out more in our article The most beautiful beaches on Sifnos.

4- Spend a day in the port of Cheronissos

Among the things to do on Sifnos, a little off the beaten track, we recommend spending a day in the north of the island and visiting the charming little fishing port of Cheronissos. A place far from everything, where time seems to stand still. There’s a pleasant beach with crystal-clear waters, two seaside tavernas, a traditional potter’s workshop and a few fishing boats. A postcard setting. Cheronissos retains a very traditional feel and is much less touristy than the rest of the island.

Our advice Don’t leave without taking the time to eat a fish fry in one of the two taverns. Then follow the path to the monastery of Agios Giorgos, at the top of the hill, from where you can enjoy a beautiful view (1/4h walk).

5- Feast on the island’s culinary specialities

Among the things to try and do on Sifnos, it’s impossible not to mention the local cuisine. Sifnos is certainly one of the Greek islands with the best food. The island has a rich gastronomic tradition. In fact, it was here that Nikolaos Tselementes, author of Greece’s most famous cookbook, was born… so much so that today, in Greek, a “tselementes” is a synonym for “cookbook”. Although this book is sometimes criticized for “westernizing” traditional Greek cuisine (after all, it was he who taught the Greeks how to prepare béchamel and aspics!), it remains a reference in the field of cooking, and was a fixture in every Greek household until the ’70s. It is still published today.

Taste typical island dishes such as kaparosalata (caper salad), the revithada (chickpea soup), revithokeftedes (fried chickpea dumplings with herbs), the mastelo (kid or lamb meat drizzled with wine and seasoned with dill, placed on a trellis of vine branches and cooked very slowly in a covered earthenware dish) and at mélopita the local cheesecake.

Our favorite places to sample local produce NUS on Platis Gialos beach offers traditional dishes cooked with extra-fresh produce from the owners’ farm. And Drakakis on Apollonia’s main street.

6- Treat yourself to a waterfront dinner

Omega 3 is certainly the best restaurant on Sifnos. Quite expensive (€40/50 per person)… but excellent! Here you can enjoy mainly raw fish (tartares, ceviches, sashimi, etc.) facing the sea. A delicious blend of foreign flavors and traditional recipes (the slow-roasted octopus is delicious). In summer, bookings must be made several days in advance.

Our tip : ask for one of our tables facing the sea

7- Discover the island on foot

There are many walks and hikes to do on Sifnos. The island is a hiker’s paradise!

A vast network of some twenty signposted footpaths has been set up, allowing you to discover the island on foot. The trails vary in difficulty: some are very accessible and suitable for families with children. Others are more difficult. But all offer extraordinary panoramas. It would be a real shame not to take at least one short hike on Sifnos, as the scenery is well worth the detour. And the paths are really well signposted.

You’ll find a map of the marked trails at the tourist office in Kamares harbor. Alternatively, you can buy the Sifnos Hiking Map from Thesaurus Travel in Apollonia. You can also find out more on the Sifnos Trails website, which lists the various hiking trails and classifies them by category (easy, difficult, less than 5km, with children, with swimming stops, etc.).

Our favorite hike The path linking Apollonia to the Profitis Ilias monastery (the island’s most important Byzantine building). This is THE flagship hike on Sifnos, and frankly, it’s a must. From here, there is a magnificent view of Sifnos and the neighbouring islands. Our other favorite: the path linking Faros to Chrissopigi (45-minute walk – easy).

8- Marvel at the beauty of the monasteries

Sifnos is renowned for the beauty of its churches and monasteries. In all, there are over 200 chapels, churches and monasteries on the island, testifying to a strong religious tradition.

The best-known monastery is that of Panagia Chrissopigi, the island’s patron saint and protector. This gleaming white monastery is built on a rock. If you have to see only one monastery on Sifnos, this is definitely the one to choose.

We also love the small monastery of Agios Simeon overlooking Kamares Bay. From here, an exceptional view of the whole island!

And as you explore Sifnos, you’ll discover numerous Byzantine churches, each more charming than the last.

Our tip combine a cultural visit with a swim! Take advantage of your visit to Chrissopigi to swim at Apokofto beach on the left or at Saoures rocks on the right (the water is particularly clear).

9- Discover the ceramics of Sifnos

Sifnos is famous for its pottery and ceramics. Ceramics is a true island tradition. Clay soil, water, sun. It’s with these three simple ingredients that Sifnos craftsmen produce marvels. Like “tsoukalia”, covered cooking pots, or “flaroi”, terracotta chimney stumps. But also many decorative objects and kitchen utensils.

Our two favorite places to buy ceramics: Sifnos Stoneware, our favorite. We also love the ceramics of Atsonios in Vathy.

10- For lovers of authenticity: take part in a panegiri

Every chapel or church on the island (and there are over 200) has its own patron saint, and each is celebrated during panegiria. Attending one of these festivals is an incredible experience, and a must if you’re visiting Sifnos. Visitors are welcome. A convivial banquet attended by the whole village, with music and traditional dances… it’s a unique moment.

Our advice: Panegiria are available all year round. So it’s a good idea to ask around in the villages about local festivals. The panigiri always takes place in the evening, on the eve of the saint’s feast day!

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To find out more about what to see and do in Sifnos, read our tips, practical information and useful addresses in the following articles:

• Our best addresses in Sifnos: beaches and restaurants
• Shopping in Apollonia: favourites and good addresses
• Platis Yialos, more than just a beach

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If you want to plan your stay, click here:

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To discover Sifnos and its Cycladic neighbors, why not take a week’s sailing cruise ? The Click and Boat specialist can provide you with the best advice on choosing the right boat for your trip.

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To book your ferry tickets to Sifnos, click here:

Laure M.