Sifnos in Greece

Sifnos is a rather small island in area, 74 km2, making it the twelfth largest island in the Cyclades, and about five times smaller than Naxos, which is the largest island in the Cyclades. The highest mountain measuring 695 meters above sea level. Geographically, Sifnos is located in the western Cyclades, the nearest neighbouring islands are Serifos and Kimolos.

Faros is my favorite village on Sifnos.

Approximately 2,600 people lives here all the year round, most inhabitants lives in Apollonia (870 inhabitants) and in Artemonas (800 inhabitants). My favorite villages is Faros and the car-free village of Kastro. The main source of livelihood is pottery, fisheries, agriculture and tourism.

Kamares is Sifnos most popular tourist resort and is perfect for families with children.

The best time to visit Sifnos is April and May for the beautiful scenery, June when it is not yet so many tourists, and September when the evenings are balmy and the number of tourists has decreased. During July and August, Sifnos is more than well attended and it can be difficult to get good accommodation at reasonable prices. Sifnos is visited by more and more Scandinavians, especially from Sweden.

Many families with children have discovered that it is a perfect island for children, largely thanks to the widespread peace and quiet, and there are many beaches suitable for children, the beach of Kamares is a good example of that.

Sifnos is one of Greece's most beautiful islands. The photo is from Vathy.

Sifnos is, in my opinion, one of the most pleasant island in the Cyclades, and one of the most complete islands in the archipelago. There is something for everyone; no matter who you are and what you want to do on your vacation, you will find it on Sifnos. Personally, I think Sifnos is one of Greece's top five islands, almost in the same class as one of my absolute favourite island: Amorgos. One of the reasons that I like Sifnos so much is that it is such a serene island, or a cool island is perhaps a more appropriate word.

Everything goes slowly, almost in slow motion, even buses and cars have a lower pace, and it is very rare in Greece. The people are incredibly friendly and laid back. Maybe it's something in the water that affect the islanders, because it's thanks to them that the island is as it is. They seem to care more about their island than ordinary.

I have never been on an island that is as tidy as Sifnos. Waste sorting exists since a few years, and it works pretty well, I have not seen that on other islands. On some beaches, including in Platys Gialos, there are ashtrays put out so that no butt ends should lie on the beach and make a litter. Not only that, the municipality have employed butt- and garbage pickers who make daily rounds.

Platys Gialos is Sifnos second largest tourist resort.

Read about the 12 best beaches on Sifnos here »

You can read more about Sifnos via the links at the end of this page.

A short summery of the information comes here:

Getting here is easy, even if you are travelling independently. The easiest way is to go by air to Athens and continue by ferry from Piraeus. The second best option is to fly to Santorini. Busses ply on Kamares, Apollonia, Faros, Vathy, Platys Gialos and Kastro. Scooter and car hire places in the major tourist resorts.

Sifnos can boast about several of nice villages, one of them - Kastro - is absolutely on my top list. Another of my favourites is the beautiful seaside village of Heronissos at the far north, and little Faros (see picture at the top of this page). Other villages are Apollonia, Kamares, Vathy, Artemonas and Platys Gialos.

There are many nice beaches and there is something for all tastes. The most popular beaches are in Vathy, Platys Gialos and Kamares. In Faros are two small children-friendly beaches. Not far away is the nice Apokofto beach. There are also several nice bathing-places with rocks, Efta Martyres and Chrisopigi are the best.

Kastro on Sifnos.

The most important sight on Sifnos is the village of Kastro. However, the island's pride is the small monastery of Chrisopigi near Faros. Kastro is one of the finest villages in the Cyclades. As beautiful as Chora on Ios and Chora on Folegandros. Other sights include the archaeological excavations at the church of Agios Andreas, and the many pottery workshops. Sifnos is actually famous throughout Greece for its pottery.

The selection of hotels and pensions are big, and the standard is generally very good. During certain months of the year it can be difficult to find a place to stay if you have not pre-booked. Advance booking is recommended.