Sifnos

Sifnos is a beautiful island in the Western Cyclades, famous for its picturesque architecture, laid-back lifestyle, local delicacies, traditional ceramics and vibrant nightlife. If you’re wondering what to do in Sifnos and how to get there, you can find everything you need on Ferryhopper. Discover the best beaches, sights, attractions and villages on the island, find all ferry schedules and book cheap ferry tickets to Sifnos with no extra fees!

Inspiring view to the turquoise waters at the port in Sifnos

Vacation in Sifnos

Sifnos is the ultimate destination for holidays off the beaten path! There are many well-kept secrets to discover and a plethora of options for activities and entertainment. At the same time, Sifnos retains its traditional character and remains low-profile, despite the rise in popularity. On the easygoing island, you can visit impressive villages and charming beaches, taste scrumptious dishes and go on amazing hikes. Apollonia, the island capital, dazzles visitors with its Cycladic architecture, breathtaking views and intense nightlife. Lose yourself in its quaint alleys, visit the cute bars and make memories to last a lifetime!

How to get to Sifnos

There are frequent ferry routes from Athens to Sifnos throughout the year. Ferries to Sifnos depart daily from the port of Piraeus year-round, while there is also a daily service from the port of Rafina to Sifnos during the summer. You can also catch a flight from Athens International Airport to the island of Milos and make the crossing from Milos to Sifnos by ferry. Find more information about ferry routes to Sifnos below.

What to do in Sifnos

In Sifnos you can enjoy relaxing moments by the sea or at one of the island’s magical villages. There are cosmopolitan beaches and remote coasts, where you can try water sports or relax in total serenity. As for attractions, Sifnos is famous for its architecture, so don’t miss the chance to see some of the mansions, chapels and ancient sites on the island. Hike to small churches built on remote rocks or explore the local bar scene in Kastro, walking through the numerous alleys. At night, you can join the locals in one of the tavernas, head to Apollonia for the popular bars and experience the vibrant nightlife of Sifnos.

Beaches in Sifnos

If you’re looking for popular beaches with water sports centers and visitor facilities in Sifnos, you can find plenty! On the other hand, if you’re after remote beaches with tamarisk trees, golden sand and absolute peace, well, you can also find plenty! Beaches in Sifnos cater to all tastes and here’s a top 10:

1. Platis Gialos: It’s the most cosmopolitan beach on the island. Platis Gialos is a sandy beach with tamarisk trees and visitor amenities. There are umbrellas, changing rooms, water sports centers, cafés and tavernas.
2. Faros: This is a sandy wind-protected beach with tamarisk trees and crystal-clear waters. There are umbrellas, showers, changing rooms, tavernas and cafés. You can enjoy an amazing view to the Monastery of Chrisopigi from the beach.
3. Fassolou: It is located right next to Faros and enjoys an equally stunning view to the monastery. It’s a sandy beach with tamarisk trees, pebbles and a restaurant.
4. Cherronisos: This is a beautiful beach with thin sand, tamarisk trees, sun loungers and showers. The local tavernas are great if you want to taste fresh fish.
5. Vlicho: Vlicho (or Glyfo) is a beach with golden sand, tamarisk trees and heavenly waters. It boasts an amazing view to the rock of Chrisopigi, where the monastery is built.
6. Vathi: It’s a large golden-sand beach with some tamarisk trees for shade. There are plenty of visitor amenities and it’s great for water sports and post-swimming meals and refreshments at one of the tavernas and cafés.
7. Apokofto: The beach is located next to the Monastery of Chrisopigi. It has paradisiacal turquoise waters, thin golden sand and tamarisk trees. There are also showers, toilets and tavernas. If you want to get away from the crowds, the rocks next to the monastery are great for seclusion and diving!
8. Saoures: The small cove has emerald green waters, pebbles and sand. It is ideal for peaceful swimming.
9. Vroulidia: Vroulidia is a small remote beach with emerald waters, pebbles and some umbrellas. If you need to kick back and relax, this is the place to be, as there’s no mobile coverage at the beach!
10. Kamares: Kamares is the beach by the port of Sifnos. It is a golden-sand beach with clear waters and tamarisk trees for shade. There are umbrellas, toilets, cafés and restaurants.

Emerald waters at the beach of Vroulidia

Activities and sightseeing in Sifnos

You can witness the rich history of Sifnos in its many cultural attractions, medieval villages and local traditions. One of the best ways to explore the historical sites of the island is to hike on impressive rocks and walk through the beautiful alleys. Here are some of the top things to do in Sifnos according to ferryhoppers:

• Stroll in Artemonas: the picturesque village of Artemonas is a true gem of Sifnos. It is a peaceful location with an amazing view, where you can lose yourself in the alleys, admire the impressive mansions and marvel at the religious monuments and traditional courtyards. Don’t forget to stop by the pastry shops of the village to try delicious loukoumia, pastelia and halvadopites.
• Explore Apollonia: the capital of the island is named after Greek god Apollo and it is simply divine! The best time to visit the village is at early evening, when the sun starts to set. Its amazing architecture, pretty chapels and paved alleys charm visitors. The famous “alley of Apollonia” is the fun center of the island. Explore the many cafés, restaurants, souvenir shops, galleries and workshops and head to the bars when the night falls!
• Walk in Kastro: Kastro is a medieval village with quaint alleys and authentic Venetian architecture that takes you back in time! Enjoy the view to the Aegean Sea and walk around the village to discover cute cafés, have breakfast, try local desserts or have an early drink.
• Visit the Church of the Seven Martyrs: this beautiful church is built on the edge of a rock at the village of Kastro. Take a short hike from the village and witness the grandeur of Cycladic minimalism. You can also climb down the rock using the stone stairs, to find a quiet rocky beach.
• Follow the island’s hiking trails: Sifnos is a great destination for hiking enthusiasts. There is an extended hiking trail network, which allows you to explore the island on foot! Follow the trails to discover remote beaches of exceptional beauty, archaeological sites, chapels, ancient towers and superb viewing points. Find more useful info and tips about hiking trails in Sifnos.
• Enjoy the view from the Mycenaean Acropolis: the impressive ruins of the citadel of Sifnos lie on the top of the hill in Agios Andreas. The Acropolis of Sifnos dates back to the 8th century BCE and it’s one of the most important archaeological findings on the island. Although the hike up to the hill is a bit challenging, seeing the Mycenaean fortifications that bear witness to the past is definitely worth it!
• Visit a pottery workshop: the island has a rich history in pottery. The ceramics made on the island are truly renowned for their quality. Visit a workshop in Sifnos to learn more about pottery, find out the traditional secrets of the craft and get beautiful souvenirs, supporting the local artists. Some of our favorite pottery shops are found on the seafront of Kamares and in Apollonia.

The Church of the Seven Martyrs by the blue Aegean Sea

Nightlife in Sifnos

Sifnos is the hidden gem of intense nightlife in the Greek islands! More and more people choose the island for its vibrant nights, amazing bars, lounge cafés and beach parties. Apollonia, the island capital, is the heart of the action. There are bars playing lounge music or loud dance tunes, as well as laid-back tavernas. You can enjoy cocktails all night long, have fun with friends over Greek wine and mezzes or simply walk around the village. 

For more nightlife options, you can visit Kastro. It’s the perfect destination on the island for romantic nights, full of cute shops and lounge bars. The true highlight of Kastro, however, is the iconic Cavos Sunrise, whose owner, Costas Georgoulis, prepares some of the best mojito cocktails you’ve ever tried!

As for partying on the beach, you can attend many parties taking place during the summer at different seaside locations on the island!

Food in Sifnos

You can’t leave Sifnos without trying its delicious local products and mouthwatering dishes. After all, famous Greek chef Nikolaos Tselementes hails from the village of Exambela in Sifnos and he is considered one of the most influential Greek cookery writers. During your vacation in Sifnos, Ferryhopper suggests that you try:

• Oven-baked chickpea stew
• Chickpea patties
• Mastelo: goat or lamb cooked with wine
• Kaparosalata: caper relish
• Manoura: local cheese with strong flavor, preserved in wine
• Pasteli: sesame and honey bar
• Loli: sweet squash pie

Additionally, make sure to try out the local beer of Sifnos, which is named Flaros, derived from the traditional ceramic creation of the same name.

Tip: If you’re a foodie, it’s worth visiting Sifnos in September, to attend the “Nikolaos Tselementes” Cycladic Gastronomy Festival. This one-of-a-kind festival celebrates local cuisine and endemic products from the islands of the Cyclades. There are kiosks with local dishes and superb quality products that you can try for free!

Villages in Sifnos

The villages of Sifnos are distinguished by their splendid architecture. White houses, paved alleys and narrow streets dominate the landscape, while the impressive mansions and beautiful decorated courtyards create a magnificent scenery, perfect for photos! You can find accommodation and dining options in most of the island’s major villages. Here are some of the most popular villages in Sifnos:

• Apollonia
• Kastro
• Artemonas
• Exambela
• Kamares
• Vathi
• Faros
• Kato Petali
• Katavati
• Platis Gialos

Useful information for Sifnos

Most visitor services are in Apollonia, the capital of Sifnos. There are banks and ATMs by Alpha Bank, Piraeus Bank and the National Bank of Greece, a regional medical center, pharmacies, shops, grocery stores, a post office, as well as gas stations. There’s also a Piraeus Bank ATM in Kamares, where you can find car rentals too. As for accommodation, most hotels and vacation rentals are in Apollonia, Kastro, Platis Gialos and Kamares. If you’re into camping, you can try the camping site in Kamares.

Useful phone numbers for your stay in Sifnos

Here are some useful phone numbers for your trip to Sifnos:

• Municipality of Sifnos: +302284360310
• Police Station: +302284031210
• Port Authority of Sifnos: +302284033617
• Regional Medical Center of Sifnos: +302284031315
• Municipal bus service:+302284031977

Picturesque Cycladic house at the village of Kastro in Sifnos

Transportation in Sifnos

The major villages, beaches and attractions on the island are close to each other. During the summer months, there are buses serving routes between the villages and the beaches of Sifnos. You can also catch a taxi to get around. If you prefer to be flexible in your exploration, you can bring your own car or motorcycle by ferry or rent there.

Ports in Sifnos

The port of Sifnos is in the village of Kamares, a 10-minute drive to Apollonia. There are many traveler amenities at the port area, such as car rentals, hotels, restaurants, grocery stores, a kids’ playground and free parking space. You can also find a taxi rank, right as you exit the ferry.

Island hopping from Sifnos

Are you thinking of going island hopping in the Cyclades? From the port of Sifnos, there are direct ferry routes to many islands in the Cyclades, making it a great starting point for island hopping! You can catch a ferry from Sifnos to the following islands:

• Santorini
• Mykonos
• Naxos
• Paros
• Amorgos
• Koufonisia
• Andros
• Ios
• Tinos
• Kimolos
• Milos
• Kythnos
• Serifos
• Sikinos
• Folegandros
• Syros

On Ferryhopper’s Map of ferries you can see all available ferry routes from Sifnos. Find info on ferry schedules and ferry companies, to plan your island hopping itinerary in the Aegean Sea!

Beautiful sunset at Kamares

Sifnos ferry: schedules and tickets

There are frequent ferry routes from Athens to Sifnos year-round. Ferries from Piraeus to Sifnos are daily, while the trip from the port of Rafina is seasonal. Here are more details about ferry schedules for Sifnos:

• Piraeus - Sifnos: The route from Piraeus to Sifnos is in operation daily with an average of 3 crossings. Depending on the type of ferry, the duration of the sailing ranges from 2 to 8 hours.
• Rafina - Sifnos: There are ferries from Rafina to Sifnos daily in the summer. The trip duration is approximately 5 hours.

Where to book ferry tickets online to Sifnos

Are you looking forward to enjoying the warm sun and intense nightlife in Sifnos? Book cheap ferry tickets now on Ferryhopper! Find all the information you need about holidays on the island, compare ferry companies, fares and schedules, and start packing for your trip after just 4 clicks!