SIFNOS, GREECE: OFF-THE-BEATEN-PATH IN THE CYCLADES

Panagia Poulati is the prettiest church on Sifnos.

SIFNOS TRAVEL TIPS

• CURRENCY – The official currency of Greece is the Euro. While most places take credit card, it’s useful to have cash handy for smaller purchases.
• STRONG WINDS – Keep plans on Sifnos fluid. This part of the Cyclades is notorious for strong winds, and you might need to abandon beach plans if things get a bit too breezy.
• TIPPING – Tipping is customary at bars, cafes and restaurants, and a 10%-15% tip is usually appreciated.
• STAY CONNECTED – Cell service isn’t great on the island, and there are several areas where service is non-existent. Almost all hotels and most restaurants have free wifi.

Cherronisos Beach is my favorite spot for sunbathing on Sifnos.

WHEN TO VISIT SIFNOS

• JUNE & SEPTEMBER – June and September offer pleasant sunny weather with modest crowds. Hotel selection and prices are also slightly more reasonable this time of the year.
• JULY & AUGUST – Tourists pour into the Greek islands during high season, and while these are busy months for Sifnos, the crowds are minimal compared to neighboring Paros and Milos. Temperatures can get pretty toasty in July and August.
• APRIL, MAY & OCTOBER – Shoulder season offers up the best prices for lodging, but it’s so early and late in the year that the island won’t be fully opened. Also, weather can be hit or miss.
• NOVEMBER TO MARCH – Avoid visiting this time of the year. Weather can be cold and rainy, and most shops and restaurants are closed for the season.

Exploring the picturesque corridors of Artemonas.

Greek churches and gelato every day.

HOW MANY DAYS ON SIFNOS

FIVE DAYS. For travelers that want to maximize time in the Greek islands, three full days on Sifnos will get you to the best beaches, sights, restaurants, villages and shops. But for a more relaxed visit that covers the whole island, five days is ideal.

THE SEVEN VILLAGES OF SIFNOS

APOLLONIA

Not only is Apollonia the capital of Sifnos, it’s also the most charming village on the island. The main pedestrian boulevard is a picturesque white stone corridor lined with boutiques, gelato shops, restaurants, bars and Greek churches. It’s very cute. Apollonia is pretty quiet during the day, but a vibe in the evening when everything is open and people head into town for dinner and drinks.

ARTEMONAS

Artemonas is another small village located just north of Apollonia. It’s a small maze of white-washed streets that lead to blooming bougainvilleas, Greek churches, colorful bars and blue tipped windmills. Similar to the capital, Artemonas is pretty quiet during the day, and more lively in the evenings.

EXAMBELA

Located immediately south of Apollonia is Exambela, one of the largest villages on the island. It’s home to beautiful Cycladic architecture and Greek churches.

FAROS

This tiny fishing village sits on the east coast of the island, built around a protected bay. There are a few beautiful restaurants and a bakery connected by a small white stone alley – all convenient, delicious and picturesque options for lunch or dinner on a beach day. This is one of my favorite spots to hang on Sifnos.

KAMARES

Tucked away on the west coast, most visitors only visit Kamares as they arrive and depart Sifnos. It’s very much a small port village, but worth a stop if you have time while on the island. There are a couple terrific restaurants along the water, as well as the beautiful Parilia Beach Bar.

KASTRO

Also known as The Castle of Sifnos, Kastro is the former capital of the island. The village is a zig zag of white stone alleyways lined with colorful doorways where you’ll meet more cats than people on any given morning. Must-visit places in this tiny village include the sunbathing rocks of Paralia Seralia, the epic Church of the Seven Martyrs and Loggia Wine Bar at sunset.

VATHI

Vathi is a sleepy fishing village on west coast of Sifnos. It’s worth a stop to walk the stretch of coast and see the church if time permits, but not a must-visit.

BEST SIFNOS BEACHES

CHERRONISOS BEACH

Cherronisos Beach is a long, narrow bay that sits on the island’s remote northern tip. The setting is ridiculously beautiful, and the vibe very relaxed. Bright white Cycladic structures line the turquoise bay, serving up an incredibly picturesque backdrop for a day at the beach. The calm, shallow water is ideal for swimming, and there are two tavernas on the beach for lunch.

PARILIA FAROS

Parilia Faros is one of two lovely beaches in the fishing settlement of Faros. The white-washed village is the spectacular backdrop of this sandy beach, located in front of the public parking lot. Parilia Faros is the busier of the two beaches.

PARILIA PANAGIA POULATI

From the Panagia Poulati parking lot, simply follow the path past the blue dome church down to the water. It’s a short hike, but worth the effort to swim in some of the prettiest water on Sifnos. On a calm sunny day, the water sparkles shades of deep turquoise, and the cliffs are a spectacular backdrop. Parilia Poulati is not a proper beach (no sand), but there are plenty of rocks for sunbathing.

PARALIA SERALIA

The beach itself is just okay, but the cement swim platform, rocks and swim ladder located next to the beach are the ultimate vibe on a warm day with no wind.

VLICHO

Vlicho is the second beach in the fishing village of Faros. From the parking lot, follow the coast and pass through the corridor of restaurants. It leads to a small second beach that is a bit more secluded than Parilia Faros. The beach is sandy with large trees that provide ample shade to beachgoers.

It’s very clear which homes feed the neighborhood cats.

Cute corners in the village of Kastro.

SIFNOS CHURCHES

CHURCH OF ANNUNCIATION OF THE THEOTOKOS

This beautiful church is located in the village of Artemonas along the staircase to the windmill. The translated name isn’t searchable in Google Maps, so enter this Greek name if you plan to pin it for your upcoming trip: Ιερός ναός Εισοδίων και Ευαγγελισμού της Θεοτόκου.

CHURCH OF THE SEVEN MARTYRS

The Church of Seven Martyrs might be the most iconic church on Sifnos. It’s located just outside the main neighborhood of Kastro, accessible via a narrow stone staircase that leads to the church. It sits perched on a lone seaside cliff overlooking the Aegean Sea. The setting is quite epic.

MONASTERY OF PANAGIA CHRISOPIGI

This 17th century church sits just below Faros on a rocky peninsula. The blinding all-white design of the monastery is quite beautiful, and a stark contrast to the surrounding turquoise water and dark swimming rocks.

PANAGIA KOCHI

In Artemonas, all roads lead to Panagia Kochi. The soaring blue dome church sits directly in front of colorful Cafe Mosaic in the middle of town. The church exterior is lovely – classic Greece.

PANAGIA POULATI

Panagia Poulati might be the prettiest of the 300+ churches scattered across Sifnos. In a truly epic setting, the white church stands in bold contrast to the deep blue of the Aegean Sea sits directly behind it. The late 19th century church is small but stunning, boasting a looming blue dome, a bell tower, arcades and little cobbled courtyard.

The little village of Kastro can easily be explored in a couple of hours.

BEST SIFNOS HOTELS

APSILA POOL SUITES

Apsila Pool Suites is a lovely boutique hotel nestled on a quiet hillside in Kamares with stunning views of the bay. The suites are all individually designed to offer varying amenities – the pool suites are particularly lovely. I love the property’s color palette – deep grays and warm earth tones.

ELIES RESORT

If a resort style stay if your vibe, Elies Resort is located on Vathi Bay. It’s large by Sifnos standards featuring more than 30 rooms and suites, an on-site gym, two bars and a spa.

EUTOPIA SUITES

Eutopia Suites is a new boutique property in Vathi that overlooks fabulous views of the tranquil bay. It’s built up the cliffs, so expect love of steps. The rooms are clean, the outdoor space feels very new and the staff is kindly, warm and welcoming. Vathi location might be a bit remote for some, even though it’s just 12 minutes driving to Apollonia.

NOS HOTEL & VILLAS

This is the best place to stay on Sifnos – the Faros location is fabulous, the restaurant is the tastiest on the island and local beach is an absolute vibe. Nos Hotel & Villas is relatively new. It opened in 2022, and everything feels new and modern. Both the rooms and exteriors are minimalist chic. Very beautiful.

STAMNA SIFNOS

Stamna Sifnos is an intimate hotel that has all the makings of a Greek boutique property, but it’s actually part of Marriott’s Design Hotel’s umbrella. It houses a mere 20 rooms in a dreamy setting on the outskirts of Apollonia. Similar to most high-end Greek hotels, Stamna Sifnos goes for minimalist luxury and neutral color palette.

VERINA ASTRA

Perched on hilltop over panoramic views of the Aegean Sea, Verina Astra offers guests an absolutely tranquil setting along a remote cliff on Sifnos. The selection of rooms, suites and pool suites are beautiful – designed with textured neutral walls, pale blue shutters and doors and natural wood accent pieces, all with sea views. The property is also home to a dreamy infinity pool, and the popular restaurant Bostani.

VERINA TERRA

Verina Terra is located amongst the olive trees on Platys Gialos Beach. The boutique hotel is comprised of four apartments, four double rooms, two suites and one apartment. The cozy rooms boast high wood beam ceilings, creamy white walls and accents in muted shades of turquoise, grey and neutrals. The property is walking distance to the sea, as well as several bars, beach clubs and restaurants.

Apollonia is quiet during the day, but an absolute vibe in the evenings.

WHERE TO EAT ON SIFNOS

ALYELO

I absolutely loved the vibe of Alyelo. The seaside restaurant is located between the two beaches of Faros touting a beautiful white-washed Cycladic design with pops of blue. There are tables that overlook the water, but we opted to sit at the gorgeous stone slab located along the pedestrian lane. I loved the chic Greek vibe. Cuisine is a delicious selection of fresh seafood and pasta dishes.

BOSTONI

Bostoni is one of the prettiest dinner settings on Sifnos. The open-air restaurant is set on a cliffside with a sweeping panorama of the Aegean Sea, and views of Kastro in the distance. This fine dining option features a seasonal menu of Sifnian and Greek dishes, as well as an inventive list of cocktails. Reservations are a must.

CANTINA

Cantina sits tucked away in a lovely setting that overlooks the little cove at Parilia Seralia. It’s a popular restaurant for foodies boasting a seasonal, zero-waste menu. The ever-changing selection of dishes includes wood-fired bread, fresh seafood, organic produce and slow-cooked meats. Reservations recommended.

KAFENEIO DRAKAKIS

This is the most popular restaurant in Apollonia. Stroll along the main pedestrian lane around 7 PM and you’ll quickly see all the green wooden tables fill up. The specialty at Kafeneio Drakakis is Sifnian and Greek cuisine.

KELARI

Kelari is a family-owned taverna specializing in traditional local dishes including chickpea soup, wood-fired eggplant and stuffed tomatoes with rice, as well as grilled meats – beef, chicken and pork.

MAIOLICA

This is a popular spot on the beach in Platis Gialos where guests sits at a scattering of tan and white taverna style wooden tables that face the sea. The menu is constantly changing, but offerings include inventive dishes of beef tartare, macherel, sea bream, sea bass carpaccio, cuttlefish and more.

MAMA MIA

If you’re in the mood for casual Italian, Mama Mia is located on the main road that runs through Apollonia. The menu includes homemade pastas, warm focaccia and a selection of wood-fired pizzas. There’s also a location in Platis Gialos.

NOS

The restaurant at Nos Hotel was by far my favorite meal on Sifnos – a must while on the island. The food is incredible. Setting is sublime. And service is impeccable. Highlights on the menu included the grilled shrimps in garlic brown butter, roasted chicken, slow-roasted short rib and grilled fish in burnt butter sauce. Reservations recommended.

PASSIONE ITALIANA

An unassuming Italian restaurant located in Kamares, Passione Italiana is a short stroll from the port. I ha doubts about this place because of its proximity to ferry, but the food is fabulous. This is definitely the best pizza option on Sifnos. Very causal.

PELICANOS

Pelicanos is a lovely restaurant located next to Alyelo in Faros. The outdoor setting is beautiful with views of the tranquil bay. Menu includes a selection of fresh seafood and pastas.

TRATAMENTO

Tratamento is a delicious crepe and ice cream shop located in the heart of Apollonia. A must for dessert in the evenings.

YALOS

Another popular spot in Platis Gialos that serves fresh seafood, modern Mediterranean cuisine and wine with views of the sea. Reservations recommended.

YELLOW BICYCLE CAFE

Stop by this adorable patisserie in Artemonas for a selection of treats and desserts. The design of Yellow Bicycle is very cute – textured tone white walls with wooden yellow window shutters and doorways.

The best meal we had on Sifnos was at NOS.

My favorite appetizer in Greece is fried zucchini and tzatziki.

BEST SIFNOS BARS

• CAFE MOSAIC
• COSI SIFNOS
• DIACHRONIKO
• KAVOS SUNRISE
• LOGGIA WINE BAR
• PARILIA BEACH BAR

The lovely corners of Kastro.

GREECE GOOGLE MAP PINS

Every summer I visit the Greek Islands, and now I’m sharing more than 400 of my Google map pins across 12 islands with you guys here. The map is savable to your Google account, and easy to use for trip planning and navigation once on the ground in Greece.

Map pins include:

• must-visit destinations, churches, historic sites, viewpoints
• hotels and villas
• bars, cafes, gelato shops, restaurants
• beaches, cliff jumping locations, secret coves, sea caves
• boat rental companies, ferry ports
• photos from several of these locations

Islands included in the map: Corfu, Crete, Ios, Kastellorizo, Milos, Mykonos, Naxos, Paros + Antiparos, Paxos + Antipaxos, Santorini and Sifnos.

All my Greece map pins available here.

A long, narrow stone path leads out to the Church of the Seven Martyrs. It’s completely epic!

There are so many cats on Sifnos!