Sifnos

Map of Sifnos

Sifnos is the 14th bigger island of Cyclades with 74km² extension and 2.625 population. It's a pretty, tidy and cultivated island and its size makes it easily explorable. Sifnos has a strong tradition of pottery(as early as the third century BC) and has long been esteemed for its distinctive cuisine, with sophisticated casseroles baked in the clay-fired gastres (pots), from the word gastronomy derives. The island is perhaps best appreciated today, however, for its many beautifully situated churches and monasteries, and for the beautiful scenery around Vathy in the far Southwest.

The areas to head for are the port, Kamares, the island's capital Apollonia, as well as the East and South coasts. There is nothing in the North worth peek, except maybe the small fishing village of Herronisos, but even that is too far and offers too little for the first-time visitor.

Generally the climate of the island is mild and healthy as all the Cyclades, and the ground is fertile enough. Main products produced are cereals, oil, wine, legumes, fruits, cotton textiles, pottery, and poultry and livestock products.

Kamares

Kamares, the island's port, with its gorgeous, clean beach, is tucked away in a long, steep-sided valley that cuts into the cliffs of the island's Western side. Kamare's seafront road is crammed with bars, travel agencies, ice-cream shops and restaurants.

Apollonia

A steep bus ride from Kamares takes you 5.5km up to Apollonia, the centre of an amalgam of five hilltop villages that have merged over the years into one continuous community: immediately North is Ano Petali, which then runs into Artemonas, about fifteen minutes away on foot. With white buildings, stepped paths, belfries and flower-draped balconies, it is very scenic.

Sights in Apollonia include numerous churches , while on the central square, the folk museum, with its collection of textiles, lace, costumes and weaponry, is worth a visit. Behind and parallel to the square runs the pedestrian street, To Steno, lined with restaurants, bars and fancy shops.

Beaches

Kamares

Kamares is located in the West side of the island, 6,5km away from Apollonia. It's the port of Sifnos and one of the most popular beaches. It's a sandy beach with 1.500m coastline. There are also taverns, bars and cafes. Road access.

Herronisos

 

Platys Gyalos

A very big and maybe the most popular beach of Sifnos with 1.000m coastline. It's located in the South side of the island. A sandy beach with taverns and beach bars that offer umbrellas and sun beds for visitors. Access by road.

Vathy

Vathy is the most beautiful beach of Sifnos, which is located in the Southwestern side, 14 km away from the capital, Apollonia. It's a sandy beach with clear turquoise shallow waters. Ideal choice for families.

Herronisos

Herronisos is the Northernmost beach of Sifnos, 15 km from Apollonia. It's a small beach (200m coastline) near the homonymous picturesque fishing village, Herronisos. This beach has calm waters, ideal for visitor who want to peace and relaxation.

Other Beaches

Fasolou, Glufo, Apokofto, Fukiada, Faros.

Sights

Kastro

Located to the East of the island, Kastro, a traditional village, is hooked on the rocky hill which has been continuously inhabited since prehistoric times. It is extremely unlikely not to admire it as approaching it from Apollonia, the capital. It has breathtaking beauty while the Aegean's view from the streets is panoramic.

Monastery of Prophet Elias

Located at an altitude of 680 meters so the climb is quite difficult and takes about an hour. The imposing construction of Monastery and the view from the top of it is a unique experience. The monastery was built in 1650 on the ruins of the ancient citadel. The feast of the monastery is on 20 July and the festival takes place on the eve, 19 July.

Monastery of Prophet Elias

 

Church of Panagia Chrisopigi

In a magical landscape onto a small rocky cape, separated from the mainland by a narrow sea channel, is built from 1650 the Church of Panagia Chrysopigi. The picture of Panagia Chrisopigi was found in the sea by fishermen and it is miraculous.

Church of Panagia Chrisopigi

 

Archaeological Museum

The building, which houses the Archaeological Museum, it is traditional. It was restored by the Ministry of Culture in the early 1980s and since 1986 operates normally. It has collections from Sculpture from the Archaic to the Roman period(6th century BC-1st century BC), Pottery from the Geometric to Hellenistic period(8th century BC-2nd century BC) and currency.

Transportation

By ferry: Sifnos is better connected with the mainland and with the rest of the Cyclades than its Northern neighbours. Ferries dock at the port in Kamares.

Destinations: Andros(1 weekly, 5hrs 30min), Folegandros(1-2 weekly, 1hr 30min- 4hrs), Ios(1-3 weekly, 3hrs), Kimolos(2-5 weekly, 1hr 45min), Kythnos(1-3 weekly, 2hrs), Milos(5-7 weekly, 1hr), Mykonos(1 weekly, 5hrs), Paros(2 weekly, 3hrs), Pireas(2-4 daily, 3-5 hrs), Santorini(2 weekly, 4hrs 30min), Serifos(1-3 daily, 40min-1hr), Sikinos(2 weekly, 2hrs), Syros(2-3 weekly, 2hrs 30min- 5hrs 30min)

Apollonia

Getting Around

By bus: The bus service is excellent, most of the roads are good and there's a vast network of paths that are mostly easy to follow. Buses leave regularly from Kamares to Apollonia/Artemonas(8-10 daily, 20min). For all other destinations you have to change at Apollonia. Buses leave from Kamares(8-10 daily) from Apollonia's central square, Platia Iroon. There is a second station by the Anthoussa hotel for Platys Gyalos(6-8 dialy, 30min)

Useful Phone Numbers

Municipality of Sifnos: 22840 31345 - 22840 31110 - 22840 32388

Police(Apollonia): 22840 31210

Port(Kamares): 22840 33617

Post(Apollonia): 22840 31329

Pharmacy: 22840 33033 - 22840 33541

Health Center: 22840 31315

Folk Museum: 22840 31341

Archaeological Museum: 22840 31022