Things to do on Sifnos – 15 experiences on an idyllic Greek island

Text and photo: Helena Bergström

Sifnos quickly became one of our favorites among the Greek islands. Here you will find idyllic villages, beautiful beaches, historic churches, nice hiking trails and fantastically delicious food. But what we perhaps appreciated most was the genuine and warm atmosphere.

On Sifnos it almost felt like coming home to a Greek family. Here we tell you about our experiences and share 15 tips on things to see and do on Sifnos.

Sifnos – a Greek island for peace, idyll and good food

We have traveled to Greece many times and visited several Greek islands. Yet the country still manages to surprise us! Sifnos, located in the Cyclades archipelago in the Aegean Sea, became one of those places that really stuck with us.

We came here from Naxos, after a somewhat crazy ferry trip with a long stop on Paros and a ferry that was also delayed. It was late in the evening when we finally arrived at the port of Kamares. We picked up our rental car and drove on to our accommodation in Platis Gialos.

During the days that followed, we discovered an island that is different from Naxos in several ways. Sifnos is smaller, quieter and feels more intimate. Sure, there are tourists here, but during our visit we did not experience the island as overly touristy. Instead, there was a sense of genuine Greek everyday life here, with personal encounters, small villages and a strong food culture.

Several times during the trip we returned to the same thought: In Greece, it can sometimes feel like coming home to a family. You are welcomed in a way that is both warm and personal. On Sifnos, that feeling was perhaps clearer than ever.

For those who want a peaceful holiday, enjoy good food and discover charming environments, Sifnos is a fantastic destination.

Things to see and do on Sifnos – our 15 best tips

Even though Sifnos is a fairly small island, there is a lot to discover. Here are our top tips, from idyllic Kastro and beautiful churches to beaches, hikes and local food experiences.

1. Discover idyllic Kastro – perhaps the most beautiful village of Sifnos

If we had to choose one place on Sifnos that made a special impression on us, it would be Kastro. What a fantastic little village! We have seen many beautiful Greek villages over the years, but Kastro really has something very special. The village is located on a hill, overlooking the sea, and consists of a fascinating maze of narrow alleys, whitewashed houses, stairs, arches and small passages.

It's the kind of place where you just want to keep walking around and discover what awaits around the next corner. There are new photo opportunities everywhere, and sometimes the alleys open up to a fantastic view of the sea.

There are also small cafes and other nice places where you can sit down and enjoy the surroundings. Peter summed up Kastro in one word: idyllic. And that's exactly what it is!

But Kastro is much more than a beautiful village. It also has an exciting history that stretches back thousands of years. The place has been inhabited since prehistoric times and was previously the capital of Sifnos. During the Middle Ages, the settlement took on its fortress-like design, which is still evident today.

The houses are placed in two defensive rings, with the wealthier residents living in the inner, more protected part. The village had six gates, several of which still remain. Perhaps most fascinating of all is how history is in the midst of everyday life. In the alleys you can see Roman sarcophagi and ancient building parts that have been reused in the walls of the houses. There are also remains of an ancient acropolis here.

It almost feels like walking around a living open-air museum, while people still live and breathe here. We would definitely recommend anyone visiting Sifnos to set aside some time for Kastro. Take it easy, get lost in the alleys and enjoy the atmosphere.

2. Admire the Church of the Seven Martyrs below Kastro

One of Sifnos' most famous and photographed sights is the small church of the Seven Martyrs, or Eptamartyres, perched on a cliff below Kastro. The church is whitewashed, has a blue dome, and is surrounded by the blue Aegean Sea. The location is almost impossibly beautiful!

From Kastro you have a fantastic view of the church, which appears to stand alone on the cliff. It is easy to understand why this particular motif appears in so many pictures from Sifnos.

You can get down to the church via stairs, but the view from the village is also an experience in itself. For us, the church was yet another reason to think that Kastro is one of the most photogenic places we have visited in Greece.

3. Visit Chrysopigi – the church on the cliff by the sea

Another of Sifnos' most famous churches is Panagia Chrysopigi, located on a rocky promontory on the southeast side of the island. The church is almost surrounded by water and has a very special location. It is one of those places where nature and architecture come together to create something truly extraordinary.

We visited Chrysopigi during a guided tour of the island and had the opportunity to see the church both outside and inside. The interior was also beautiful and well worth a visit.

Chrysopigi is not just any church. It is dedicated to the Virgin Mary, who under the name Chrysopigi is the patron saint of Sifnos. The church dates back to 1523 and is an important religious site for the island's inhabitants.

On Ascension Day, a large religious festival is held here with processions and other traditional ceremonies. Even if you are not particularly interested in churches, we think Chrysopigi is worth a visit, not least for its dramatic location by the sea. Nearby is also the beautiful beach of Apokofto.

4. Find Panagia tou Vounou – a hidden gem

On our first morning in Sifnos, we took our guide Christina from Sifnos Experience on a two-hour tour by car. One of the places she showed us was Panagia tou Vounou, a church she described as a little hidden gem. And it really was a gem!

The church is located on a hill above Platis Gialos and is not quite as easy to find as the most famous sights on the island. Here we were greeted by a beautiful whitewashed church building with blue details and a fantastic view of the landscape and the sea.

Far below we could see Platis Gialos with its beach and houses, framed by mountains and hills. It was one of the most beautiful views during our stay.

Panagia tou Vounou was built in the early 19th century and has three altars, dedicated to the Virgin Mary, Constantine and Helena and Saint Nicholas. To get here, take a small detour from the road between Apollonia and Platis Gialos. This is a great tip for those who have a rental car and would like to discover something a little less known on Sifnos.

5. Stroll along Steno in Apollonia

Apollonia is the main town of Sifnos and is located approximately in the middle of the island. Here you will find shops, restaurants, cafes and various forms of service. But it is above all the old part of the village that is interesting for visitors.

We found our way to Steno, the narrow pedestrian street that winds through the traditional buildings. Here we were met with exactly that charming Greek environment that we like so much. Whitewashed houses, narrow alleys, small shops, churches and lots of nice details. It is a very photogenic environment, and we stopped often to take pictures.

In the middle of it all, there is also an impressive church, which was almost a bit difficult to photograph because the alleys are so narrow that you get very close to the building.

The name Apollonia comes from the Greek god Apollo, who was worshipped on the island in ancient times. Apollonia is a pleasant place to visit both during the day and in the evening. Here you can stroll, browse the shops and sit down at a café or restaurant.

6. Enjoy the beach life in Platis Gialos

Platis Gialos was our base during our stay in Sifnos, and we found it to be a very good place to stay. It has a long, beautiful sandy beach with restaurants and accommodations along the water. The atmosphere is calm and relaxed, and it feels like a place where you can really relax.

We didn't live right on the beach, but we were close to both the sea and the restaurants. One advantage of Platis Gialos is that you can combine beach life with excursions around the island. With a rental car it is easy to get to places like Apollonia, Kastro and other attractions.

We also appreciated that there were several nice restaurants in the area. In the mornings we often had breakfast with a view of the sea, and in the evenings we gladly returned to the same familiar restaurant. For us, Platis Gialos was a good combination of holiday tranquility and the opportunity to discover the island.

7. Visit Vathi – beach and tavernas in the sand

Vathi is another place we really fell in love with on Sifnos. The small village is located on a sheltered bay with a nice sandy beach. Along the beach there are tavernas where you can sit almost directly on the sand, with the sea right next to you.

Here we had one of the coziest lunches of the trip, at the Tsikali restaurant. We sat under the trees by the beach and enjoyed delicious Greek food, including a salad with local cheese and fantastically delicious chickpea patties, revitho keftedes.

After the meal we also got a small almond sweet that tasted a bit like marzipan. It was the kind of lunch you'd want to go out for. We also met a Swedish couple who we chatted with for a while.

Vathi is not a place where you need to have a packed program. On the contrary, it is the peace and the environment that is the point. Come here to swim, walk along the beach and have a long, delicious lunch with your feet in the sand.

8. Experience the small fishing village of Faros

Faros is a small coastal village on the southeast side of Sifnos, with a few beaches, restaurants and a sheltered bay. The village was actually Sifnos' main port until 1883, when Kamares took over that role. Today, Faros is a much quieter place, where it is easy to find the holiday feeling.

We arrived here on a day when the weather had taken a turn for the worse. During the first few days on Sifnos we had had some really hot summer weather, but now the temperature had dropped and it was a good time to go for a hike.

After the walk we sat down at an outdoor café in Faros and ordered a beer each. Sitting there with our feet in the sand and looking out over the sea was a perfect end to the excursion. There are three smaller beaches in Faros: the central beach, Glyfo and Fasolou. Several hiking trails also start from the area.

9. Hike along the coast from Faros to Chrysopigi

Sifnos is known for its great hiking opportunities, and there is an extensive network of marked trails across the island. We had actually come here during a period when it was a bit too warm for longer hikes. But when the weather got cooler we decided to at least try a shorter trip.

We chose the coastal path from Faros towards Chrysopigi. And what a nice walk it was! The path goes close to the sea, with beautiful views of cliffs, small coves and the blue water. Here and there there are stairs and sections where you go up and down, but we found the walk to be relatively easy.

The great thing is that you are constantly rewarded with new views. The path runs from the area at Glyfo in Faros towards Apokofto and Chrysopigi. Parts of the trail are paved, and along the way there are also traces of older mining activities.

We would definitely recommend this walk to anyone who wants to experience some of Sifnos' beautiful nature without embarking on an overly long or demanding hike. Just remember to bring water and good shoes, especially if it's hot.

Those who want to hike more will find many other opportunities on Sifnos, including trails between villages, through agricultural landscapes and up towards the heights.

10. Watch the sunset from Agios Simeon

One evening we decided to drive up to the church of Agios Simeon, which is located high above Kamares. The road there is steep and winding, and already during the drive you get fantastic views of the landscape.

Once up there you are greeted by a magnificent view of Kamares Bay, the mountains and the sea. It is a very special place. We were perhaps a little unlucky with the sunset itself, as there were some clouds in the sky. But it didn't really matter.

We were a small group of people gathered up there to watch the sun set. It was a cozy moment, with an almost solemn feeling as everyone looked out over the sea.

It was also quite chilly! When you get up to the altitude it can be windy and considerably cooler than down by the beach. We therefore recommend bringing an extra sweater if you plan to stay after sunset.

Even if the sun is not at its best, Agios Simeon is well worth a visit for the view.

11. Stroll in the port village of Kamares

Kamares is the port of Sifnos, and is where you arrive by ferry. The village is located on a large bay, surrounded by high mountains. Here you will find a long sandy beach, restaurants, cafes and various accommodations.

We spent most of our time in Kamares on our last day on the island, before it was time to take the ferry back to Athens. We then took the opportunity to have a nice lunch at the 3Gyro restaurant, where we sat overlooking the beach. We also brought our computers with us and managed to do a bit of work while we waited for departure. Afterwards we strolled along the beach and down by the port.

Kamares may not be as fabulous as Kastro, but it's a nice place to spend a few hours. And with its nice beach and restaurants, it can also be a good option for those who want to stay close to the ferry port.

12. Discover the pottery tradition of Sifnos

Sifnos is known for its long tradition of pottery. For generations, people have been making various types of vessels, not least those used in cooking. It is no coincidence that food and pottery have become two of the island's hallmarks. The traditions are closely intertwined.

During our stay we visited Narlis Pottery and Apostolidis, where we learned more about the craft and saw how the pottery is made. At Apostolidis we also got to see a potter working on the pottery wheel, which is always fascinating.

A particularly fun detail are the traditional ceramic chimneys, called flaroy. They often have imaginative shapes and are characteristic of the architecture of Sifnos. Once you start to notice them, you see them everywhere! Today, decorative versions of these chimneys are also made, including as lanterns and souvenirs.

13. Taste the local specialties of Sifnos

If there's one thing we really appreciated on Sifnos, it was the food! There's a strong food culture here, with many traditional dishes and a big focus on well-cooked food.

Among the island's specialties are, for example: revithad, a slow-cooked chickpea stew traditionally cooked in a ceramic pot, and mastelo, a dish of lamb or goat that is cooked with wine, among other things.

We also tasted the delicious chickpea patties. revithokeftedes, the sweet cheese and honey pie melopita and several other local dishes. And then of course there were all these fantastically delicious, simple Greek dishes that we ate at the restaurants!

We returned several times to the same restaurant in Platis Gialos, where we soon felt almost at home. One of the things we appreciated most was how personal and familiar we were treated. It was not only the food that made the meals memorable, but also the people.

READ MORE: Food on Sifnos – local flavors and the island’s ceramic tradition

14. Visit an authentic farmhouse on Sifnos

One of our most unique and charming experiences on Sifnos was a visit to Loumidis Family Farm. Here we got to get up close and personal with life on a small family farm, where the animals seemed to be almost as interested in us as we were in them!

We met rabbits, chickens, goats, a donkey and other animals. A little goat followed us and protested loudly when we were about to move on. One of the goats was so curious that it started pulling at both our bracelets and clothes!

After the tour, we were treated to a fantastic lunch with cheeses, vegetables, olives, vine leaf dolma and other treats. The visit gave us a nice insight into another side of Sifnos, beyond the beaches and the beautiful villages. This is an experience that we highly recommend, both for families with children and adults who enjoy animals, food and genuine encounters.

READ MORE: Visit a farm on Sifnos – Loumidis Family Farm

15. Discover Sifnos by rental car

We had a rental car during our entire stay on Sifnos, and we were very happy about that. The island is quite small and it is relatively easy to get between the different villages and sights. You rarely have to drive very long to get to the next place.

At the same time, the roads are often narrow and winding, and in some places there are quite a few uphill and downhill sections. It is therefore good to take it easy and not be in too much of a hurry. We also noticed that the connection sometimes disappeared when we were driving around the island. Therefore, it may be wise to download a map that works offline or bring a regular paper map with you.

Luckily, Sifnos is not that complicated to find, as the island is small and the road network is quite limited. One of the advantages of driving around on your own is that you can stop when you see something interesting. And there is a lot to see on Sifnos! We were captivated by the beautiful churches, the old windmills and the traditional stone walls that divide the landscape into terraces.

We also saw cats everywhere. Cats, cats and even more cats! They are almost part of the Greek island experience. Sifnos is an island that is fun to discover at a leisurely pace. Here you don't have to rush between the sights, but can let the excursions take their time.

Where to stay on Sifnos?

There are several nice areas to choose from when booking accommodation on Sifnos. We chose Platis Gialos, which we were happy with. Here we were close to a nice beach and several good restaurants, while we could easily make excursions with the rental car.

We stayed at Blue Fish, an apartment building. Our apartment was on the ground floor and was spacious, with a basic kitchen, which turned out to be quite practical.

We mainly used the kitchen to make tea and coffee, but one morning we also boiled eggs for breakfast. We had to leave early on a guided tour, and the breakfast restaurant where we usually ate didn't open until ten.

The apartment included tea, coffee and small packages of local honey. Cleaning was also included, much like in a hotel. And we had the company of a bunch of cozy cats roaming around outside. We especially remember a black cat with a damaged ear, who was very cuddly.

Of course it would have been even nicer to stay in a hotel right on the beach, but Blue Fish worked well for us. Other areas that may be of interest are Kamares, if you want to stay close to the port and beach, and Apollonia, if you prefer to stay more centrally among villages, restaurants and shops.

How to get to Sifnos?

Sifnos does not have an airport, so you can get there by ferry. Ferries depart from Piraeus, the port city outside Athens, and there are also connections to other islands in the Cyclades. Journey times from Piraeus vary depending on the type of ferry and route.

We traveled to Sifnos from Naxos with SeaJets, via Paros. It was a rather special trip, with a long stop on Paros and a ferry that was also delayed.

When we finally arrived in Sifnos, it was already evening. We picked up our rental car directly at the port of Kamares and then drove on to Platis Gialos. When it was time to leave Sifnos, we traveled back by ferry to Piraeus, where we spent our last night before our return trip to Sweden.

A tip is to check the ferry times carefully and allow some margin in your itinerary. Ferry connections vary between different seasons, and delays may occur.

How to get around Sifnos?

It is possible to travel around Sifnos by local bus, but we found renting a car very practical. With a car we could easily combine several attractions in the same day and make spontaneous detours to churches, villages and viewpoints.

The island is not very large, so distances are relatively short. However, the roads are often winding, which means that the drive can take a little longer than you first think.

For those who do not want to rent a car, there are bus connections between Apollonia, Kamares, Kastro, Faros, Vathi and Platis Gialos, among others. However, the timetables vary with the season. It is also possible to take a taxi.

Sifnos is also a popular island for hiking, and there are many marked trails between the villages and through the beautiful landscape.

When is the best time to travel to Sifnos?

We visited Sifnos in September and found it to be a lovely time to be there. When we arrived it was still in the summer heat, with temperatures perfect for beach life and long dinners outdoors.

After a few days the weather changed and it became cooler. We took the opportunity to go for a walk along the coast.

For those who primarily want to swim and enjoy the warmth, summer is of course a good option. However, during the hottest months, hiking and longer excursions in the middle of the day may be less appealing.

Spring and autumn can therefore be great periods for those who want to combine swimming, sightseeing and hiking.

It should also be borne in mind that restaurants, accommodation and ferry connections may have a more limited selection outside the main tourist season.

How many days do you need on Sifnos?

We think Sifnos is an island that you should give some time to. Of course, it is possible to see several of the most important sights in a couple of days, especially if you have a rental car. But then you risk missing out on some of what makes the island so special.

Here, a holiday isn't just about checking off attractions. It's also about strolling through idyllic alleys, sitting for a long time in a tavern, swimming, enjoying the views and letting the days go by at a slightly slower pace.

We would recommend at least three to four days for those who want to see a bit of the island. If you have the opportunity to stay for a week, there is plenty of time for excursions, beach life and hiking.

Our impressions of Sifnos – an island we would love to return to

When we think back to our trip to Sifnos, it's not just the beautiful places we remember. Of course Kastro was absolutely amazing, with its winding alleys and its long history. And of course the churches, the beaches, the hiking trail and the views were something truly special.

But it is perhaps the feeling of Sifnos that lingers the most. That genuineness and warmth. The fantastically delicious food, which was often quite simple but always felt carefully prepared. The people who welcomed us with such kindness that we soon felt like old acquaintances.

We have experienced that family feeling many times before in Greece, but on Sifnos it became extra clear. Compared to Naxos, we experienced Sifnos as a smaller and calmer island, where it was easy to relax. Here there were no demands to get a lot of things done. It was just as wonderful to discover a historic village as it was to just sit down at a tavern by the sea.

Sifnos may not be suitable for those looking for an intense nightlife or a packed holiday program. But for those who appreciate idyllic environments, good food, beautiful nature and a genuine Greek atmosphere, the island can be absolutely wonderful. We really enjoyed ourselves here. And we would very much like to return!

More islands to discover in Greece

Do you also like Greek islands? Well, who doesn't? Here you will find more Greek island reports:

• Things to do on Naxos
• Things to do on Andros
• Things to do on Karpathos
• Things to do in Rhodes

Our trip to Sifnos was carried out in collaboration with a PR agency. As always, the report is based on our own experiences, impressions and opinions.