Sifnos Introduction

Once you’ve discovered Sifnos, it quickly becomes an essential part of every Greek holiday. I first set foot on this enchanting island during my Western Cyclades Tour in 2020. Since then, I’ve returned in 2021 for the grand finale of my extended Greek Summer Vacation, revisited in September 2022, and just returned from another 5-day trip in June 2023. I simply can’t stay away.

There’s something magical about certain places that instantly makes you feel at home. From the moment I stepped off the ferry in Kamares and strolled down the main road, I felt a profound sense of belonging. And I know I’m not alone—Sifnos is quickly gaining a well-deserved reputation.

Sifnos hits the sweet spot in every way: it’s neither too large to be daunting nor too small to fully explore in a few days. The resorts and villages buzz with activity yet never feel overwhelmingly crowded. The food is fantastic and abundant, striking the perfect balance between authenticity and affordability. The beaches are vast, sandy, and stunning. In every aspect, Sifnos is the perfect Greek destination for anyone seeking an authentic experience without compromise. Who knows how long this gem will remain unspoiled, so I recommend visiting this wonderful island as soon as possible. You won’t regret it.

Check out this Google MyMaps link to see some of our favourite hotels, restaurants, beaches, and attractions in Sifnos.

---

---

Getting to Sifnos

By Ferry

With no airport, you’ll arrive on Sifnos by ferry. In high season, these run daily from Piraeus and connect with the neighbouring islands of Serifos and Milos. Use the search box below to find ferry tickets and price details. However, be aware that routes for each summer season tend to be confirmed at the start of each calendar year between January and March, so if you don’t see availability for your chosen dates, it may be too early. You’ll need to check back again later.

Ferries take between 2.5 and 6 hours, depending on the speed of the boat and the chosen route.

By Plane

Although you can’t fly directly to Sifnos, you can avoid a lengthy ferry crossing by taking an internal flight to the neighbouring island of Milos. From there, it’s a quick 40-minute hop by ferry to Sifnos.

---

Where to Stay on Sifnos

Kamares

Given that Sifnos lacks an airport, the first resort you’ll experience on arrival is the port town of Kamares. A small but inviting village, most buildings are situated on the southern (port) side and spread both inland and uphill. The small main road narrows as it approaches the port, making ferry arrival and departure times feel a bit crowded. Otherwise, the village is peaceful and has just the right activity level to be atmospheric without feeling busy.

With its west-facing bay, you benefit from the late afternoon and evening sun, making it ideal for extended sunbathing or an idyllic pre-dinner sunset cocktail at Old Captain’s Bar.

The large, golden sand beach is one of the nicest you’ll find anywhere in Greece and our favourite spot on the island. The calm and shallow water make it family-friendly and great for swimming. The beach is perfect for its lack of buildings—a single hotel (Hotel Boulis) sits behind it, slightly south of the centre. Still, otherwise, there are only dunes and vegetation, making it feel natural and spacious.

For such a small resort, there are plenty of great dining options, albeit with a leaning towards Italian cuisine: Passione Italiana, Camaron and Da Claudio being three of our favourites. Several beachfront tavernas/bars offer sun loungers and good food and drinks in the daytime and evenings. ‘To Kohyli’ and ‘Kyma’ are our top choices.

Accommodation in Kamares is split between the south and northern sides of the bay, with the north side tending to feature more self-catering villas and apartments. The north side is quieter but at the expense of a slightly longer (still only 5-10 minutes) walk to reach the majority of shops and restaurants. We’ve chosen to stay at Hotel Boulis several times and have always enjoyed its central location right behind the main beach and superb restaurant.

Overall, Kamares is our favourite resort as it seems to have everything: good food, a superb beach, access to the ferry port and regular bus connections to the rest of the island, all while not being overcrowded or too expensive.

Apollonia and Artemonas

The island’s capital, Apollonia, is inland, 15 minutes by local bus from Kamares. A traditional Cycladic village, its narrow painted streets hide an excellent selection of shops, cafes, bars and tavernas. It’s not a big village but feels more extensive as it spreads to the south, blending into Katavati and Exambela and north into Artemonas. Accommodation here mainly comprises small apartments and studios, though you will find a few hotels outside the village centre.

Although we’ve always preferred to stay close to the sea, it doesn’t suit everyone, and for those who prefer a more central base, the capital is an excellent choice. Many of Sifnos’ superb hiking trails start or finish close to Apollonia, so it’s an ideal base if you like to be active. Though situated in Artemonas, the central bus station passes through the capital on most routes, meaning you don’t need to hire a car or transportation to get around.

Apollonia is also where you’ll find most shops on the island. While it’s not a retail therapy paradise, a good selection of boutique jewellery, clothing, and art shops is worth exploring on an evening stroll as you contemplate (or digest) your evening meal. You’ll also find a small but pleasant selection of bars, some with impressive rooftop views, where you can enjoy a cocktail or three while away in the evening.

Platis Gialos

Besides Kamares, Platis Gialos is the most popular beach resort on Sifnos. Located in a wide bay to the island’s southeast, it features some of the best restaurants and is widely famed for its cuisine, particularly seafood. In our opinion, the beach isn’t quite as impressive as Kamares. However, it is still lovely with soft sand and shallow water – it’s just rocky in the centre and relatively narrow in places, backed closely by beachfront cafes, shops and tavernas, meaning it lacks the open and spacious feel of Kamares.

Due to its popularity, the local bus service makes very regular connections here to Apollonia and Kamares, so if you choose Platis Gialos as your base, it’s easy to get around. The resort may look out of the way, but due to Sifnos’ small size, Platis Gialos is less than a 15-minute drive from Apollonia and only 25 minutes from Kamares.

Vathy

Vathy (also spelt Vathi) is known for its peaceful setting and is popular with those seeking a quieter, more secluded base. Elies Resort, one of the few luxury hotels on Sifnos, gives Vathy a rather upmarket reputation, and the wide bay is often home to a few luxury yachts in high season. However, the resort is very low-key, and its shops and tavernas are all reasonably priced.

Here, you’ll find another great sandy beach, better than Platis Gialos (but still no match for Kamares), though the sea is not as shallow and is slightly less clear.

In high season, the local bus serves Vathy three times daily, so you can still access the resort by public transport, though connections are not as frequent as in other resorts. Hence, it tends to favour those with transportation or tourists who are happy to stay in the resort and relax in the quiet atmosphere.

Cheronissos

Cheronissos is a tiny fishing village set in a deep, northwest-facing bay at the very northern end of Sifnos. The beach is small but sandy and has crystal-clear water for swimming. Primarily recognised as a day-trip destination, there is accommodation in Cheronissos but only a couple of tavernas and one mini-market, so it best suits those who like to prepare their own meals. However, due to the island’s relatively small size, you can still get to Apollonia by car in 20 minutes.

Kastro

If you’re looking for something different, the ancient capital, Kastro, might be your thing. Completely pedestrianised, it’s full of narrow, winding pathways. A few tavernas can be found here, along with a small selection of accommodation. You’ll experience fantastic sights, including the iconic Church of the Seven Martyrs. A local bus service connects Kastro with the rest of the island – it’s just 10 minutes from Apollonia so that you won’t feel too secluded.

---

Things to See and Do on Sifnos

Aside from the fabulous beaches and superb food, Sifnos is also known for its excellent network of hiking trails. These cover most of the island, are well-signposted and easy to follow. The excellent Sifnos Trails website is the best resource if you’re interested in walks on Sifnos.

Other notable attractions include the Church of the Seven Martyrs (pictured above) in Kastro, Chrisopigi Monastery on the southeast coast between Platis Gialos and Faros (pictured below), and the archaeological site of Agios Andreas, where you’ll find the Mycenaean Acropolis ancient ruins.

---

Best Beaches on Sifnos: Where to Swim, Sunbathe, and Unwind

Sifnos may be best known for its whitewashed villages and traditional cuisine, but its beaches are just as inviting — combining natural beauty, clear Aegean waters, and a laid-back atmosphere. From long sandy bays with tavernas and sunbeds to peaceful, undeveloped coves perfect for quiet swimming, the beaches on Sifnos offer something for every kind of traveller. Use the links below to read more about our favourite beaches on the island.

---

Accommodation on Sifnos: Best Places to Stay on the Island

Looking for the best accommodation on Sifnos? This Cycladic island may be small, but it offers a wide variety of places to stay—from luxury boutique hotels with sea views to charming family-run guesthouses and budget-friendly studios. Whether you’re planning a romantic escape, a relaxed beach holiday, or a cultural trip through Sifnos’s traditional villages, you’ll find accommodation options to suit every style and budget.

If you’re after luxury accommodation on Sifnos, several boutique hotels combine Cycladic architecture with high-end comfort. Verina Astra, located near Artemonas, is one of the most exclusive places to stay on the island, offering panoramic views, minimalist design, and a peaceful setting ideal for couples. In Apollonia, Nival Boutique Hotel delivers a contemporary, stylish stay within walking distance of the island’s best restaurants and nightlife. Petali Village Hotel, perched just above Apollonia, offers boutique elegance with stunning valley views, blending tranquillity with accessibility.

For a more traditional experience, many visitors choose to stay in guesthouses and studios on Sifnos, which offer authentic Greek hospitality and excellent value. Morfeas Pension in Kamares is a reliable favourite near the port, offering clean, comfortable rooms just steps from the beach. Near the scenic village of Kastro, Gerofinikas Boutique Hotel offers a peaceful retreat with stone-built charm and views of the surrounding landscape. In Platis Gialos, Studios Margarita is a great beachfront option for travellers looking to stay right on the sand.

There are also plenty of options for budget accommodation on Sifnos, especially in Kamares and Apollonia. Hotel Boulis, located directly on the beach in Kamares, offers simple rooms, warm service, and an on-site taverna, Kafenés, that’s popular with both visitors and locals. In the heart of Apollonia, Karydies provides an affordable, centrally located base that’s ideal for backpackers, solo travellers, or couples exploring the island on a budget.

Travellers seeking more privacy or space might prefer self-catering apartments or villas on Sifnos. These are ideal for families or groups and are typically located in quieter parts of the island, such as Vathi, Faros, or the hills above Artemonas. Many feature full kitchens, private terraces, and sea views — perfect for longer stays or independent travellers looking to relax in comfort.

No matter your travel style or budget, Sifnos offers a wide range of accommodation that reflects the island’s calm, refined charm. Whether you’re staying near the beach, in a traditional village, or overlooking the Aegean from a hilltop suite, finding the perfect place to stay on Sifnos is part of what makes the island so special.

Sifnos Hotel Reviews

Below you’ll find reviews of hotels we’ve stayed at on Sifnos. Click the links to read the full review.

---

Sifnos Dining Options

One of the best things about Sifnos is its selection of great restaurants. In Platis Gialos, you’ll find some of the best fish tavernas anywhere in Greece: Omega3 and Yalos Seaside Obsession being two of the highlights. In Kamares, great Italian restaurants are abundant: our favourite is Passione Italiana, followed closely by Camaron and Da Claudio.

---

Getting Around Sifnos

Sifnos has an excellent bus network. Combined with its relatively small size, you can access most resorts on the island by public transport in under an hour. You’ll need your own set of wheels to see more remote sights, such as Agios Simeon or Agios Andreas. There are plenty of cars, quad bikes, and moped rental shops to choose from, primarily based in Kamares, which is close to the port.

---

Sifnos Video Guide

If you’re keen to learn more about this amazing island, check out our YouTube island guide:

Sifnos Photo Gallery

---

Sifnos FAQ

---

Sifnos: Conclusions and Alternatives

Though Sifnos can no longer be considered ‘undiscovered,’ it’s still unspoiled and has an authentic Greek charm that will appeal to anyone wanting to taste the real Greece. Having no airport is a blessing, as it keeps away the masses of fly-and-flop tourists, but it does mean a bit of planning and a ferry ride to get to and from the island.

We’re so glad we visited Sifnos in 2020 and have loved returning many times. If you’ve visited Sifnos and want to try somewhere with a similar vibe, these options would be worth considering: Amorgos, Folegandros or Milos. They’re all different in their ways but share an authenticity, and the lack of mass-market tourism makes them viable alternatives.

---

Sifnos Blog Posts

Learn more about Sifnos by reading blog posts written about our trips to the island: