BACK TO LISTSIFNOS SIGHTSEEING
The small, naturally protected port is surrounded by steep, wildly beautiful mountains. The white houses are scattered on the hills, divine scents come from the picturesque taverns and the long, crystal clear, sandy beach seems so inviting on this hot summer afternoon. This is definitely Cyclades!
Sifnos is one of the most upscale, elegant, charming, yet low profile islands of the Aegean. The architecture is traditional, yet with a local touch, the cuisine is distinctive and absolutely delicious, the people are friendly, yet aristocratic, and the landscape just breathtaking. Sifnos is definitely unique and you won’t know until you go!
Sifnos is one of the most upscale, elegant, charming, yet low profile islands of the Aegean. The architecture is traditional, yet with a local touch, the cuisine is distinctive and absolutely delicious, the people are friendly, yet aristocratic, and the landscape just breathtaking. Sifnos is definitely unique and you won’t know until you go!
Kamares port
Kamares, the port of Sifnos, is a naturally protected cove that every summer hosts thousands of stunning private yachts from all over the world, since the island is extremely popular amongst the sailing aficionados. It’s also the biggest seaside village of Sifnos.
Kamares social amenities
Kamares has a lot of traditional taverns with fresh fish and local specialties, pizzerias, bars, many mini markets, ATMs, car rental agencies, travel agencies, pastry shops, folk art shops, café overlooking the water, many hotels on both sides of the bay, as well as a private camping.
Kamares Beach
Oddly enough the beach of Kamares is the best of the island and has been awarded for many consecutive years with EU’s Blue Flag for the water quality, its organization and safety. It has thin, golden sand and crystal clear, warm, shallow waters. It’s ideal for families, yet also for couples and friends since it’s about 1.5 kilometers long and it’s hardly ever crowded.
Kamares Churches
There are many important churches around the bay, like Agios Symeon, Profitis Elias, Agia Marina, Agios Georgios and Agia Varvara, and they were all built around the end of the 19th century, have amazing frescoes and are definitely worth a visit.
Insider’s tip: Enjoy the magnificent sunset from Agia Marina!
Kamares social amenities
Kamares has a lot of traditional taverns with fresh fish and local specialties, pizzerias, bars, many mini markets, ATMs, car rental agencies, travel agencies, pastry shops, folk art shops, café overlooking the water, many hotels on both sides of the bay, as well as a private camping.
Kamares Beach
Oddly enough the beach of Kamares is the best of the island and has been awarded for many consecutive years with EU’s Blue Flag for the water quality, its organization and safety. It has thin, golden sand and crystal clear, warm, shallow waters. It’s ideal for families, yet also for couples and friends since it’s about 1.5 kilometers long and it’s hardly ever crowded.
Kamares Churches
There are many important churches around the bay, like Agios Symeon, Profitis Elias, Agia Marina, Agios Georgios and Agia Varvara, and they were all built around the end of the 19th century, have amazing frescoes and are definitely worth a visit.
Insider’s tip: Enjoy the magnificent sunset from Agia Marina!
Apollonia - Capital of Sifnos
Apollonia is the capital of the island and naturally it got its name from God Apollo.. The picturesque capital is amphitheatrically built on three hills and with one main street where all the taverns bars and little shops are located., Cute boxy white houses, with small whitewashed front yards and blue window panels fill the streets of Apollonia emphasizing its Cycladic origin.
Apollonia social amenities
Apollonia has everything. Banks, travel agencies, pharmacies, stores, mini markets, gas stations, restaurants, bars, café, international and local Press corner, as well as public services, such as the Police, the Town Hall, the central Post Office etc.
Apollonia architecture
The unique aesthetics of Apollonia will amaze even the most demanding visitor. The traditional architecture is distinctive, yet not extravagant, the main paved street is nicely structured and all the stores are elegant and excellently blended in the Cycladic style.
Apollonia nightlife
The heart of the island’s nightlife beats here! There are no clubs, but the bars are awesome, with chairs and small tables on the main street, amazing cocktails and the astounding starlit sky above!
Insider’s tip: Try the mouthwatering local “loukoumades” (donuts) with honey, cheese or sugar, on the upper floor of “Loukoumades Aggelon”. They are simply divine!
Apollonia social amenities
Apollonia has everything. Banks, travel agencies, pharmacies, stores, mini markets, gas stations, restaurants, bars, café, international and local Press corner, as well as public services, such as the Police, the Town Hall, the central Post Office etc.
Apollonia architecture
The unique aesthetics of Apollonia will amaze even the most demanding visitor. The traditional architecture is distinctive, yet not extravagant, the main paved street is nicely structured and all the stores are elegant and excellently blended in the Cycladic style.
Apollonia nightlife
The heart of the island’s nightlife beats here! There are no clubs, but the bars are awesome, with chairs and small tables on the main street, amazing cocktails and the astounding starlit sky above!
Insider’s tip: Try the mouthwatering local “loukoumades” (donuts) with honey, cheese or sugar, on the upper floor of “Loukoumades Aggelon”. They are simply divine!
Artemonas
Explore Sifnos’ true jewel. Artemonas is about 5 minutes by car from Apollonia. It’s standing on the top of a hill, enjoying a magical, panoramic view of the island. Wander around its paved streets and admire the impressive mansions, most of which belong to old families of captains and ship owners, and their magnificent gardens with palm trees and beautiful flowers. The infrastructure is truly unique and particularly attractive.
Artemonas churches
Few historical churches are located in Artemonas. Panagia Kohi has an extremely interesting architecture and a long history. According to the tradition beneath this church there was a temple dedicated to Goddess Artemis “Ekvatiria”, who was protecting the disembarkation from any ship and the outcome of every disturbing issue.
Other churches to visit in Sifnos are Panagia Ammou, which hosts a rare icon of Virgin Mary without Jesus in her arms, Panagia of Balis and Agios Spiridon.
Artemonas social amenities
There are many hotels in Artemonas, of which many enjoy an amazing view of the Aegean, a multitude of shops, small traditional taverns and cafés and some of the best pastry shops on the island.
Insider’s tip: Park your car in the main square and walk towards the school. On your left hand you will see the oldest pastry shop of the island with exquisite local recipes. It’s not a shop, but a house, owned by an old, adorable woman.
Artemonas churches
Few historical churches are located in Artemonas. Panagia Kohi has an extremely interesting architecture and a long history. According to the tradition beneath this church there was a temple dedicated to Goddess Artemis “Ekvatiria”, who was protecting the disembarkation from any ship and the outcome of every disturbing issue.
Other churches to visit in Sifnos are Panagia Ammou, which hosts a rare icon of Virgin Mary without Jesus in her arms, Panagia of Balis and Agios Spiridon.
Artemonas social amenities
There are many hotels in Artemonas, of which many enjoy an amazing view of the Aegean, a multitude of shops, small traditional taverns and cafés and some of the best pastry shops on the island.
Insider’s tip: Park your car in the main square and walk towards the school. On your left hand you will see the oldest pastry shop of the island with exquisite local recipes. It’s not a shop, but a house, owned by an old, adorable woman.
Kastro
Kastro (castle/fortification) is actually one of the most spectacular attractions of the island, not to mention the mostly photographed one. About 3.5 kilometers from Apollonia, a downhill road leads to this astonishing settlement, amongst the most important medieval ones in Greece. It’s built on top of the island’s ancient capital and maintains the original characteristics of a Venetian fortification, established by the Da Corogna Dynasty around 1635.
The streets are particularly small and narrow, there are only few front yards and the only public square is around the church of Agios Ioannis Theologos. Visitors are advised to park the car and then follow one of the entry paths. These paths are usually arches or loggias, which used to protect the castle as defense towers.
The settlement’s road structure is carefully designed and sometimes access is only feasible by small bridges. The houses of the Castle are divided into two categories. The low class houses are built one next to the other and form the outer part of the castle, while the upper class ones are located on the top of the hill.
If you enjoy walking you are going to love this place. Wander around the small, narrow streets and discover the ancient churches, the dark archways, the old houses with the wooden balconies and the crests on the entrances of the upper class houses.
The streets are particularly small and narrow, there are only few front yards and the only public square is around the church of Agios Ioannis Theologos. Visitors are advised to park the car and then follow one of the entry paths. These paths are usually arches or loggias, which used to protect the castle as defense towers.
The settlement’s road structure is carefully designed and sometimes access is only feasible by small bridges. The houses of the Castle are divided into two categories. The low class houses are built one next to the other and form the outer part of the castle, while the upper class ones are located on the top of the hill.
If you enjoy walking you are going to love this place. Wander around the small, narrow streets and discover the ancient churches, the dark archways, the old houses with the wooden balconies and the crests on the entrances of the upper class houses.
Eftamartyras chapel
Get ready for the breathtaking view of the chapel Eftamartyras; perched on a rock, literally on the water and connected by a long stairway with the Castle. Words cannot even begin to describe the magnificence of this place. The infinite blue and the dazzling white offer the most authentic image of Greece!
Insider’s tip: After your long, difficult walk around the Castle enjoy a delicious traditional meal in the tavern Leonidas, which enjoys the scintillating and unobstructed view of the Castle and the Aegean!
Insider’s tip: After your long, difficult walk around the Castle enjoy a delicious traditional meal in the tavern Leonidas, which enjoys the scintillating and unobstructed view of the Castle and the Aegean!
Panagia Chryssopigi
This is undoubtedly one of the most picturesque spots on the island. One of the most photographed and famous church and monastery (built in 1650) in Cyclades, Panagia Chryssopigi is located in the southern part of the island. Every year, hundreds of weddings and christenings are hosted here, simply because the location is astonishing.
Visit the church and admire the view of the Aegean and of course of the beautiful cove. Then walk towards the lovely beach, where you can swim and dine. The emerald waters are sparkling under the hot summer sun, but you will find a nice, comforting shade under the tamarisks.
Try the amazing dishes of one of the most famous taverns of the island, called Lembesis. Local specialties, fresh fish and ouzo by the waves. The magical view is beyond any description.
Insider’s tip: Enjoy your meal after 4pm, when the tavern is less busy.
Visit the church and admire the view of the Aegean and of course of the beautiful cove. Then walk towards the lovely beach, where you can swim and dine. The emerald waters are sparkling under the hot summer sun, but you will find a nice, comforting shade under the tamarisks.
Try the amazing dishes of one of the most famous taverns of the island, called Lembesis. Local specialties, fresh fish and ouzo by the waves. The magical view is beyond any description.
Insider’s tip: Enjoy your meal after 4pm, when the tavern is less busy.
Platys Gyalos
Platys Gyalos is one of the most popular seaside villages of the island and the homonymous long sandy beach gets very crowded during the summer months. The beach was awarded with EU’s Blue Flag for the quality of the water, its organization and safety.
There are so many places around Platys Gyalos that are definitely worth a visit. On the northern side, the Monastery of Panagia tou Vounou (built in 1813) imposes the landscape and enjoys the panoramic view of the bay.
On the northeast side, visitors will discover the White Tower, one of the 55 famous ancient towers of the island.
Just outside the bay of Platys Gyalos, the uninhabited islet of Kitriani hosts the church of Panagia Kyprini, which was built between the 10th and the 11th century.
The area has numerous hotels and rooms to let, all facing the water, mini markets, restaurants and taverns, ATMs, a car rental agency and a folk art shop.
There are so many places around Platys Gyalos that are definitely worth a visit. On the northern side, the Monastery of Panagia tou Vounou (built in 1813) imposes the landscape and enjoys the panoramic view of the bay.
On the northeast side, visitors will discover the White Tower, one of the 55 famous ancient towers of the island.
Just outside the bay of Platys Gyalos, the uninhabited islet of Kitriani hosts the church of Panagia Kyprini, which was built between the 10th and the 11th century.
The area has numerous hotels and rooms to let, all facing the water, mini markets, restaurants and taverns, ATMs, a car rental agency and a folk art shop.
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