By on 17-12-2015
Sifnos is a small island on the western side of the Cyclades that is getting quite popular in summer. With traditional Cycladic architecture and relaxing beaches, Sifnos is a great destination for both families with kids and young visitors. Getting there is easy as there is ferry to Sifnos from Athens every day.
A true Cycladic island
The island of Sifnos has all the characteristics of the other Cyclades islands. It is small in size, has villages with whitewashed houses, blue-domed churches spread in the countryside and relaxing beaches with crystal waters.
The port of the island and main tourist place is Kamares, where the ferry to Sifnos arrives from Athens and other close islands. Kamares is an organized tourist place with taverns, shops, car and bike rentals and with a large sandy beach on one side of the port. The other popular beaches and tourist places are found on the southern side of Sifnos, in particular the seaside places of Faros, Vathy, Platis Gialos and Chrissopigi.
The capital town of Sifnos is Apollonia, a small Cycladic village in the centre of the island that is almost attached to two other villages, Exambela and Artemonas. The most picturesque place in Sifnos is the Medieval village of Kastro, the old capital of the island with the distinctive Venetian architecture and the gorgeous views to the sea.
Sightseeing
The most important sightseeing in Sifnos is the Monastery of Chrissopigi, on the southern side of the island. This is a 16th century all-white monastery constructed on a rocky promontory in the sea. It is connected to the rest of the island with a small pathway. This is considered a miracle-working monastery and celebrates on Friday after the Greek Easter.
Another recognizable spot in Sifnos is the church of the Seven Martyrs, a small white chapel with blue dome constructed on top of a rock by the sea. This church is found at the entrance of Kastro village and is the most photographed corner of the island.
How to go: ferry to Sifnos
As there is no airport on the island, the only way to get there is to take the ferry to Sifnos. This ferry is daily and departs from Piraeus, the main port of Athens. Depending on the ferry and the route, the trip may take from 2 to 6 hours. For example, the high speed ferries of Sea Jets need 2h15min to go from Athens to Sifnos, while the normal ferries of Zante Ferries need 5h45min to make the same route. There are also daily and regular ferries to Sifnos from close islands, such as Milos, Serifos, Paros and more.
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