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| General information about Sifnos |
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Sifnos is a very beautiful and classy island of the Cyclades with a long tradition of ceramics and picturesque villages. It is west of Paros and Antiparos and NE of Milos and Kimolos. It has one of the most beautiful and elegant Horas (Apollonia) an excellent castle-village (Kastro) and a brilliant monastery by the sea (Cryssopigi). The sandy and pebbly beaches are not the best in Cyclades but I am sure you will find the right ones for you. | |
What to see & do in Sifnos |
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Apollonia - The capital of the island, built amphitheatrically on 3 hills, is a very picturesque Hora and one of the most beautiful in Cyclades. Walk around the narrow white-washed alleys, visit the nice shops and bars on the main alley and the church of Agios Spyridon. The Museum of Popular Art and the shops selling ceramics are worth visiting.
Chryssopigi - The monastery of Chryssopigi is built on a small peninsula surrounded by tiny beaches with blue-green waters. It is one of the most beautiful monasteries in the Cyclades islands and you should visit it and see the famous icon of Zoodochos Pigi. Swim in the beaches around the monastery and try the local delicacies at the beach taverns.
Kastro - The most beautiful and picturesque village of the island with an extraordinary view towards the sea. It is built in the actual remains of a castle and keeps the old character and atmosphere since only a few touristy places exist there. Walk around the narrow alleys and the short passages to other neighbourhoods of what used to be the old capital of the island. Walk around the castle perimeter, to enjoy the vastness of the sea beneath.
Katavati, Exambela, Artemonas - These villages are very close to Apollonia, almost have become one big village spread on the hills. Various ceramics workshops are spread around these villages and there are also beautiful pathways to walk around.
Beaches - Platys Gialos is probably the most crowded beach of the island since it is long, sandy and full of amenities. We suggest Vathy as being quieter and equally nice (or even nicer) than Platys Gialos. Kamares is a very beautiful shallow and sandy beach unfortunately very close to the main port. Other beautiful beaches are Apokofto (on the left side of Chryssopigi), Faros (more of family beach) and Fassolou (if you are into nudism). Even the quiet and small beach of Seralia underneath Kastro is nice if the weather is not windy-wavy.
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Hints & tips about Sifnos |
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Visit the old monastery of Panagia (Eissodia Theotokou) at Fyrogia, where there is an exhibition by artists creating works based on a different theme each year. The money collected by the sales of a special wine and the book of the exhibition help rebuilt the monastery.
Try the local sweets at the small pastry shop by the beach of Vathy (massive creme caramele), at Apollonia (loukoumades) and Kastro (try almond-sweets, amygdalota and honey-pie, melopita).
In Kastro you will have the chance to eat local delicacies such asmastelo, meatballs with eggplants, chickpeas, local white cheese (myzithra).
Sifnos is the home-island of Tselemendes a very famous Greek chef, who has given his name to the traditional Greek cook-book.
Walk at the footpath around Kastro and enjoy the magnificent view of the sea. The small church of 7 Martyron glows ethereal white under the sun and entices you to visit it.
Swim at Chryssopigi and enjoy the underwater rocks and reefs. The rocky plateaus and steps will help you rest and sunbathe.
One interesting thing to notice at the Monastery of Chryssopigi is the baptistery (kolymbithra) outside in the open air with a magnificent view of the sea. Any one would like to be baptised there.
The famous Greek poet Provelegios lived for some time in Chryssopigi.
Visit the Museum of Popular Art to see a nice collection of traditional dresses, historical pictures, everyday objects (tools, cutlery, etc.), ceramics, etc.
Buy ceramics. The island has a long tradition in ceramics and you will find lots of interesting ones in the various shops in Kamares and Apollonia. There are also numerous ceramics workshops around the island, where you can see the craftsmen at work and buy the best pieces.
Most beaches have lots of beautiful pebbles and stones, some of them semi-transparent in white, grey and red colours. Try to persuade yourself not to collect them all.
Probably the best sunset is at Kamares, although you do not see the sun setting in the water.
Visit the ancient Acropolis of Agios Andreas, celebrating on the 19th of August. The way up is long but the view will pay you off. It is one of the best organised ancient acropolis' along with those of Syros (Chalandriani), Keros and Koufonissia.
Most of the nightlife happens at Apollonia where you will find some nice bars with interesting people. I am sure you will find the right one for you. Unfortunately if you are into deep clubbing you will be disappointed. Everything stops at 3am.
Local buses connect the main villages and some beaches of the island. Check the bus schedules as soon as you get there in order to do a more appropriate holiday planning.
As in most islands you will find Rent A Car-Bike services and taxis to take around the interesting places. | |
Where to stay in Sifnos |
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How to get to Sifnos |
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Sifnos is 80 nautical miles from Piraeus (the port of Athens) and you will get there by boat in around 5 hours, or quicker if you get the high speed ones. During the summer high season (July-August) there are many boats going everyday to Sifnos, so it is pretty easy to get there. The typical boat route is Piraeus - Kythnos- Serifos - Sifnos - Milos. There are also various connections to other islands.
It is always advisable to check schedules before planning your trip.
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Useful phones about Sifnos |
Telephone Area code: +30 22840 | Port Authority: 33617 | Hospital/Doctor: 31315 | Police: 31210 | Other Phones: 31900 (Pharmacy) | |
Links to other pages related to Sifnos |
We recommend the following links for Sifnos: Sifnos island - A good web site about municipality of Sifnos
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