EXPLORE SIFNOS

Sifnos is located at the southwest of the Aegean Sea and it lies between the islands of Serifos, Milos, Kimolos, Paros and Antiparos. Sophisticated and peaceful, the island has managed to retain a discreet distance from the crowds that are drawn to better known islands. Its exceptionally clean beaches feel uncrowded and serene, and there is a sense of traditional elegance amidst the narrow streets and whitewashed houses of the classically Cycladic villages dotted around the island. It is an island of fertile valleys and lofty mountains, with a network of walking trails enable you to explore its many beaches, and can also take you past some of its numerous churches.

The traditional whitewashed houses speckling the mountainsides, the innumerable churches crowning every peak; the clearest, bluest water of the sea, always nearby, the softness of the beaches and the incredible vistas to the other islands floating in the distance will take your breath away; the warmth, simplicity and hospitality of the local people, with their seemingly timeless rhythms and habits, will make you feel not only welcomed but also invited to share a life and a place you can call your own.

Stamna Sifnos is located in Apollonia, in a 13.000 m2 plot, just at 10’ min walk from the very center of the village but far enough to enjoy tranquility and deep immersion in the Cycladic nature.

Full of picturesque paved alleys, a unique skyline embellished by churches, Apollonia, the island’s capital will always be the starting point of your visit to Sifnos. The town is sprawling out amphitheatrically along three hills in the center of the island. Off-white houses and small churches with blue domes, built on green hills, which lead to sandy beaches.

PANAGIA CHRISSOPIGI

This majestic medieval monastery occupies a beautiful isolated peninsula which is easily accessible by road with ample parking. It has an imposing presence offering amazing sea views from every angle. Dress appropriately if you wish to access the monastery. Two beaches are easily accessible either side. Once a year at Pentacosta, it is the place of the most important religious fest of the island, drawing thousands of visitors.

CHURCH OF ST. SYMEON

Overlooking the port of Kamares atop the mountain, stands the Church of St. Symeon. It is located just a 7 km drive along the route from Agia Marina to Troullaki, all the way to the hilltop. Built in 1667, the building of the church itself is beautiful with a forecourt that offers a stunning view. It stretches from Kamares all the way to the main settlements of the island and every island surrounding Sifnos.

PANAGIA POULATI

Dominating the landscape since 1870, Panagia Poulati is a small white church of unique architecture, with a blue dome and tall bell tower, which contrasts with the surrounding setting. It is located on the east сοast and very closе tо the seа with a rocky bеаch nearbу (apprоximatelу 5-10 minutes wаlk), whiсh is alsо cаlled Pοulati. The acсеss is viа dirt road that starts in the оutskirts οf Artеmonas аnd reaches a pаrking spacе in frоnt οf the сhurch, or by walking on a coastal hiking trail that connects Panagia Poulati with Kastro.

PROFITI ILIAS MONASTERY

Located at the highest point of Sifnos, on the hill of Prophet Ilias, the imposing monastery of Profitis Ilias dates back to the 17th century. It is built on the ruins of the ancient Acropolis of the area, from which unfortunately very few finds are preserved. Access to the monastery is difficult and takes time, since there is only one path that starts from the village of Katavati, but a visit is considered a must for hiking and trekking lovers as the views are breathtaking all along the climb to the top.

CHURCH OF THE SEVEN MARTYRS

Perched atop a rocky peninsula and pounded by powerful winds and waves, the Church of the Seven Martyrs is an emblematic church and probably one of the most photographed spots on the island due to its unique location. It is accessed via a clifftop footpath that winds along the east side of the village of Kastro. The view from the top of the coastal path is breathtaking with the whitewashed, blue-domed church far below, perched on top of a rugged landscape that juts into the Aegean.

PANAGIA KITRIANI CHURCH

The small uninhabited island of Kitriani or Kypriani is located very close to Sifnos, just a breath away from the entrance of Platy Gialos bay. On the island one may find the old yet welcoming church of Panagia Kytriani, which was founded in the 11th century and is one of the oldest religious monuments of Sifnos. This small church is only accessible from the sea.

AGIOS SOSTIS

Sifnos was famous for its mines with gold, silver, copper, iron, and lead deposits around the island. It is estimated that mining activities began as early as the Early Bronze Age (around 2800-2200 BC). The Mines of Agios Sostis are located on the coast of Sifnos and were some of the more lucrative, as they were filled with iron, silver and gold. Visitors can reach the mines turning right and going down towards the sea, as soon as they arrive at the small Church of Agios Sostis.

ARCHAEOLOGICAL MUSEUM

Set in the village of Kastro, the Archaeological Museum of Sifnos is housed on the upper floor of the traditional house of Maridakis. It was renovated by the Ministry of Culture in the early 1980s, and has been in regular operation since 1986. Its collections include mostly local finds and exhibits dating from the early Bronze Age to the late Byzantine period. It is open to the public every day except Tuesdays and public holidays.

AGIOS ANDREAS ACROPOLIS & MUSEUM

The well-excavated hilltop acropolis of Agios Andreas dates from as early as the 13th century BC and is located at the heart of the island, about 2km south of Apollonia. The church of Agios Andreas rises at the centre of the eastern side of the ruins of the ancient fortified acropolis. At the entrance of the site, the Archaeological Collection of Agios Andreas on Sifnos is a small local museum at the acropolis of Agios Andreas. In the Museum exhibits and local findings from the Mycenaean era until the 5th century BC are on display.

VATHI BEACH

On a protected cove at the southwestern side of Sifnos, Vathi Beach is a golden beach that stretches for more than 1 kilometre with crystalline shallow waters and an amazing surrounding landscape of high cliffs. On the right side of the bay lies the Church of Taxiarchis, while along the beach you will find numerous facilities, trees for cool shade as well as plenty of bars and restaurants.

KAMARES BEACH

Between the port and Agia Marina west of Sifnos, lies the beautiful, sandy and organized beach of Kamares. This long beach has crystal clear waters that are shallow for some way out with reedbeds and sand dunes. It is yearly awarded with the Blue Flag of the European Union.

FAROS BEACH

The picturesque fishing village of Faros is approximately 6 kilometres southeast of Apollonia on the southeast coast of Sifnos. This small sheltered harbour is lined with a handful of tavernas and the water is a dazzling shade of blue. The settlement has two beaches; Faros, the central beach with views of Chrisopigi, and Glyfos, named after the well of brackish water which has been there since ancient times, and is still there today.

FASOLOU BEACH

One of the three beaches in Faros, Fasolou Beach is a small cove situated on the island’s south side. The beach is sandy with a few rocks, and in the summer, the dense clumps of tamarisk trees provide shade. There are planted walkways to help you avoid the seaweed that covers much of the seafloor. The Stavros of Faros Monastery is located on the west side of the bay, and the Chrysopigi rock can be seen in front of the bay.