Sifnos

Kamarès
Main port, situated in the west of the island. It is embedded at the far end of a large bay bordered by a beautiful sandy beach and surrounded by arid ochre-coloured mountains that rise to an altitude of more than five hundred metres.
Kamares is a small resort that is rapidly expanding. Numerous constructions rise up at the side of the rock on the hills which are all around the bay. They form three districts: the port, the beach and the Agia Marina, like the chapel of the same name, on the other side of the bay opposite the port.
This village has excellent tourist infrastructures. Nice taverns, cafes and discotheques can be found there on the seafront under the shade of tamarisk trees. There are a lot of commercial concerns, especially pottery workshops. It also has a good bus service and "caïque taxis" to reach the other beaches. Kamares, a holiday resort which is lively during the summer months, is ideal for lazy holidays. Trendy atmosphere with lots of local colour.

Platy Gialos
Superb bay situated in the south-east of the island, fifteen kilometres from the port. It is the largest sandy beach in Sifnos and also the most frequented summer resort found on the island during the months of July/August.
It has a family-oriented atmosphere.
In addition, this immense tree-lined beach of golden sand stretching over nearly two kilometres has a very good tourist infrastructure, with businesses, regular bus service and "caïque taxis". It is a paradise for family holidays. It is also the departure point for numerous hikes.

Faros

In the south of the island, twelve kilometres from the main port, Faros is well sheltered from the winds. It is a lovely fishing port built on three superb creeks of fine sand, separated by small rocky headlands. It is an ideal site for taking full advantage of the summer.

Vathy
Situated in the west of the island, at the far end of a bay that is well sheltered from the winds, the village of Vathy is an enchantment of nature enhanced by the presence of its very beautiful monastery dating back to the 16th century. It is built right on the beach with shallow emerald-green waters. It is an ideal place for quiet holidays. Cars are prohibited in the village. The taverns serve regional specialities like "revithokeftedes", chickpea pancakes flavoured with herbs, and also salads of caper leaves. Try these, they are divine.

Apollonia and vicinity
Apollonia consists of a group of hamlets linked by a central throughway. It is the main town of the island and is situated five kilometres from the port. It spreads out like an amphitheatre on the slopes of three hills, carved into terraces and planted with olive trees.
Labyrinths of stepped lanes, each one paved, strange chimney pots decorated with birds, chapels here and there, traditional shops, flowered courtyards, superb neoclassical residences -- all these characteristics make the place ideal for those who want to steep themselves in the atmosphere of Sifnos and discover its subtle art of living. On Sunday morning, the roads are full of women coming back from the bakers carrying a "tsikali", a terra cotta pot containing a delicious chickpea soup which has been cooking all night in a wood oven.
It is also the departure point for numerous hikes. The beaches are 15 minutes away and can be reached by a bus service. Public services: bank, post office, medical centre.

Artemonas
The second largest village on the island. Situated just to the north of Apollonia, in a pastoral environment on foothills planted with olive trees where a number of windmills are located, Artemonas has remained very traditional and peaceful.
Formerly the smart district of the island, it has some beautiful Venetian residences with large gardens belonging to the insular architectural style. Arbours of bougainvilleas, groves of geraniums and jasmines and flowering vases contribute to the explosion of colour in this little village famous for its confectioneries and bakers, some of which are more than one hundred years old! Don't miss the opportunity of trying the "pasteli", delicious almond and honey delicacies. Beautiful, but sometimes strangely styled churches can be seen along the white-paved lanes, adding to the charm of this delightful little village.
Artemonas is a great place to visit for those who need to recharge their batteries.
Departure point for numerous hikes.
Regular bus service for the beaches.
Apollonia is fifteen minutes away on foot.

Kastro
Situated in the east of the island, at the top of a rock with steep sided cliffs and with a panoramic view over the sea and the neighbouring islands, the village of Kastro, the main town on the island until 1836, played a very important role in the history of Sifnos. Inhabited since prehistoric times, as archaeological excavations have revealed, Kastro has kept all the characteristics of a fortified village, built in 1630 during Venetian colonization. Elongated dwellings, mainly of two to three levels, form a rampart on the outside with only a few openings.
On the inside are stately residences that make up the second row of dwellings. The roads are narrow, the courtyards of the houses are very small, and there are no public areas whatsoever, apart from a small square in front of the Church of Theologou.
The arched galleries still known as "loggias", old houses with wooden balconies and coats of arms carved above the doors, small lanterns, chapels, and relics from times gone by all contribute to the special atmosphere of this village.
A number of craftsmen have set up along the main road and you can relax in pleasant surroundings while enjoying refreshments at the pleasant terrace cafes.
Further down below be sure to visit the port of Seralia as well as the Church of the Seven Martyrs, standing alone on its rock facing the sea. It's terribly romantic!
Departure point for numerous hikes.
Regular bus service, stopping at the beaches.

Sifnos : Overview - Where to stay ? - Excursions - Photo gallery