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An island of gently sloping sandy bays, terraced hillsides of olive trees, and wild expanses of juniper forest, Sifnos is a beloved retreat for many Greeks. Nikolaos Tselementes — beloved author of the country’s most important cookbook — was born here, and the island has subsequently developed a well-deserved reputation as a gastronomic haven. Many top Greek restauranteurs and chefs have flocked to its shores, resulting in a wealth of fine food destinations.

However, the island is far more than its fare. Home to some of the safest family beaches among the Cyclades Islands, Sifnos also boasts a vast network of hiking trails. Criss-crossing the island, these paths offer the chance to explore traditional villages of Cycladic blue-and-white architecture, wander farmed terraces of olives and vines, or climb to the tips of mountains with far-reaching Aegean views.

Gastronomy

Sifnos islanders are proud of their link to Nikolaos Tselementes, and the island is well established as a resultant destination for lovers of fine food and wine. We can arrange for you to immerse yourself in this gastronomic culture with a food tour of the island or a cooking class. Both enable you to discover the tastes and preparation techniques of traditional and contemporary Greek cuisine with fresh produce from around the Cyclades.

Additionally, we can recommend and reserve your table at some of the leading restaurants on the island. You can eat with your toes in the sand overlooking the sunsets at Kamares, or take a visit to Artemonas, with its plethora of traditional bakeries and sweetshops.

Hiking island trails

Sifnos' many hiking trails enable you to cross the island on treks including easy 45-minute coastal pathways right up to challenging seven-hour island loops. The paths are well-marked and take you to some of the best vantage points for views out over the Aegean Sea to other nearby Cycladic islands.

We can arrange guided hikes to take the pressure off route planning, allowing you to focus on enjoying the sights. You might spot remote clifftop churches, olive groves tumbling down hillsides towards the sea, or even the indigenous Sifnos goat population balancing on rocky outcrops.

Whitewashed villages

The villages of Sifnos are archetypal of the region, featuring low-slung whitewashed buildings highlighted with blue paintwork, narrow streets, beachfront tavernas, and a plethora of traditional churches. You’ll find plenty of variety, from the lively restaurants spilling out onto the beach in the port town of Kamares to the linked villages of Appolonia and Artemonias, each a maze of sugar cube-style buildings connected by narrow alleyways overhung with bougainvillea.

For a more remote feel, you may choose to visit Kastro, the oldest village on the island with a hilltop setting offering magnificent sea views. Or, head to the tiny village of Vathi with its traditional church square and beachside tavernas.

Beach-hopping

Sifnos offers some of the calmest beaches in the Cyclades, which makes it a popular choice for families. We can arrange a boat trip for you to hop between the crystal-clear bays, or you can explore them on your own. You’ll find powder-soft sand and aquamarine clarity at Faros, a traditional fishing village where the water is often as still as a lake.

Alternatively, Platis Gialos offers a more bustling beach experience with easy access to the sea, a long stretch of sand, and a choice of restaurants and shops lining the bay. On the other side of the island, the tiny village of Vathi has a small sandy beach mostly frequented by islanders.

Best time to visit Sifnos

Hotels in Sifnos are open from May to October. The island benefits from a Mediterranean climate, with its temperatures and visitor numbers both peaking in July and August. Our specialists recommend visiting in May, June, or September, when the weather is warm, and both the hiking trails and beaches are quieter.