Sifnos Travel Guide

Tucked in the heart of the Cyclades, Sifnos is a sun-drenched island where time seems to slow under the Aegean sun. We came here on a family holiday with our children and friends, to experience the beauty of the Cyclades islands for the first time. What has stayed with us long after we left were the simple, unforgettable moments: swimming in the clear, cool, salty sea; eating the freshest fish, Greek salads topped with soft local cheeses, wilted Kritamo (sea fennel), and bowls of traditional Sifnos chickpea soup; and sipping skin-contact orange wine made from grapes grown in the island’s volcanic soil. This guide is a collection of our favorite spots and recommendations, gathered from our time exploring the island and soaking in everything it has to offer.

Eat & Drink

Loggia Wine Bar ~ The most inspiring and beautiful wine bar set on the edge of a dramatic cliff overlooking the sea. Enjoy a spritz, listen to the records playing and watch the incredible view of Church of the Seven Martyrs. This is life!

Cantina ~ After a drink at Loggia, head down the rocks to this local and seasonal zero-waste eatery. The menu is changed daily but everything they serve is the freshest and most delicious of its kind. We had local tuna with smoked red wine vinegar and locally grown saltwort.

Manolis Restaurant and Wine shop ~ Picturesque tavern in the sand serving the freshest inventive salads and delicious seafood from the boat. Very interesting and thoughtful natural wine selection which are also sold in their perfect boutique wine cellar in the space next door. Take a dip in the sea in between a glass or two.

Omega 3 ~ Enjoy super tasty raw fish caught that morning and cold crisp natural wine with your feet in the sand and the kids playing in the sea.

Chrysopigi Tavern ~ After swimming on the rocks by the monastery, this was our favorite traditional tavern to enjoy a daily lunch on the water with the kids.

Betty’s Bakery Faros Beach ~ A lovely small spot to grab freshly baked goods and coffee to eat under a tamarisk tree on Faros beach. The lemon cookies are a highlight.

Cafe Mosaic ~ A picture perfect eatery in the heart of Artemonas village. Absolutely lovely vibe, interior, terrace, food and drinks.

Botzi 93 Sifnos ~ An institution since 1993. Grab a delicious morning brew, golden brunch, twilight aperitif or moonlit cocktail.

Kavos Sunrise bar ~ The Cubano Greek watering hole in Sifnos that only serves rum. It's an experience!

Pelicanos ~ Cycladic brasserie right in the sand at Faros beach.

Shop

Atsonios Ceramics ~ An old family business of three generations, operating since 1870 at Vathi on Sifnos island. I bought very beautiful “Greek Blue" dinnerware and coffee cups; evoking the beauty of the Aegean Sea and the Greek islands.

Krypti ~ Local sweet store hidden in the alleyways of the village. Enjoy delicious homemade lemonade and Greek loukoumas.

Theodorou ~ This is the spot to pick up the most delectable Greek sweets like amygdalota, ground-almond treats in cookie form, supposedly shaped to mimic a Roman nose.

Keramika Kostas Depastas ~ One of the last of the old time potters on Sifnos island. His workshop in Heronissos, is perhaps the most isolated settlement on the island. Definitely worth a drive over to this side of the island and enjoy lunch at one of the two traditional taverns on the water.

Visit / Do

Chrisopigi Monastery ~ You can’t find a monastery on a cliff in Greece more picturesque than this! The most idyllic swimming spots on the rocks below. Our tiny Greek casita was just a few steps away.

Church of the Seven Martyrs ~ This church is hailed as one of the highlights of a visit to the very beautiful town of Kastro. To get to it one must descend a very long stone staircase. We did this as the sun was setting which was magic.

Cheronissos Beach ~ Greece like you imagine it decades ago; a small quiet pebbly beach which houses a traditional fishing fleet. Two small taverns to eat and drink.

Apollonia town ~ The largest village on the island and the island's capital.

Kastro town ~ A stunning cliff-top village; fascinating and mysterious.

Panagia Poulati ~ Built in 1870 there are two ways to walk here amidst century-old stonewalls, the scent of oregano and thyme is omnipresent.

Stay

Kavos Studios ~ Run by two sisters, this newly renovated accommodation offers family studios, a beautiful pool and delicious bites and drinks. Unpretentious luxury.

NÓS Hotel and Villas ~ A luxury retreat designed as a contemporary reflection of Sifnos' authentic way of life.

Verina Astra Hotel ~ Sprawling on the side of a steep hill with nothing between you and the endless Aegean blue, Verina Astra leaves you transcendent.