Who knows the island of Sifnos?

Question

Is it nice ? which hotel should I book?
Sifnos sounds off the beaten track. Please let me know your experience of small greek islands

Answer 1

Sifnos is the fourth island in the Western Cyclades and is easily reachable by ferry and high-speed catamaran from Pireaus. Sifnos is a mountainous island with fertile valleys, beautiful beaches and several towns. It has a long history and has been inhabited since 3000 BC. For people who are looking for the 'real Greece' and yet still wouldn't mind a little nightlife, Sifnos is the place to go. Great for honeymooners, couples and families with children.
Sifnos is full of beautiful Cycladic villages like : Kastro, Appollonia, Kamares, Vathi, Heronissos not to mention... Fantastic beaches, 365 Churches, Ample Nightlife, A Full Service Travel Agency, Fine Restaurants, Hotels, Rooms, Villas and Apartments, Camping, A Sifnos Monster, Sifnos Basketball and the finest pottery in Greece.
There is at least one boat from Pireaus to Sifnos a day, usually two plus a highspeed catamaran that can get you to the island in just over 2 hours from Pireaus. There are connections to and from Mykonos, Santorini, Ios, Paros and Crete as well as some lesser known islands.
There are numerous hotels and rooms to rent and there are travel agents in the port of Kamares who will assist you in locating a place to stay, whether it's there in the port, or the main town of Apollonia , or one of the many other villages. More green and fertile than it's neighbors in the Cyclades, Sifnos is a wonderful place to visit if you enjoy nature and walking. If you enjoy swimming it will be hard to find an island with better beaches than Sifnos.
Prices are inexpensive compared to other more exploited islands like Mykonos, and Santorini. The beaches are uncrowded and very clean and the snorkling is excellent. The Sifniots are also known throughout Greece as being the finest cooks and the restaurants bear testimony. There are 365 churches on the island of all shapes and sizes and in a variety of locations.
It is also home to some of the friendliest people in Greece.

Answer 2

I've went there in the 80s. Then it was unspoilt typical Cyclades. I found it cleaner than the average Greek island (no offence intended). I remember arriving there at the main port, going to another coastal resort, finding the hotels were too expensive so ending up staying at Apollonia. Book a hotel depending on your budget: Apollonia is inland and quiet. I wouldn't stay in the main port, which I think is Kamares. The other coastal resort, possibly Platis Gialos, that I visited looked nice. I would have stayed there had I not been on a backpacker budget (although that's still the way I travel). I've visited Serifos and Milos, two other small islands nearby. Serifos seems to be popular with Greek tourists: it is stunningly beautiful. Milos is also a nice island. It is relatively large so there are plenty of opportunities for exploring and finding your own quiet spot. I've visited those two islands twice: I'd recommend visiting at the end of May or June rather than in July. So Sifnos is a nice island and there are others. Trying to get off the beaten track will be well worth your while. There are similar places on mainland Greece but I'm keeping those to myself.

Answer 3

Well, Sifnos has definitely changed since the '80s, as have unfortunately most Greek islands. I have been twice, in late 80s I left in a hurry in 2 days as it was totally boring and in the beginning '00s I could stand it for 4 days in late August. Ok, the beaches are nice (like almost everywhere), the village Kastro is really fantastic (medieval castle above the sea), the food is nice and there is a variety, there are 5 bars in the main village Apollonia, but in my opinion it is expensive for what it offers and it attracts a lot of families (children included), which is ok if you are in this category. Small islands do not necessarily mean that they are intact from mass tourism, so if you plan your vacation in August, it will not be much more different than going to Kos or Rodos (in fact, in August on Rodos you will be able to find an empty space on the beach, but on Sifnos not).

Answer 4

Sifnos is in my opinion the most beautiful island of Greece. Wonderful towns (not the port Kamares, though), but the Castle (Kastro), Artemonas, Apollonia, etc are wonderful, great food (the most famous Greek chef comes fro Sifnos), you will have a great time there.
It is also on the same ferry line as Milos, where are some of the best beaches in Greece, see if you can combine it!

Answer 5

Go to Sifnos by all means but do AVOID August. Matter of fact I would say avoid Greece altogether in August. TOO many tourists, foreign and Greek.
Kastro has to be one of the most scenic spots in the Cyclades and worth the trip.

Answer 6

I've been there! I had one my greatest vacations there!