Melanthi & Dimitris
Things To Do
Platis Gialos Beach
Tip: Nice for swimming with clean waters and sandy beach. Food: Palmira - beach bar, coffee, and snacks ($$) (best club sandwich) Yalos Seaside Obsession - beach bar, coffee, and snacks ($$$) Omega3 - Iconic fish restaurant ($$$) (RESERVE first) To Steki - Nice taverna ($$)
Chrisopigi Monastery
Tip: Swim at the small bay with crystal clear waters and pebbles at the beach “Saoures”. On the other side, the beach “Apokofto” has 2 traditional taverns, while there’s nothing in “Saoures”. Hiking: There's a 15-minute path to Glifo/Faros from Apokofto beach. Sightseeing: Chrisopigi monastery is the most iconic church on the island, steeped in local myth.
Kamares (Port)
Bakeries: Venios or O Aggelos - breakfast cheese pie, “tiropita” ($) Beach bar: Paralia - coffee, drinks & snacks ($$) Food Tip: For traditional dishes, any of the small taverns at the port (e.g., Simos or Meropi) are great. ($) Restaurants: Passione Italiana - nice Italian food and fresh pasta ($$) Argiris tavern - nice meats ($$) Sightseeing: Drive up to the monastery of Agios Symeon for a 10/10 sunset view.
Apollonia (“Chora”, Main Village)
Tip: Walk up the “Steno” (narrow alley) in the evening, for shopping, bar hopping, and people watching. 2 pharmacies + Provincial Clinic are here Food & Drinks: Threefolds - croissants ($$) (to-go, only in the morning) Prago bakery - great "Greek pizza" ($) (to-go, only early morning) Isalos - cocktails (to-go) or late night burger ($$) Doloma - nice bar ($$) Botzi - another nice bar ($$) Drakakis - nice meze place ($$) (no reservations)
Kastro - Eptamartyres - Seralia
Sightseeing: Even if you don't swim around there, visit Kastro for a walk in the evening. It's the most beautiful and ancient village on the island. Swimming Tip: The rocks under the Church of the 7 Martyrs (Eptamartyres) are perfect for those who love rocky “beaches” and cliff diving. It offers an amazing experience ~20 mins downhill from Kastro. Food & Drinks: Krypti - “Loukoumades” (traditional Greek sweet) ($) Kavos Sunrise - “Dirty” Bar for a beer or a Cuba Libre ($) Loggia - Wine bar ($$) Kantina - Restaurant located at the pebble beach “Seralia” ~20 mins walk from Kastro ($$$) (fine dining)
Vathi
On Saturday, July 12th there will be a “Panigiri” (church feast) celebrating the Feast day of the Taxiarchi (Archangel) here. Food Tip: Try the local specialty, "revithada" at taverna Tsikali. ($)
Cheronissos
Tip: picturesque fishing village and beach Food: I ammoudia - traditional taverna ($$)
Artemonas
Tip: Visit this village with amazing architecture for a stroll. Food & Drinks: Mosaic - Amazing meze ($$) (no reservations) To Xryso - Traditional tavern ($) Yellow Bicycle - Traditional sweets ($$) Diachroniko - Nice, casual bar ($)
Hiking
Besides swimming and strolling around the villages, Sifnos is amazing for hiking. Hike early in the morning or during/after sunset. All info and routes can be found:
Local Cuisine - Traditional Produce
Look for "revithada" (chickpea stew), “revithokeftedes” (chickpea balls) and "mastelo" (a unique way of cooking goat) in all tavernas. Chickpea stew is usually available on Sundays. Local produce: “mizithra” (white, soft cheese), capers, sage tea Traditional sweets: Almond cookies *Extra Tip: Sifnos has been synonymous with the art of pottery since ancient times.
Transportation on the Island
+++ Rent a car or a scooter, early in advance - remember that the road can be bumpy or narrow. ++ There are 10 private taxis on the island. See the link for contact info. + Sifnos has buses; you get your ticket once you’re on the bus. A link with the summer season timetables and routes will be added here in late April.