Best Places to Stay in Sifnos
A small island that packs a big punch, Sifnos is steeped in Medieval history and offers up tons of things to do. Roam the village streets and be swept off your feet by gorgeous traditional homes and quaint taverns.
Though small, Sifnos has a handful of boutique hotels and charming vacation rentals that are perfect for newlyweds ready to get away or families looking for the right balance of relaxation and exploration.
1. Apollonia
A small island in the middle of the Cyclades, Sifnos packs a punch with some of the best food, culture and fun you’ll find in Greece. It’s home to a quaint village life steeped in Medieval history and a welcoming attitude that’ll make your vacation here truly amazing. This is an ideal place for a romantic getaway, a chill holiday with friends or a family vacation.
The main island town of Apollonia sits slap bang in the center of Sifnos. With its quaint cobbled streets and pristine whitewashed houses, it’s the perfect place to stroll and take in the beauty of this Greek island gem.
It’s also a great place to shop for souvenirs, as it’s lined with lovely little boutique hotels and tavernas. There’s also a lively nightlife scene, particularly in the summer months. You’ll find a few bars and some nice bohemian cafes that open till late, offering some good music and a relaxed atmosphere.
If you’re seeking a more active vacation, head to Kamares. This is the main port on Sifnos, where ferries arrive from Athens and other surrounding islands. It’s home to Sifnos’ most popular beach, which is considered one of the best beaches in all of the Cyclades. It’s sandy and offers a wonderful turquoise color to the water. There’s also a great selection of shops and tavernas in Kamares, as well as some really cool boutique hotels, such as the stunning Villa Frazeska.
The secluded beach destination of Vathi is another great option for those looking for a more laidback vacation in Sifnos. Located in the west of the island, it’s a hidden paradise that offers a beautiful sandy beach and a fantastic ambience to relax and unwind on a holiday. It’s also a great spot to find a hotel with a pool, such as the lovely Xerolithia. This gorgeous hotel has a fabulous pool, delicious breakfast and a spectacular view of the blue sea, which makes it a real winner for those looking to spend some quality time relaxing and taking in the beauty of Sifnos.
2. Platys Gialos
Whether you’re a couple seeking the perfect romantic retreat or a family looking for fun in the sun, Platys Gialos is one of the best places to stay in Sifnos. This dazzling village is home to the island’s most popular beach, as well as a resort area filled with hotels and eateries. It’s also a great place for hiking, with trails ranging from easy to challenging. You can also visit the nearby ancient ruins for a fascinating glimpse of Sifnos’ rich heritage.
Sifnos is a beautiful island, but you can’t really appreciate it from the ground up without a bird’s eye view. That’s why you should book a flight to Athens and hop on a ferry for the trip over to Sifnos. This trip will take between two and five hours, depending on the type of ferry you choose to take. Once on the boat, you’ll arrive at Kamares, where ferries from Athens and other Cycladic islands dock.
This is the main port town and is where you’ll find most of Sifnos’ accommodation. The harbor promenade is gorgeous, and dotted with taverns and cafes where you can enjoy a drink while taking in the stunning view over the water. You can also purchase a variety of souvenirs here, including Sifnos ceramics. Kamares is also the ideal spot to watch the sunset, so make sure you pick a hotel or apartment that will allow you to experience this magical moment.
Families love Sifnos because of its kid-friendly beaches, which offer plenty of room to roam and are flanked by tempting restaurants. Platys Gialos is the most family-friendly beach on the island, and it’s the largest in the Cyclades! It’s also a safe place for kids to swim because of its calm waters and lack of currents.
The majority of Sifnos’s accommodations are apartments and villas. These tasteful homes tread the line between home comforts and vacation style, and many have terraces where you can enjoy your morning coffee or evening glass of wine while gazing at the glimmering sea. You can also find hotels in Platys Gialos, but they’re often more expensive.
3. Kamares
In the west of the island, Kamares is a fantastic place to stay in Sifnos. The ferry docks here, making it an easy and convenient base for exploring all of the best attractions of the island. The village has a U-shaped harbor promenade and lovely old Cycladic houses. Along the way, taverns and restaurants spoil visitors with culinary delights.
The town also boasts a beautiful sandy beach that looks like it came straight out of a postcard. It is long and shallow, making it ideal for families with kids. There are also several cafes and bars to relax with a drink.
On the island, you will find plenty of budget hotels that offer wallet-friendly accommodation. Most are located on the port side and are within a short walking distance to the ferry. Some of them are even only 100-200 meters away from the beach, which is perfect!
The best time to visit Sifnos is during the summer (June-August). This is the peak tourist season, so expect it to be crowded. However, it is an ideal time to enjoy the warm temperatures and many outdoor activities. During the spring (April-May) and fall (September-October), you will find milder weather and fewer crowds.
There are plenty of places to stay in Sifnos, from luxurious resorts and boutique hotels to cozy bed & breakfasts. The most popular choice is Apollonia, as it offers the bulk of the island’s cultural attractions. However, the tranquil Kamares and Platys Gialos are great choices for families looking to relax on the island.
Sifnos is a charming and enchanting Greek island that will make you feel like royalty. This tiny gem has a big heart and oozes xenia, the famous hospitality of the islanders. It is the perfect spot for newlyweds ready to get away, a girl’s getaway, or a family vacation. Whether you prefer to explore the stunning beaches or wander around the quaint villages, Sifnos will leave an unforgettable impression on you. So, what are you waiting for? Start planning your trip to this mystical island!
4. Kastro
On most Greek islands, what first strikes you is the light, bouncing off burnished rocks and painting the horizon a fuzzy peach. On wildly beautiful Sifnos, it’s the scent of orange-and-anise biscuits drifting down whitewashed lanes and blasts of brine as sea urchins are prised open and orange roe scooped up with salty fingers.
As a capital city and main transport hub for Sifnos, Apollonia has plenty of hotels, restaurants and bars to choose from. The best hotels in Apollonia are situated along the seafront and feature amazing views of the bay. One of the best options is Motivo Sea View, which offers rooms with astonishing sea views and traditional Aegean decoration. It is also located close to the beach and Kamares.
Located in a stunning setting, this 5-star resort features a pool with a swim-up bar, a spa, and a tennis court. There are a variety of suites and villas to choose from, all with beautiful sea views and private balconies.
If you are looking for a place to stay in Sifnos with family, then this is the perfect option for you. It is located right on the beach and has a children’s pool. It also has a spa and a gym.
The hotel’s restaurant serves a wide selection of local dishes, including lamb shish kebabs, goat cheese and grilled vegetables. The staff is also very friendly and will help you make the most of your trip to Sifnos.
There are many different things to do on Sifnos, including hiking, visiting the beaches, and exploring the old castle of Kastro. You can also rent a scooter or quad bike to explore the island at your own pace and visit some of the more remote beaches and villages.
The most popular beach on Sifnos is Kamares, which is a great spot to enjoy a sunset. The waters are calm and shallow, making it a great place to swim. It is also a good place to try out some water sports, such as windsurfing or snorkelling. There are also several taverns and cafes in the area, so you can get a bite to eat while enjoying the beautiful scenery.