If a non-stop surf and sun vacation is on your list, the beach town of Platys Gialos is the place to stay on Sifnos. This Blue Flag beach offers a large stretch of soft sand and a number of fabulous restaurants and bars for your daytime leisure.
The fascinating capital of Sifnos, Apollonia is also a top choice for accommodations on the island. Here you can enjoy a maze of traditional Cycladic houses and a lively tourist offer.
1. Vathi
Despite being small, Sifnos packs a big punch. It’s got Medieval history, lots of charm, and tons to do. Choosing the best places to stay in Sifnos depends on what you’re looking for out of your vacation.
Kamares is where all ferries dock and depart from, so it gets busier than the rest of the island. However, it’s still a nice place to spend a day and the hotels are excellent for people who don’t have time for a longer stay. There’s a large beach, restaurants, cafes, hotels, car rental agencies, and even traditional pottery workshops.
In our opinion, the best hotel in Vathi (and perhaps all of Sifnos) is Elies Resort. It’s a massive property with a 65 m pool, surrounded by olive forests. The rooms are simple, comfy, and modern, while the restaurant is a swank affair with sophisticated service. We’ve stayed at this hotel several times, and it never disappoints.
The central square of Kamares is Plateia Iroon, where all the buses stop for Apollonia, Artemonas, Kastro, and Vathi. You’ll also find the post office, banks, pharmacies, and shops here. The main street, Agios Ioannis, leads to the waterfront where you’ll find more restaurants and hotels.
If you’re short on time, Kamares is a great option for staying in Sifnos. It has the setup most visitors require and is convenient to all the sights on the island. It’s also a nice choice for families with children as there are plenty of hotels with playgrounds on the beach.
There’s a large beach in Kamares, which is a popular spot for swimming. It has golden sand and shallow waters that make it an excellent beach for kids to swim in. It’s also one of the cleanest beaches in the whole island.
To the north of Kamares is a cute little village with a few restaurants, shops, and hotels. It’s the perfect place to stay in Sifnos for those who don’t want to deal with crowds, but are still interested in the local culture. There are a couple of traditional pottery workshops where you can take lessons and create your own ceramic pieces to bring home.
2. Platis Gialos
The most popular beach on Sifnos is Platis Gialos and the beachfront area here boasts a few accommodation options including family-run, cheap inns. There are also a couple of luxury hotels offering beautiful views, Greek finishes and private beaches.
The cosmopolitan atmosphere here is reflected in the many restaurants, bars and shops that line the beach. The beach itself is long and wide with a natural shade under the trees and plenty of places to relax, swim and sunbathe.
Despite the thriving tourism and commercial development of this area, there is still an authentic Greek originality here. The area also works hard to keep the heritage of the region alive, which makes it an interesting place to stay and explore.
This is a very family-friendly area with a great choice of restaurants, bars and shops, as well as hotels and rooms to let. The taverns on the beach are always crowded with people, especially when there is live music playing. There are plenty of options for all budgets and tastes, but it is a little more expensive than other parts of the island.
In the centre of Platis Gialos you will find Apollonia, an old village with beautiful Cycladic architecture and whitewashed houses. There are several older churches here that have been blended into the newer homes and buildings and it is a nice area to walk around, especially at sunset.
The central square in Apollonia, Plateia Iroon, is the main bus stop on the island and it has buses going to Kamares, Artemonas, Kastro and Vathi. It is also home to the Prokos Institution, which puts on art and photography exhibitions during the summer months.
3. Apollonia
Despite being the largest village on Sifnos, Apollonia remains a quiet and pretty Greek island village. It’s a fantastic place to stay if you like shopping, eating, and exploring the island’s rich cultural heritage. You can walk around its narrow streets and explore the boutique shops and restaurants. You will also find the awe-inspiring Kastro castle, which is one of the most important sites on Sifnos.
Most ferries land on the west side of Sifnos, which is rugged and rocky, but you will find that the eastern side of the island is greener and more gentle in terms of its landscape. There are some beautiful hiking trails in this area. Some of them connect the villages of Kastro, Artemonas, and Apollonia. Some of them even lead to the secluded beach at Seralia.
This is the best place to stay in Sifnos if you enjoy hiking and exploring the island’s rich cultural heritage. This area is very peaceful from November to April, but it becomes a little busier in June and during the first two weeks of August.
The most popular hotels in the Apollonia area include Hotel Sofia, Nival Boutique Hotel, and Anthousa Hotel. All of them offer a range of amenities, including free private parking, a restaurant, and a seasonal outdoor pool. Some of them are also family-friendly. They are among the top-rated independent hotels in Sifnos, according to TripAdvisor.
Sifnos is an island that offers something for every traveler. It’s home to some of the most stunning beaches in the whole of Greece, such as Platys Gialos and Vathi Beach. It also boasts a wealth of ancient ruins, traditional pottery workshops, and more. Plus, it has a thriving nightlife scene and some of the best cuisine on the entire Cyclades. So whether you’re looking for a tranquil holiday in the sun or a party vacation, Sifnos is the perfect destination for you. Just remember to book early, so you can get the most out of your stay. Sifnos is a small island and the best hotels fill up quickly. Also, if you’re planning to visit during the peak season of July and August, make sure to book well in advance.
4. Kamares
A little farther inland than Platis Gialos, Kamares packs quite a punch when it comes to things to do and places to stay on Sifnos. This small village is a quiet retreat that oozes charm, but it also has a number of great restaurants and cafes. One of the most famous Greek chefs, Nikos Tselementes, originated here and his blend of French styles with local island cuisine influenced many of today’s top eateries across Greece.
The main dock site for Sifnos, the area can get pretty crazy when ferries arrive during the day. But once the tourists fan out to their chosen destinations, Kamares regains its quiet charm again. There are a number of great hotels in Kamares, including the Hotel Nymfes which offers beautiful rooms overlooking the sea.
This property is just 328 feet away from Kamares Beach and features rooms with balconies that have both mountain and sea views. It’s also a short walk from the popular restaurants in the town of Kamares. The owners, Giannis and Effie Narlis, are extremely welcoming and treat you like family.
If you want a little more luxury during your stay, the Villa Elies Resort is an excellent choice. This gorgeous hotel is located just off the coast of Kamares and has fantastic views, an infinity pool, and a private hot tub. There are a number of other luxury resorts in the area, as well as some budget options.
Another option is the Hotel Delfini, which is a gorgeous, modern hotel with an infinity pool and stunning sea views. The hotel also has a spa, a restaurant, and a number of other amenities. The best part is that it’s only about a 10-minute walk from the beach and other towns on Sifnos.
If you’re looking for something more authentic, the little town of Kastro is an amazing place to stay in Sifnos. This picturesque town is perched high on a cliff and has a quaint, charming authenticity that many other resort towns don’t have. It’s also very quiet and peaceful, making it an ideal place for a romantic getaway.