Sifnos

Sifnos is an island municipality in the Cyclades island group in Greece, southern Europe.

Kastro is the most picturesque village, the old capital of the island took its name from the castle walls that used to surround it in the Medieval times.

The most famous church here is the Monastery of Chrissopighi, located on the south side of Sifnos. This monastery was originally established in the 16th century and is built on top of a rocky sea peninsula cut in two parts.

There are many other monasteries and churches on Sifnos, some dating from the Medieval times. A drive or hike around will lead your way to stunning little chapels with Cycladic architecture, such as the famous church of Seven Martyrs at the entrance of Kastro village. Very interesting are also the Monastery of Panagia Vounou and the Monastery of Panagia Vrisis, where there is also a small ecclesiastic museum.

Other museums include the Archaeological Museum in Kastro, with exhibits from excavations on the island, and the Folklore Museum in Apollonia, with items of everyday use, costumes, furniture, tools and weapons of the locals that date until the mid 20th century.

Kamares, the port town on the island, is the largest seaside village and main port of Sifnos. Kamares extends on the right side of the bay, just around the port. It has many shops, tourist services and ceramic workshops, which have long tradition on the island.

Apollonia, the capital of Sifnos is a lovely village with traditional Cycladic architecture and many churches. Here you will find many souvenir shops, tavernas, small chapels and the Folklore Museum. Apollonia is also the nightlife centre of the island. There is a long pedestrian street in the centre of the village, lined with bars.

The most popular beaches are found on the southern side. Vathi, Platis Gialos, Chrissopighi and Faros are the busiest, with plenty of facilities and shallow seabed, ideal for families. Quieter beaches can be found in Kamares and Heronissos, both located on the north side of the island.

Popular buys include jewellery, old prints, local sweet preserves and pottery, which Sifnos is known for.

Local dishes include Sifnos chickpea soup, chickpea croquettes, string beans with garlic paste, caper salad and fresh fish dishes. For tasty treats, try some macaroons, sugar buns, pastel and loukoums, the main ingredient of most of them is the local thyme honey.

Cruise ships usually anchor and tender passengers ashore at Platis Gialos, in the south part of the island.