There is one Greek Island we can all agree to add to your island-hopping itinerary in 2024, and that island is Sifnos. Ask anyone who has been “Is Sifnos worth visiting?” The answer is always abso-freaking-lutely!
After my recent trip in 2023, I can affirm that it is a Sifnos Greece is an island you don’t want to miss!
Admittedly, I was hoping Sifnos would stay a secret among those like myself who had found it randomly.
But thanks to Conde Nest and Goop, Sifnos is now coming up on every must-visit island list in the Cyclades.
What sets Sifnos apart? After spending 3 incredible nights on the beautiful island I feel very qualified to answer this question.
Below are the 9 reasons you absolutely should consider visiting Sifnos this year!
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#1. It’s a Food Lover’s Paradise
When I say it’s a Greek Island for foodies, I mean it, hands down it is one of the best islands if you are a food lover.
So save all your calories and just eat your way through Sifnos. You will thank me later, I promise.
Now let me get very specific on the best restaurants in Sifnos and why you need to eat there!
The number one restaurant on Sifnos Island is a place called Cantina!
And you need to eat here for its farm-to-table style, and zero-waste concept, which is an experience like no other.
You are literally dining at an open-air restaurant that was carved into the rock.
Here I was blown away by the chickpea fries that may or may not be available in this year’s menu.
A close second to my favorite meal was at Maiòlica Sifnos, located in Platys Gialos. Not only was the meal of fresh fish fantastic, you just couldn’t beat the ambiance.
Every table overlooks the Aegean Sea and some tables are on the sand itself.
Warning, there is no coverage if you sit at the table on the soft sand. So bring a hat and lots of sunscreen.
Omega 3 is located just a door down from Maiòlica Sifnos, and if you are into ceviche, make your reservation NOW!
Last but not least, is Bostoni located at the hotel at Verina Astra!
If you are looking for the best place with panoramic views, then head over to Bostani (reservations required).
I was very impressed with the selection of fresh seafood and inventive cocktails.
*It can be tricky to make reservations in the off-season since many of these places are closed till May. I recommend just emailing and making notes to follow up.
#2. It’s Way Less Crowded Than Nearby Islands
One of the best things about Sifnos is that even during the high season, it isn’t overcrowded like its nearby neighbors like Milos and Mykonos.
And if you want to talk numbers, it was reported that in a single summer season, Sifnos saw approximately 126,000 visitors.
Now compare that to Mykonos who sees approximately 200,000 per week!
Sifnos is the ideal destination for those seeking an authentic Greek island experience.
If you’re looking to truly disconnect and immerse yourself in the present, Sifnos is the perfect place to be.
#3. The Sifnos Beaches Are Out of This World
The Greek islands are known for turquoise waters and beautiful sandy beaches, and let me tell you, this tiny island is stock full of them.
On the small island of Sifnos, there are a few beaches that should be on your radar, starting with Platis Gialos Beach.
Here is where you will also find 2 of the best restaurants I was referring to, Omega 3 and Mailous.
Platis Gialos is a lovely seaside village and a popular place to stay on the island.
Another popular beach that is a bit further away and more secluded is Vathi Beach. Located on the southwestern coast of the island.
You will want to rent a car, scooter, or an ATV in Sifnos if you want the freedom to visit on your own time.
There is a public transport bus in Sifnos, but the schedule is very limited.
*From Atremonas the bus has 2 daily departures and returns. It is not very ideal in my opinion.
Another popular beach is Kamares Beach. This is the most convenient beach if you are staying by the port.
Admitting, I didn’t spend much time on this one. I got a good look when I was arriving on the ferry, but that’s it.
Kamares is a good beach for families and has a nearby cantina and facilities.
#4. The Majestic Churches
Sifnos is full of beautiful churches, but the Church of the Seven Martyrs is truly breathtaking.
It sits right by the sea under Kastro village, looking like a scene from a fairytale with its bright white walls against the blue sky and water.
The path to get there is pretty special, too, making you feel like you’re heading somewhere out of this world. But that’s not the only church worth seeing here.
Sifnos has other famous churches like the Chrisopigi Monastery, the protector of the island. You will need to rent a car or scooter to reach this church.
And lastly, you can visit the Church of St. Symeon, which offers incredible views from its mountaintop location.
There are many more little churches dotted along the entire island of Sifnos, those three above are the most popular.
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#5. The Chill Vibes
If you are looking to relax, then you will appreciate the island of Sifnos.
While there are high-end restaurants and luxurious resorts, you don’t get those pretentious vibes.
It’s all about unwinding in a laid-back atmosphere here. The locals are friendly, and the pace of life is just slower.
Enjoying a leisurely meal with stunning views is what Sifnos is all about! It offers that serene escape where you can truly relax and recharge.
It’s the perfect spot for anyone seeking a peaceful getaway without the hustle and bustle of more tourist-heavy destinations.
#6. Luxury Hotels & Experiences Are More Affordable
While Sifnos is not one of the cheapest Greek Islands I visited, it wasn’t the most expensive either.
I stayed at a Nival Boutique Hotel and highly recommend it. It’s a small property with an outdoor pool in the main village of Apollonia.
I paid just around $200 a night, not bad for a room with views of the villages and the Aegean Sea.
On another island, such as Mykonos, this same room would have easily been around $400 a night.
Another notable properties that offer a luxurious experience for less than you might be expecting is Verina Astra.
This hotel is truly NEXT LEVEL, but it books up fast! While I tried to get a room at Verina Astra they were booked out.
I suggest you book 9 months before your planned visit in hopes of snagging something special.
#6. Friendly Locals
Nothing is worse than visiting somewhere and feeling like the locals would rather you leave.
You won’t feel snubbed in Sifnos! One of the reasons I moved to Greece and love the country so very much is all the local people.
The Greeks local their culture and you can feel that when they welcome you into their traditional villages and tavernas.
It is worth mentioning for anyone traveling alone, I felt completely safe traveling solo on this amazing Greek Island.
#7. It’s Close to Athens
One of the best things about the Greek of Sifnos is its proximity to Athens. Being so close to the capital city, adding Sifnos to your Greek Island Itinerary is pretty doable.
You can hop on the ferry in Athens and those crystal blue waters in just 2 1/2 hours.
Now I don’t recommend going for just the day because the ferry times don’t line up very well to make that possible.
You want more than a few hours to explore the entire island. But if you are going to Greece for 5 days, spend 2 days in Athens and spend the other 3 days in Sifnos!
#9. The Hiking Trails Are Epic
If you love a good hike then you are going to just love the Sifnos trails!
In total 19 specific hikes you can make that go around the island to different villages and interest points on the island.
Walk along the cedars and olive trees with some of the most incredible views of the sea!
Each of these trails is marked with a difficulty level and scaled so you can best decide what trail is good for your activity level.
More information can be found on the official website.
Frequently Asked Questions for Sifnos
Sifnos is part of the Cyclades island group, and by ferry, it is approximately 3 hours from Athens Piraeus port. The closest neighbor to Sifnos is Serifos, another one of my favourite spots.
There is no airport on the island, so unless you want to take a helicopter ride to Sifnos, you should take the ferry.
I experienced Sifnos during mid-September and it was a fantastic time to be on the island. The weather is still very warm, and the prices are starting to lower since it is the end of the season.
Sifnos is significantly marked by being the birthplace of Nikolaos Tselementes. Tselementes, an iconic figure in Greek cuisine, revolutionized Greek cooking in the 20th century with his comprehensive cookbook, influencing generations.
Sifnos is not a touristy and is more of an unstated Greek Island. Although you probably can’t call Sifnos a hidden gem for much longer it still has a fraction of the tourism of other islands such as Mykonos, Santorini, and Corfu.
Want to Learn More About Sifnos?
If you want to know more about Sifnos, including where to stay and what to do, read our complete guide to Sifnos.