9 Reasons Sifnos Is Worth Visiting + 2 Reasons to Skip It

With a vast number of Greek Islands to choose from, you might wonder if Sifnos is worth visiting.

And while for me the answer is always abso-freaking-lutely! Maybe for you, it’s a pass.

The only way to know for sure if Sifnos is worth your time is to understand what it offers and what sets it apart from other nearby Cycladic islands.

Pulling from my recent experience, I’ve identified nine compelling reasons why you’ll undoubtedly love it and two reasons why you might consider skipping it.

🤔 And if you still aren’t feeling 100% certain, I crafted a quiz to reveal what island might be best for you!

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Why You’ll Love Visiting Sifnos

If I were to sum up my experience of why I loved Sifnos, it would include eating and relaxing.

All the things to do in Sifnos revolve around taking a slow approach to your day and soaking in the cultural attractions.

I hope the 9 reasons below will help you decide whether this island should be on your island hopping route.

#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 for food lovers.

So save all your calories and eat your way through Sifnos. I promise you will thank me later. 

I loved 3 very specific restaurants in Sifnos, but I also highlighted others in my guide to the best restaurants in Sifnos.

The restaurants to have on your radar are Cantina, Maiòlica Sifnos, and Bostani Bar & Restaurant!

Below is a little picture preview of what you can expect at each restaurant.

 

*Making reservations in the off-season can be tricky since many of these places are closed until 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 it isn’t overcrowded even during the high season 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, which sees approximately 200,000 people per week!

Sifnos is the ideal destination for those seeking an authentic Greek island experience.

If you’re truly looking to 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; let me tell you, this tiny island is 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.

*The bus leaves Atremonas and departs twice daily. This is not 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 with 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.

#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.

Sifnos is all about enjoying a leisurely meal with stunning views! 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, which is not bad for a room with views of the villages and the Aegean Sea.

This same room would have easily been around $400 a night on another island, such as Mykonos. 

Another notable property that offers a luxurious experience for less than you might be expecting is Verina Astra. 

This hotel is truly NEXT LEVEL, but it books up fast! They were booked out while I tried to get a room at Verina Astra.

I suggest you book 9 months before your planned visit to snag 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 Sifnos Hiking Trails Are Epic

If you love a good hike, then you will just love the Sifnos trails!

There are 19 specific hikes in total that go around the island to different villages and interesting points.

Walk along the cedars and olive trees with some of the most incredible sea views! 

Each trail is marked with difficulty and scaled so you can best decide what trail is good for your activity level.

More information can be found on the official website. 

2 Reasons to Pass Up on Sifnos

#1. You Are Looking for Lively Nightlife

Sifnos is not going to be the island for the raging nightlife. Not that you won’t find a few bars that play good music and serve cocktails till 2 am, but it is not your late-night beach club kind of island.

The islands better suited for a more party vibe in the Cyclades are Mykonos, Ios, and, to some extent, Paros and Santorini.

#2. You Are Easily Bored

Sifnos is a chill island with some idyllic villages to explore and incredible cuisine.

But I can’t say that after 2 days you won’t be bored if you are looking for constant stimulation and loads of historical significance to explore.

Frequently Asked Questions for Sifnos

Still Unsure About Visiting Sifnos or Need Help Island Hopping?

If you are still a bit unsure if Sifnos is the island for you or if you need help identifying your next move, take the quiz!

I created a 10-question quiz that will tell you what Greek Island you should visit based on your interests!

🤔 Access the Quiz Here!

Want to Learn More About Sifnos?

Read our Sifnos Travel Guide to learn more about the Island, including where to stay and what to do.