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If you’re looking to visit lesser-known Greek islands in the Cyclades, you might be considering Sifnos and Serifos.
While I don’t think you can go wrong with either choice, there are a couple of factors to consider that might make one island a better fit for you.
Having visited both islands more than once, I’ll aim to give you a balanced account of my experience to help you decide which island is best for you!
One Reason Sifnos is Better Than Serifos:
If you consider yourself a foodie, there’s really only one island for you, and that’s Sifnos. Serifos can’t hold a candle to the restaurants on Sifnos.
Anyone who has been to both is unlikely to disagree with me on this.
Sifnos has some of the best restaurants of all the Greek islands I have ever been to, which is a lot!
Convinced you should visit Sifnos? Check out my full guide to Sifnos, which contains tips for planning your trip!


One Reason You Would Want to Consider Serifos Over Sifnos:
Playing the other side of the coin, Serifos is a bit more affordable than Sifnos when it comes to accommodations and food.
For example, I stayed in a style hotel that was less than 10 minutes’ walk from the port and beach and cost €105 per night. In Sifnos, I would have paid closer to €150. An Aperol Spritz in Serifos was around €8, and in Sifnos, it was an average of €10.
Both islands are fairly manageable without a car, as long as you are only staying a few days. Otherwise, you might want the freedom to explore the more secluded sides of both islands!
Already decided you want to visit Serifos? Check out my full guide to Serifos, which contains tips for planning your trip!


Reasons To Choose Sifnos
#1. Food is Your Priority
As I mentioned, Sifnos is the place for those who travel to eat. There are several restaurants in Sifnos you’ll want to have on your radar.
I go into detail about my experiences in my restaurant guide for Sifnos. The biggest takeaway? You need to book in advance if you want to dine at most of them.


#2. You Love Boutique Hotels
Sifnos offers a bit more luxury when it comes to hotels than Serifos. That’s not to say you won’t find unique properties on Serifos, but there are simply more options on Sifnos.
The most incredible hotel in Sifnos has to be the Verina Astra. Calling the views “epic” is an understatement!
And if the hotel is booked, you can still experience it by making a reservation at Bostani, the hotel’s restaurant (more on that below).


And if you can’t stay at Verina Astra, I really loved Nival Boutique Hotel! It is one of the only hotels in Appollina with a pool!!


Go into detail and read about Nival Boutique Hotel in my review!
#3. You Love Dramatic Cliffs
If you’re a fan of dramatic landscapes, Sifnos has plenty of stunning cliffs overlooking the sea. One of the most notable spots is the Church of Seven Martyrs! It is a bit of a workout on the way back, but it is worth it 100%.
I recommend visiting the Kastro area at sunset. The sky turns incredible colors, and it is a pretty magical experience.
Reasons to Choose Serifos
#1. Budget is a Big Concern
If you’re traveling on a budget, Serifos is a better option. It’s generally more affordable, from accommodations to dining.
You can still enjoy a great experience without spending as much as you might on Sifnos, making it perfect for budget-conscious travelers.


#2. You Geek Out Over Greek Mythology
Serifos has more notable Greek mythology than Sifnos, and one of its coolest sites is the Throne of Cyclops, also known as the Throne of Zeus.
This giant stone seat, believed to be the resting place of Zeus himself, is perched on a cliff with incredible views.
According to legend, this is where Zeus sat to watch over the island. It’s a must-see for mythology lovers, but you will need to rent a car if you plan to visit it.
Grab my Google Map of Serifos with all the best locations pre-saved!
#3. You’re an Avid Hiker
Both Sifnos and Serifos are great for hiking, but Serifos has the edge. A very popular trail is called Livadi – Serifos Chora, which takes you from the port to the top of the Chora. It takes an average of 1 hour 40 minutes to complete, and it’s beautiful. A top tip is to start early in the morning before the sun gets too strong!
A lot of these hikes here feel more remote and untouched, making it a favorite for serious hikers looking for a real escape. All Trails is a great website with all these trails listed in one place!


Something Both Islands Have in Common:
Beach Camping
Both Sifnos and Serifos offer beachfront camping, but Serifos is definitely the better spot for it. On Serifos, check out Coralli Camping, perfect for pitching a tent and enjoying a peaceful night under the stars.
It’s got that laid-back vibe and great facilities.


Sifnos also has beachfront camping, mostly around Kamares, near the port. Check out Makis camping!
While the beach is beautiful, the area is a bit more developed and busier, which might not give you that secluded, off-the-grid feel. So, if you’re looking for more of a true beach camping escape, Serifos is your best bet!
Similar Nightlife
Neither Sifnos nor Serifos are Greek islands you should visit in search of exciting nightlife. Both islands have a few bars where the music is good and the drinks flow, but it isn’t anything close to what you will find on Mykonos.
Both these islands are more about having a couple of drinks rather than partying.
Some bars to visit on both islands would be:
Sifnos Bars:
- Ago Bar – Located in Apollonia (Open till 3:30 am)
- Old Captian– Beach Bar located in Kamares (Open till 3:00 am)
- Botzi 93 Sifnos Bar with views located in Apollonia(Open till 3:30 am)
Serifos Bars:
- Calma–Located in Port, (Open till 1 am)
- Thidira Tap concept Bar– Located in the Chora (Open till 3 am)
- White Coffee Bar– Located in the Chora (Open till 3 am)


How Many Days Do You Need to Explore Sifnos and Serifos?
The number of days to explore either island really depends on your travel style and intent. I spent 3 nights in Sifnos and 2 nights in Serifos the first time around.
I felt like this was a good amount of time, but I could have used one more night in Serifos to explore the other side of the island, but I would have needed a car.
My 3 days in Sifnos were very balanced with time to see the 3 main villages of Apollonia, Artemonas, and Kastro.
There were also other beaches in Sifnos I would have liked to visit if I had more time.
What is the Distance Between Sifnos and Serifos?
The distance between Sifnos and Serifos is about 23 kilometers (14 miles) by sea. It usually takes around 30 to 45 minutes by ferry, depending on the type of boat you take.
Easiest Way To Get To Sifnos or Serifos
The easiest and only way to reach both islands is by ferry from Piraeus. Neither island has an airport, so a ferry is your only option.
Unless you had the budget to travel to Sifnos by helicopter!
Can You Visit Both Sifnos and Serifos on the Same Day?
At the time of writing, there are no good ferry options to make this a day trip. I also haven’t found any organized tours that would take you to either island.
If you arranged for a private boat, it would certainly be possible.
To research this yourself, just go to Ferry Hopper, put in the islands, and look at the departing and returning times. You will see that the options don’t support a day trip.
For organized tours, I like Get Your Guide, but I always check Viator in case they have more options for tours.
Which Island is Better for Families?
In my opinion, Serifos is a bit more family-friendly than Sifnos, but that is only because some of the beaches are better for children.
Many of the local beaches have calmer and shallower water, and the restaurants along the port are also more casual.
Which Island is Better for Accessibility?
Both islands could pose a slight challenge for anyone with mobility problems. The port of Serifos is flat and well-paved, so exploring it will not be a problem, but the Chora, which is perched on a hill in Serifos, could be a challenge.
The public bus can only take you to the base, and you must climb some stairs to reach the bars and shops. You will find a similar situation in Sifnos. The Kamares port is easy to navigate, with plenty of shops and bars nearby.
However, I highly recommend you stay in Apollonia because it is a lot more charming and idyllic. It is fairly flat and manageable. The nearby area of Artemonas is a little more hilly than Apollonia but manageable.
Kastro, the most impressive area in Sifnos, is perched on a cliff like Serifos. You will need to climb stairs to explore the area.
If you want to stay at the beachside in Sifnos, I highly recommend Platis Gialos! It is nice, flat, peaceful, and full of the best restaurants!
Research where to stay in Sifnos here with my in-depth guide!
Final Verdict:
So, if food is a priority, Sifnos is your best bet. But if you’re on a budget, Serifos is the clear winner.
I hope this short list highlights why you should consider one island over the other!
I also love to answer travel questions. Contact me here or join my free Facebook group about the Greek islands and ask away!
Does Neither of These Islands Sound Right for You? Take my Greek Island Finder Quiz!
Travel Resources for Greece
- Solo Trips to Greece
- Greece Travel Guide
- Ultimate Greece Travel Guide
- 15 Best Greek Islands For Solo Travel
- 9 Best Greek Islands for Foodies & Wine Lovers + Map
- Solo Female Packing List For Greece: Summer & Winter
- The Best Private Airport Transfer From Athens Airport
- Affordable Greek Islands Near Mykonos
- Best & Hottest Greek Islands to Visit in May
Rhodes & Symi Island
- Rhodes & Symi Island Travel Guide Itineraries
- 7 Best Wine Tasting Tours in Rhodes Greece
- How To Book The Fast Boat To Symi From Rhodes
- The Best Way To Get A Rhodes Rental Car
- 17 Best Things to Do in Symi Island Greece + Map
Crete Island
Milos Island
- All The Best Things to Do in Milos By Area + Map
- Renting a Car in Milos: What You Need To Know
- The Perfect 4 Days in Milos Itinerary Guide + Map
- 12 Best Boutique Hotels In Milos Greece in
- A Private Luxury Boat Tour to Kleftiko Milos
- Best Milos to Athens Ferry Travel Guide
- Sifnos vs Milos: Which Island is Better
Sifnos Island
- Best Guide to Sifnos Greece: Everything To Do + Map
- A Guide to Booking a Ferry From Athens To Sifnos
- Flight From Athens to Sifnos By Private Helicopter
- Honest Review of Nival Boutique Hotel in Sifnos
- Best Beaches in Sifnos, Greece
- Sifnos or Serifos: Which Island is Better?
- Milos or Sifnos: Which Island is Better
Serifos Island
Naxos
- Renting a Car in Naxos: Exploring the Pros and Cons
- Best Naxos Bus Tour Highlights of Idyllic Villages
- 10 Best Villages to Visit in Naxos
Mykonos
- Ultimate Solo Travel Guide Mykonos
- Is Mykonos Expensive?
- How to Get Around in Mykonos
- Day Trips From Mykonos
Athens
- What To See In 2 Days In Athens Itinerary + Map
- What to Expect Visiting Athens in November
- What to Expect When Visiting Athens in December
- 10 Best Athens Hotels With Rooftop Pools
- How To Visit Athens On A Budget + Free Calculator
- 7 Easy Day Trips From Athens City Center
- Best Half-Day Tour: Athens To Temple Of Poseidon
- Coco-Mat Athens BC Hotel Review
- The Best Ferry From Athens To Hydra Island in
- Ultimate Athens Solo Travel Guide + Free Map
- Easy Greek Words and Phrases to Learn for Travel
- Is Your Name Greek? Greek Names Generator & Meanings
- 18 Pros & Cons of Living in Athens Greece by an Expat
- Best Cafes in Athens by Neighborhood