If you’re dreaming of a Cycladic escape that blends tradition, authenticity, and a relaxing vibe — Sifnos might be your island. Known for its timeless whitewashed villages, centuries-spanning ceramic pottery, unforgettable cuisine, and tranquil beaches, Sifnos invites you to slow down and to appreciate the moment.
In this 5-day itinerary (4 overnights), I’ll take you on a slow-paced journey across the island’s best experiences, from peaceful swims to memorable meals and cultural encounters.
How To Get To Sifnos
Sifnos doesn’t have an airport, which means you will have to travel by ferry. The ferries for the islands depart from the port of Piraeus and the port of Rafina. If you are staying in Athens, the port of Piraeus is your most convenient option.
We chose to travel with Fast Ferries, and I took my car with me – ideal for flexibility on the island (since I live in Athens, it would be best for you to rent a car on Sifnos).
There are several ferry options to choose from; the high-speed boats take half the time to get to Sifnos (usually about 2,5-3 hours and 15 minutes). The Fast Ferries is a larger ship; thus, the travel time was over 5 hours. The ferry goes to several islands, so depending on which island you are heading to, there will be short stops on other islands along the way. We had stopped at Serifos before arriving on Sifnos.
I use Ferryhopper to check all the available ferries on the day. You can also book all your tickets at once and combine your trip with other Greek islands.
How To Spend 5 Days on Sifnos
Day 1 on Sifnos: Arrival in Sifnos & Kamares Beach
The itinerary below is an exact breakdown of how I spent my time on Sifnos. Of course, you can tailor the program to your preferences. Logistically, you might move around differently, depending on which part of the island you decide to stay on and whether you choose to move around or not. I hope you find this post helpful.
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Our ferry arrived in Sifnos after 1 pm, which gave us plenty of time to enjoy the rest of the day.
Afternoon: We arrived at Kamares, Sifnos’ charming port town. I had opted to stay in Kamares, which is a relatively compact and well-connected part of the island. In case you are not planning to take a car or rent a scooter, you can move around with the local bus.
If you’re looking for a lively location right by the beach, Platys Gialos is a great option, as it features a long stretch of sand lined with restaurants, tavernas, and a variety of accommodation options. It’s one of those places where you can easily spend a few days without the need to move around, if this is something you prefer.
For those who want to be in the heart of the nightlife, I recommend staying in Apollonia; however, you will need to travel to the beaches during the day. Apollonia, the island’s capital, is located at the crossroads of all directions; therefore, you can easily get around the island from here.
I had booked Hotel Kamari, a simple and clean family-run accommodation just 200 meters from the Blue Flag Kamares Beach, which was the perfect choice. The room featured a small fridge and tea-making facilities, as well as a lovely terrace overlooking the sea. The hotel doesn’t serve breakfast, but coffee and tea are always available in the downstairs kitchenette. Every morning, the owner brings freshly baked cakes and cookies, which is a lovely gesture.
Their receptionist, Ada, is a sweet and helpful lady; she took the time to explain everything about the island and provided us with excellent tips. This stay honestly reminded me of the warm Greek hospitality and what holidaying on the islands was like back in the days when things were much simpler in Greece.
The Blue Flag Kamares Beach is partly organized with sunbeds and umbrellas, and the sea is ideal for a relaxing swim. It is a sandy beach with shallow access, making it excellent for families with children. Several establishments have their own sections with sunbeds; the ones closer to the port area are cafes and restaurants that serve food and drinks.
If you want to be a little further away from the main port area, there are other options where a set of sunbeds and an umbrella cost €15.
In the evening, after soaking in the sun and exploring the village’s small pottery shops and local boutiques, we had dinner at Araxovoli Tavern, located right by the water at the far end, just next to the port. Its name means “where you moor your boat,” and it’s no surprise—they have their own fishing boat, bringing in the freshest catch of the day.
We ordered revithokeftedes (chickpea croquettes), fish-roe dip (taramosalata), a Greek salad with local xinomizithra cheese, and freshly grilled red mullet. Make sure to ask about their fresh catch of the day.
Kamares in the evening is a peaceful, quiet spot, lined with family-run tavernas serving traditional Sifnian and Greek dishes.
Day 2: Cheronissos & Dinner at Platys Gialos
Morning: After a tea-sipping moment on the balcony and a view of the sleepy harbor, we took the winding 40-minute drive to Cheronissos, the northernmost fishing village on the island. Though only 14 km from Kamares, the roads are narrow and curvy, so it’s best to follow the main route, which is the Eparchiaki Odos (avoid GPS shortcuts as it can take you in the wrong direction).
There’s clear and good signage on the island, so it’s best to follow the signs. Once you arrive at Cheronissos, park your car or scooter at the top and then follow the path that leads to the bay.
Cheronissos is tiny, tranquil, and entirely off the grid—no phone signal, just sea and silence. Even if it’s very windy, which is common here on the Cycladic islands due to the meltemi winds, the bay is protected, allowing you to enjoy a peaceful swim.
The small beach is a mix of sand and pebbles, with a few tamarisk trees, and features a couple of tavernas and accommodations for those seeking a complete escape.
The highlight of our visit was meeting Mr. Kostantinos Depastas, one of Sifnos’ last old-time potters. He is the reason why I headed to Cheronissos in the first place.
Over 80 years old, he still digs his own clay, fires it with wood, and uses a traditional, foot-powered wheel in his workshop. You will find his workshop – “H Δύσκολη”, the difficult one, right at the entrance to the beach. Nowadays, he doesn’t have a schedule, so if you’re lucky enough to find his workshop open, be sure to visit him.
He has created several patents that no engineer or scientist could explain, and he is extremely proud of that. I had a truly memorable encounter with him, and if you’d like to learn more, I invite you to watch my YouTube video, which I filmed during my visit.
He showed us creations that took him years to make and spoke of the imagination, wisdom, and simplicity of nature. We left with a jug—a piece of living history. If you do go there, I would advise buying something too.
I had made dinner reservations at a restaurant on the other side of the island; therefore, I didn’t stay in Cheronissos for lunch, as it would make me sleepy. However, I would advise you to spend more time here and enjoy the beautiful, simple tavernas by the water. The entire ambiance is inspiring and embodies what it means to truly enjoy a slow-paced vacation.
Afternoon: After a refreshing swim in the cove, we returned to Kamares for a brief rest before heading to the opposite side of the island.
Evening: Platys Gialos is great for those who prefer to stay in one place. It’s lively, beachy, and lined with restaurants, hotels, and beach bars. We stopped by the historic Franzeskos Lemonis pottery shop (established in 1932) and purchased a hand-painted salad bowl.
Sifnos has long been known as the “island of potters.” For centuries, its red clay has not only shaped household items but also a way of life. What began as a necessity—crafting cooking pots and storage jars—evolved into a proud tradition that has been passed down through generations. At one time, nearly every family had a hand in the trade.
Today, around fifteen pottery workshops remain active across the island, from coastal studios to village kilns, blending ancient skills with modern creativity. Whether it’s a humble cooking pot or a decorative flaros chimney ornament, each piece carries the warmth of Sifnian earth and the story of its makers.
We headed to NUS Restaurant for dinner, where creative Greek cuisine meets farm-to-table philosophy with ingredients sourced from the Narlis family farm (You can also visit the farm and participate in various activities that they host). We started with crisp, fresh lettuce dressed in barrel-aged vinegar and topped with crunchy sourdough breadcrumbs — simple, but full of depth.
Then came golden Naxian potatoes, perfectly roasted and paired with a cool yogurt dip. I love potatoes, and the Naxian ones are among the best you’ll find in Greece. We also tried Sifnos’ wax-aged manoura cheese, paired with grilled grapes — sweet, salty, and beautifully balanced.
For mains, we ordered lamb, which is slow-cooked with thyme and preserved lemon, served over pearl barley, adding a rustic, earthy balance. Then came something unexpected: a dwarf chicken glazed in apricot and aniseed, served beneath a smoked glass dome — very fragrant.
We finished our meal with a dreamy orange pie accompanied by stracciatella ice cream — the perfect ending to a remarkable meal.
Day 3 on Sifnos itinerary: Vathi Beach and Kastro
Morning: We spent the morning at Vathi Beach, one of the island’s calmest. It is shaped like a crescent and is protected from the winds. The beach is long, mostly unorganized, and lined with a few tavernas.
On the western end, Elies Resort offers a private section for guests, while further down, the Nostos Beach Bar provides stylish wooden loungers with secure lockers. We rented the sunbeds for the day (EUR 40 per set). The beach is sandy and the seabed is soft, lined with sand. They also offer waiter service, allowing you to enjoy a selection of refreshments and drinks.
We left our things on the beach and walked to the other side of the bay. Here you will find the Taxiarchis Church, perched gracefully at the edge of the bay. If you walk past it, you’ll end up on a smaller beach, where you’ll find the Tsikali Tavern right by the water. This tavern serves dishes made from their own farm-raised meats and in-house cheese production.
Think grilled lamb, chicken, and fresh vegetables served right by the sea. They do serve some seafood dishes too, but they are mainly known for their meat dishes, and of course, you will find plenty of vegetarian dishes too. The family produces their cheese range, which you can taste at the taverna, but you will also buy it from local shops across the island.
After lunch, we headed back to our sun loungers and spent a few more hours relaxing on the beach.
Evening: After the beach, we headed to Kastro, Sifnos’ medieval village. We made our way to the iconic Church of the Seven Martyrs for panoramic views. You can reach this church via a flight of steps, and it looks like it’s out of a painting. It’s a perfect spot to enjoy the sunset.
Next to the path that leads to the church is the Loggia Wine Bar, the most famous wine spot in Kastro—it’s a good idea to book ahead, as it’s pretty popular.
If you don’t find a spot here, you can also head to the Kavos sunrise bar, which is located right beneath it, overlooking the Seralia beach below. The views here are mesmerizing.
Tip: A main street leads up to Kastro. If you visit during the high season, parking may be challenging, especially if you arrive during peak hours. There is free municipal parking right at the entrance to Kastro (next to the windmills). I was here in June and arrived before 7 pm, so I had no problem finding parking, although it does fill up quickly.
Day 4: Faros & Dinner at Cantina
Morning: On our fourth day in Sifnos, we decided to check out the southern coast and headed to Faros village.
Faros offers two beaches, and we chose the farther one—quiet, sandy, unorganized, and shaded by tamarisk trees. We arrived here just before 10 am, and it was easy to find a place to sit; however, soon afterwards, crowds started to gather. If you are visiting during the high season, I recommend arriving as early as possible to secure a spot under the shade of the tamarisk trees.
From there, a scenic walking path leads to Chrisopigi Monastery, one of the most photographed landmarks in Sifnos, dating back to the 17th century. I wouldn’t advise hiking this path during the heat of summer, but if you do decide to hike it, opt for very early morning or late afternoon, and make sure to wear a hat and sunscreen. Avoid hiking in July and August, especially during the midday hours.
There are several tavernas here, and you can easily spend the whole day in this part of the island.
In the evening, we headed back in the direction of Kastro. For something exceptional and special, I recommend dinner at Cantina, which is situated by the water on Seralia Beach, below the Kastro. Even the Obamas and Tom Hanks dined here in 2023.
Chef Giorgos Samoilis served a stunning tasting menu of cold choriatiki soup, marinated beef fillet, fava crepes, chickpea panisse, short ribs with Lemnos pasta, and xinomizithra ice cream. They offer an excellent wine list featuring both local and international labels, accompanied by an in-house sommelier to assist with your wine pairing.
This is a small, extremely popular restaurant, and reservations are advised well in advance. The set menu costs €70 per person. There is also an additional dish of the day menu.
Day 5 of Sifnos itinerary: Theodorou Sweets & Apollonia Walk
On our final day we went for a morning swim to Kamares beach. The wind had calmed down, and the water was refreshingly cool.
We then made our way to the village of Artemonas, where you will find Theodorou Pastry Shop, a family-run bakery since 1933. There, Vasilodimos Theodorou and his 90-year-old mother, Mrs. Katerina, still handcraft almond sweets the traditional way: in copper pots over charcoal. Their creations include soft tezerou, raw pear-shaped sweets, and golden oven-baked delights. Their workshop, with its blue doors and windows, is a local treasure.
While in Artemonas, you can also visit the Sifnos Pottery Museum, which features a collection of Handmade Ceramics by visionary architect Cosmas Xenakis. It’s a great way to learn more about the island’s deep-rooted history of ceramics.
We then made our way to the nearby Apollonia, the island’s capital and cultural heart. A declared traditional settlement, Apollonia is home to banks, post offices, pharmacies, and plenty of restaurants and shops.
Along the stone-paved “Alley,” we explored churches, boutiques, and the lively Heroes Square, where the Folklore Museum of Sifnos is located. Nearby Rambagas Square honors the life of poet and political satirist Kleanthis Triantafyllou. Apollonia is quiet in the mornings and during the day as everyone heads to the beach, but it gets pretty lively in the evenings.
Our ferry was not scheduled until 3 pm, so we sat down for lunch at the Meropi tavern in Kamares. We thoroughly enjoyed everything we ordered. The chickpea fritters are excellent here, we also tried rooster cooked in red-wine sauce, fried squid which was fresh, grilled sardines, wild greens and fish-roe dip (taramosalata). I highly recommend this taverna if you’re staying in Kamares or plan to enjoy lunch here before your departure. The service was excellent and fast.
Hiking on Sifnos
If you love to explore on foot, Sifnos is a hiker’s paradise. The island is crisscrossed by a network of well-marked trails that lead through olive groves, terraced hillsides, and centuries-old footpaths connecting villages, chapels, and secluded coves. Whether you’re walking from Apollonia to Kastro or following the coastal route to Chrisopigi, each path reveals another side of Sifnos.
With trails for every level and plenty of breathtaking views along the way, hiking here is both a journey through landscape and heritage. Visit the official Sifnos trails website for more information.
Useful Tips on Sifnos
Municipal parking spots are available throughout the island, and the areas are marked with a “P”. It is highly convenient, especially if you plan on driving.
The roads are not well-lit in the evenings, and this is something that the locals overlook, as they are well-experienced drivers in their own land. If you don’t feel comfortable driving the winding roads, it’s best to avoid driving long distances in the evening.
The main road is very well paved, and the general condition of the roads in Sifnos is very good, compared to other Greek islands.
Sifnos is the birthplace of Greece’s first cookbook author, Nicholas Tselementes. His influence endures in the island’s deep-rooted culinary traditions. Make sure to try dishes like revithada (slow-cooked chickpeas in a clay pot) and mastelo (goat or lamb braised with dill and wine).
