Sifnos is a beautiful small island in between Milos and Paros that is known for its food, pottery, hiking trails, and small, authentic villages. There are also a number of great spots to swim and relax by the sea, often close to a good taverna and a few shady trees. These are the 10 best beaches in Sifnos that we recommend to our readers.
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Travel Tips for Sifnos
Where is Sifnos
Sifnos is located in the Cyclades, west of Delos and Paros, between Serifos and Milos, and 130 kilometres (81 miles) from Piraeus, the main port of Athens. The municipality is 15 km (9 km) long, 7.5 km (4.7 mi) wide, and has a total area of 73.942 square kilometres (28.549 sq mi). It has a permanent population of around 2,600 people and a shoreline that is 70 km (43 km) long.
Kitriani, an uninhabited island, is located 350 metres off the island’s southern coast.
How to get to Sifnos
There is no airport on Sifnos so all arrivals are by sea other than helicopter.
Most ferries are on the western-Cyclades route: Piraeus – Kythnos – Serifos – Sifnos – Milos – Kimolos line and through to Santorini and beyond with frequent connections to the Eastern Cyclades – Paros and Naxos, in Summer. Connected between Athens and Sifnos are the most frequent.
Transport on Sifnos
There are only 9 taxis on Sifnos so transport can be a challenge.
There is a bus service that stops at all the major towns, villages and beaches but it is fairly infrequent and waiting at the bus stop on a hot summers day can be tedious.
It’s good idea to hire a car, scooter or ATV for at least a few days. This way you have the flexibility to explore the island at your own pace and the comfort to keep your belongings with you safely, and nice air-conditioning too if you hire a car.
There are a couple of places that hire near the Port in Kamares. You can also book online to ensure your reservation is locked in. Hire cars can also book out during summer so don’t leave this until your arrival if its in July or August.
Further reading: A Complete Guide to Sifnos
KamareS
The Port of Sifnos is located in a natural harbour on the west coast and is surrounded by mountains.
Both locals and visitors rank Kamares as one of the top beaches on the island of Sifnos.
The bay has some of the prettiest turquoise water I’ve ever seen, and the shoreline has beach umbrellas scattered across the sand.
Due to the frequent arrivals and departures of tourists at the main port, Kamares is a rather bustling small town. It is filled with hotels, retail businesses, convenience stores, cafes, coastal restaurants, and pubs, and the beach is only a short distance away.
As one of the best spots in Sifnos to view the sunset, Kamares Beach faces west. I advise going to Foli Bar, which is at the northern end of Kamares Beach, to watch the sunset. Foli Bar offers live music, delicious cocktails, and beachfront eating. It’s one of Sifnos’s top eateries and the ideal spot to unwind after a long day of beach hopping.
There are a number of good hiking routes from Kamares. The Nymfon church at Korakies, the Mavri Spilia (the Black Cave), the site of the former mining region, and the NATURA protected site are just a few of the hiking trails that depart from Kamares.
North of the chapel of Agia Anna in Pera Panta, there is another, more difficult path that goes to Agios Simeon. To reach Apollonia and the centre inland village villages, take another hiking route to the east.
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- change rooms
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- partial shade
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- sunbeds and umbrellas for hire
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Where to stay in Kamares
Sifnos House is a modern boutique hotel perched on the hill a few streets back from the waterfront. It has very comfortable rooms, most with generous terraces with views, and an excellent day-spa as well.
For groups looking for a self-contained solution To Steno is a great four-bedroom house right in the heart of the town, while budget travellers love Hotel Kamari near the Port.
Sifnos House, Kamares
Chrysopigi
The most well-known location on the island is Chrysopigi, which is located just before Platy Gialos ten kilometers from Apollonia. On this peninsula stands the Monastery of Panagia of Chrysopigi (Virgin Mary of Chrysopigi), founded in 1523. On the eve of Analipsi, a festival is held in her honor (Ascension Day).
A specific ceremony for the Chrysopigi festival includes an all-night vigil as well as a procession of the emblem around the villages. Every year, it draws hundreds of pilgrims.
The Chrysopigi rocks are a popular place for swimmers to launch themselves. The sandy beach of “Apokoftou,” with its emerald-colored waves, is located east of the church.
The two restaurants located directly on the beach are the only structures. From there, a cobblestone path starts that leads to Glyfos Beach in Faros.
Saoures is a tiny, quiet pebble beach that is located west of the church. One of the many local attractions is the White Tower, the most well-known and best-preserved of the 77 old towers on the island, and is situated close to the intersection of Platy Gialos and Chrysopigi. There are minimal visitor accommodations and a grocery store in the general region of Chrysopigi.
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- change rooms
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- cafe/tavernas
- partial shade
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- sunbeds and umbrellas for hire
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Where to stay in Chrysopigi
There are few accommodation options in Chrysopigi. Villa Celestina is one of the only places with direct access to the beach and is a beautiful, well equipped Villa that can sleep six people across three bedrooms.
About 700m from the beach, and a similar distance in the other direction to Platys Gialos is Nesea Sifnos, a fairly new complex of four luxury villas with three and four bedrooms. The villas have magnificent views and are beautifully designed in chic Cycladic style.
Platys Gialos
The best and busiest beach in Sifnos is unquestionably Platis Gialos. A lengthy sandy shoreline and crystal-clear waters are just a couple of the reasons you should visit Platys Gialos.
Along Sifnos Island’s southern coastline is Platis Gialos Beach.
Platys Gialos may be reached from Apollonia in about fifteen minutes by car. A twenty-five minute trip will get you to Platys Gialos if you’re coming from Kamares.
The most developed beach on Sifnos Island is Platys Gialos, which is surrounded by coastal resorts, cafes, restaurants, and bars. A stunning mountain backdrop surrounds Platys Gialos as well.
There are many things to do in Platys Gialos including a variety of watersports.
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- change rooms
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- sunbeds and umbrellas for hire
- watersports
- restaurants, cafes and bars
- boat hire and marina
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Where to stay in Platys Gialos
We love Niriedes Hotel, which is situated on the point with sweeping views over the bay. Even you don’t stay here be sure to stop in for a long lunch or a drink in their fantastic restuarant.
For groups and families Miles Away Sifnos is a new addition to the accommodation choices here and is a great 3-bedroom house right on the beachfront. Hard to get a better location!
Apokofto Beach
One of the nearest Sifnos beaches to the main town is Apokofto Beach, which is only 1 km from Apollonia. Because of this, it receives a lot of traffic and has a large supply of sun loungers and umbrellas.
Children can play on the beach because of its pure seas and bright yellow sand. Near the shore, there are a few taverns that serve freshly fished Mediterranean cuisine from the bay. Additionally, it is in an excellent location because it is close to Chrissopigi Beach and the Monastery.
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Where to stay for Apokofto Beach
People wanting to visit Apokofto Beach often stay in Chrisopigi or Platys Gialos (see above).
Vathy
The western city of Vathi is 10 kilometres from Apollonia, the capital. Archaeological digs near “Punta tou Polemikou,” the bay’s northern edge, have uncovered prehistoric villages and graves. Vathi used to be a village of potters up until the Second World War. It is the most stunning and expansive sandy beach on the island, and in the middle of August, a rare protected species of “sand lilies” bloom.
Numerous hiking routes into the NATURA protected regions, as well as those extending eastward to Fikiada and Platy Gialos, begin from Vathi. A festival is held in the stunning Taxiarches (the Archangels) church on the beach three times a year (July, September, and December).
Facilities
- change rooms
- showers and toilets
- cafe/tavernas
- partial shade
- shops
- sunbeds and umbrellas for hire
- watersports
Where to stay in Vathy
Elies Resort is one of the most popular hotels on the island and has a loyal cult following with many European visitors. It’s right on the main beach and has a variety of accommodation from single rooms and suites to villas with private pools.
A great self-contained option for groups and families is Villa Pelagos, which has a fantasic pool with views over the bay. It can sleep seven people across two bedrooms with three sofa beds – great for kids.
Cheronissos
At the very nothern end of Sifnos is the small fishing village of Cheronissos. This beautiful bay is home to just a handfull of small hotels, shops and tavernas and has a nice beach as well. The water here is very clear and usually very clear and the town is quite protected from the elements.
This is one of the best places to stay on Sifnos if you want to get away from the busier towns and villages in the south.
Facilities
- change rooms
- showers and toilets
- cafe/tavernas
- partial shade
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Where to stay in Cheronissos
There are not a lot of hotels in Cheronissos but the few that are there are some of the best on the island.
Psarona Hospitality is a gorgeous small hotel perched on the side of the beautiful bay that has double, triple and quadruple rooms at very reasonable prices.
Vroulidia
Vroulidia is one of Sifnos’s least frequented but most beautiful coasts; it can be challenging to get to, but the effort is clearly worthwhile. After a day of swimming, the trek back up is not as challenging as the hike down to the beach!
An expansive harbour of small, white pebbles is bathed in the crystal-clear water. Two wooden piers, on the other hand, will make it simpler for you to enter the water if you don’t particularly enjoy walking on stones or forgot your swimming shoes at home. Although the bay is often tranquil, windy days are better spent elsewhere.
Facilities
- change rooms
- showers and toilets
- cafe/tavernas
- partial shade
- shops
- sunbeds and umbrellas for hire
Faros
Seven kilometres separate Apollonia from the fishing village and safe harbour of Faros. It has the name of the historic tower on the shore (Faros is the Greek word for lighthouse), which served as the island’s principal port until 1883. (where the footpath from Faros to Glyfo begins today). A modest stone theatre on Faros’ seafront holds a variety of cultural events throughout the summer.
The well of brackish water to the right of Faros beach, which has been present since ancient times and is still there today, is the source of the beach’s name, Glyfou. Beginning at Glyfou, a lovely paved walk that is lit at night leads to Chrysopigi and Apokoftou beaches. The steps to the beach are to the right which lead to the ancient mines.
Last but not least, there is Fasolou, which is to the left of Faros beach and has a restaurant and lodging options. Fasolou is also home to the Stavros (the Cross) Monastery in Faros. The Acropolis is located on the hill of Agios Andreas and Kastro, and hiking trails leading there begin from Faros.
Facilities
- change rooms
- showers and toilets
- cafe/tavernas
- partial shade
- shops
- sunbeds and umbrellas for hire
Where to stay in Faros
Faros has some great new accommodation options now, having had very little up to recently apart from lovely Cape Napos Hotel.
Elements Boutique Hotel is a new 5-star hotel with a magnificent swimming pool overlooking the sea.
Closer to the village is the incredible Nos Hotel and Villas, one of the most exciting hotel openings in 2022. It’s 18 suites have breathtaking views of the Aegean sea and the 17th-century Monastery nearby. There is a restaurant run by award-winning Executive Chef Athinagoras Kostakos as well as an outdoor swimming pool, a fitness centre, spa, bar and a tranquil garden.
Fassolou
One of the three beaches in Faros, it is situated on the island’s south side. Previously, it served as a “den” for naturists, but that is no longer permitted. The Stavros of Faros Monastery is located on the west side of the bay, and the Chrysopigi rock is seen in front of the bay.
There are planted walkways to help you avoid the seaweed that covers much of the seafloor. The depth is relatively shallow at first then progressively gets deeper.
The beach is sandy with a few rocks, and in the summer, the dense clumps of tamarisk trees give shade. You may find clean restrooms, showers, and change rooms here. On the shore, there is a restaurant as well.
Facilities
- change rooms
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- partial shade
Glifo
It is the third beach near Faros, and many people think it is the nicest.
The settlement’s modest paved roadway leads to Glyfo. Similar to Fassolou, Faros has a view of Chrysopigi’s rock, and on its right side are the mines’ loading areas.
A short paved coastal route that leads to the beaches of Apokofto and Chrysopigi starts on the right side of Glyfou beach.
The water here is quite shallow and calm and the sand is fine and golden with lots of shady trees.
Facilities
- change rooms
- showers and toilets
- cafe/tavernas
- partial shade
Poulati (Dialiskari)Beach
One of the beaches in Sifnos with the most cultural significance is Poluati Beach, often referred to as Dialiskari Beach. It is a pebble beach with scattered pebbles, unlike the bulk of the beaches on Sifnos, therefore it might not be the ideal choice if you have young children.
However, it boasts stunning scenery, rugged hills, and crystal blue waterways. If you’re interested in investigating, there is a route leading to the Panagi Poulati, an ancient white and blue Greek church. After all, Sifnos is renowned for its numerous religious festivals.
