Sifnos island

General info
Sifnos belongs to the western Cyclades island cluster, covering 75 square km and having a population of 2,500 residents approximately.
It is a mountainous island of exquisite nature, and impressive relief consists of massifs, smooth hills, and fertile valleys of olive trees and vineyards, especially in its western and southern part, while in the northern is less fertile and more rugged, breathing a wild and alluring beauty. Surrounded by a coastline of 70 km, Sifnos has many fine, crystal clear water beaches which can satisfy all preferences and moods.  

Sifnos is a popular tourist destination and the last years it has presented a high development concerning tourist infrastructures. Yet, despite the continuous increase in tourism,   the island has succeeded in preserving   its traditional colour. The landscape is an enchanted blend where traditional elements such as white-washed houses, picturesque squares, windmills, dry-stone walls and dovecots are harmoniously co-exist with remarkable historical ones such as  old churches, ancient mines and the remains of the  medieval settlement of Kastro (Castle).

Having a long history and a rich cultural tradition, Sifnos is the birthplace of eminent poets, writers, and scientists, who have offered a lot to the world of letters and arts. Sifnos is also famous for its pottery, its fine wine, and its delicious cuisine. 

Neighbouring islands to Sifnos are Kythnos (Kithnos), Serifos, Kimolos and Paros.

Historical profile
Early indications of inhabitation of Sifnos date back to   the late 3rd millennium BC, and according to historians the first inhabitants were Pelasgians, followed by the Phoenicians, Carians and Leleges.  As the rest of the Cycladic islands, it was strongly influenced by the Minoan, Mycenaean and Athenian civilizations, all of which contributed a lot to the organizational structure of the society and to the flourishing of the island’s economy and culture.

Blessed with rich subsoil, with abundant deposits of gold, silver, iron and lead, Sifnos developed, since early antiquity, a respectable mining activity, and soon became a prosperous and important commercial centre. Due to its plenty clay deposits Sifnos developed also a remarkable pottery industry and it is known even today for its excellent works of art in this field.   The island reached its peak in all levels during the 6th century BC and then a decline followed due to upheavals in the wider Cycladic area.

In 145 BC the island was occupied by the Romans and later on became part of the Byzantine Empire, regaining a part of its lost glory and prosperity. From 7th to 11th century, Sifnos was greatly suffered by raids of Arabs and Latin pirates, and from 1204 it was dominated by Frankish, followed by the Venetians and Ottomans.
Sifnos participated in the Greek War of Independence in 1821 and integrated in Greece in 1830, but in 1941 it came under Italian rule and two years later it was subjugated by the Germans. Sifnos gained its freedom   in 1943.

Villages
Apollonia, is the capital of Sifnos with a population of 950 residents. It took its name by the Greek god of light, Apollo, whose temple is partly saved in the island.
Built amphitheatrically, the capital is distinguished for it aesthetic atmosphere.  Beautiful whitewashed houses built with the traditional architecture, narrow paved streets which lead to idyllic squares and to old churches with blue domes which seem to unite with the clear blue of the sky, scattered cosy little shops, compose the exciting, charming scenery of Apollonia.
The capital having been recently developed, offers plenty of accommodation facilities and choices of entertainment and it is the centre of Sifnos’ night life, since here you will find many bars and nightclubs.

Just 3 km east to Apollonia, and perched on a steep hill is Kastro (Castle). It is a preservable settlement of unique beauty and breathtaking view, built upon the remains of the most ancient settlement of Sifnos. Though many building have been adapted to meet the needs of their present residents, Kastro has maintained its intense medieval atmosphere. Ruins of the castle which was built in early 14th century, arcades and grave stelae, are still the main features of this place.

Kamares, is the port of Sifnos but also a delightful settlement, found at about 6 km northwest to Apollonia. Built in the homonymous bay, it is a highly attractive tourist destination, providing every facility one would expect from a modern resort.  
Along its coastline there are beautiful houses, pottery workshops, charming coffee-shops and taverns at the edge of the sea which offer great view and also delicious dishes of the famous local cuisine.  

At a distance of 9 km south to Apollonia is located Platis Gialos, a delightful seaside resort of traditional architecture, surrounded by olive tress and orchards.  The settlement has its own beach which is considered the most cosmopolitan one in Sifnos.

Beaches
Sifnos has many excellent beaches, most of them with fine golden sand and but all, with magnificent crystal clear and emerald waters.
On the southern part of the island, the most popular beach is Platis Gialos a blue-flag, long-stretched sandy beach with excellent waters and golden sand. There are also sea-sport facilities.
On the south-eastern, there is the Faros beach, a smaller yet equally fine sandy beach, with delightful coves, and in near distance southern to Faros is found the beach of Chrisopigi, a peaceful beach with rocky coves.
On the southwest part the most popular beach is Vathy (Vathi), with excellent emerald waters, fine sand and exquisite view, while northwesterly is situated the Hersonissos beach, a small sandy one with fabulous blue waters   and Kamares a long beach with shallow crystal clear waters.

Access
There are scheduled trips from Piraeus Port, especially during summer season by boat or by catamaran.  There is also regular connection with the islands of Paros, Santorini, Ios, Serifos, Kythnos, Kimolos, Folegandros, Sikinos and Milos.

Alternatively, you can go by plane to Mykonos, Paros, Syros, Milos and Santorini airports and from there you can get the local boat to Sifnos.