Key Takeaways
- Sifnos is a Greek island known for its dazzling natural beauty and is a popular destination for families and demanding travelers.
- The island has a rich history, with evidence of habitation dating back to 5000 BCE and various civilizations that inhabited it before the arrival of the Greeks.
- Sifnos was a prosperous and fertile island, known for its mining of gold, silver, and lead, and it was one of the wealthiest city-states in the 6th century BCE.
- Visitors to Sifnos can explore ancient sites like the town of Kastron, the capital of Sifnos until 1836, and the neighboring settlements of Apollonia and Artemonas. They can also engage in activities such as pottery-making and tasting the island's traditional cuisine.
Sifnos island - credits: pixabay
Some 5 hours away (with the conventional ferry lines) from the bustling port of Piraeus, Sifnos is a Greek island of dazzling natural beauty, inviting those seeking a memory-making destination.
With high mountains diving into the Aegean blue sea, just approaching the island is an experience of its own. Perhaps one of the most ideal destinations for families and demanding travelers, Sifnos is the next island you definitely have to explore!
For such a small island floating between the nearby islands of Serifos and Milos, Sifnos holds quite a spot in Greek history. Archaeological excavations suggest that the island's first habitation is dated around 5000 BCE.
Greek Cyclades - credits: pixabay.com
Many people inhabited the island even before the arrival of the Greeks, such as the Leleges, the Carians, and the Phoenicians, among others.
However, all this came to an end, according to tradition, after the decision of King Minos of Crete to conquer the island and put him in charge of his descendants.
Proof of that story stands in the settlement of Minoa, which is mentioned in ancient sources. In the 13th century BCE, the Achaeans had already spread throughout the Aegean region, and Sifnos was no exception.
Ruins of the Mycenaean fortification structures on the top of St. Andrew mountain and that of St. Nikitas show how dominant the Mycenaean civilization was during that time period.
In antiquity, the island was known by many names, such as Meropi or Aces, but after the coming of the Ionians on the island, it was named Sifnos after the son of the Attican hero Sounios. Sifnos became a prosperous and fertile island with a dynamic population that exploited its natural resources.
Apart from the dependency of the population on agriculture, the Siphnians quickly discovered and started mining the island’s gold, silver, and lead. The many abandoned ancient mines scattered throughout the island show how intensively the inhabitants exploited the island's resources, resulting in a growing and advanced economy.
It is known that the important Greek island of Aegina, one of the formidable states of the ancient world, relied on the silver ores of Sifnos to mint its coinage. Sifnos had its own coinage, but the minting involved was not of a scale comparable to that of Aegina. Nevertheless, Sifnos was definitely one of the wealthiest city-states of the 6th century BCE.
Proof of that statement stands the exquisite, dreamy treasury of the Siphnians built at the sanctuary of Apollo in Delphi. The facade of this temple-like building was dominated by the two maidens (korai) supporting instead of columns the entablature of the Treasury.
The sea in Greece - credits: pixabay.com
On the pediment, a battle between Apollo and Hercules over the sacred oracle-tripod caught the eye of the visitor while Zeus (according to some Athena or Hermes) tried to separate and calm down the two enraged gods.
The four sides of the Treasury were also decorated with four friezes depicting Gigantomachy, scenes from the Trojan War, the abduction of Hippodamia, and the Judgement of Paris.
Painted with vivid colors of striking blues, whites, and reds, it was certain that the erection of such a treasury was a deliberate wealth proclamation on behalf of the Siphnians at the Panhellenic sanctuary of Delphi.
Today, the visitor can marvel at the ruins of that magnificent piece of art at the Delphi Archaeological Museum. The island contributed greatly to the war against the Persians during the 5th century BCE and participated in the Athenian League, an alliance founded to defend Greeks from any future Persian threat.
Statue of Zeus - credits: pixabay.com
Apart from the island's ancient history that continued with the Roman and Byzantine times, Sifnos played another important role in the Greek region during medieval times.
After the conquest of the Aegean by the Latins after the Fourth Crusade and the formation of the Duchy of the Archipelago, the island was included as an addition to the territory of the Sanudo dynasty.
In the 14th century, a Knight Hospitaller, Januli I da Corogna, dispatched Sifnos from the Sanudo control and proclaimed the island an independent territory up until the 17th century when the Gozzani family offered the island to the Ottoman Empire. In 1821, the Siphnians rebelled against the Ottoman Empire and participated in the War of Independence.
What to see on Sifnos
The town of Kastron
At the eastern part of the island lies the ancient town of Kastron, the capital of Sifnos from antiquity up until 1836. It is one of the most well-preserved medieval settlements to be found in the Cycladic region.
The urban design of the Kastron ensures the protection of the inhabitants and the control of the seaways of the Aegean Sea. Today, visitors can stroll around the narrow alleys and admire the typical medieval Cycladic architecture.
On the walls of the houses, the visitor can see ruins of ancient buildings, columns, and funerary monuments incorporated into the modern structures.
Follow up the maze-like narrow streets to the highest point of the Kastron and spend some time gazing at the vastness of the deep blue Aegean Sea.
Then, follow the signs to take you to the iconic little church of the Seven Martyrs located at the top of a conical hill close to the sea; you guessed it! It is dedicated to the Seven Martyrs, and you can learn all about it during your visit there.
In the settlement of Kastron, you can also find the small archaeological museum of the island with many impressive artifacts reflecting the vast history of ancient and medieval Sifnos.
Apollonia and Artemonas
Originally two separate villages but today almost united, the neighboring settlements of Apollonia and Artemonas are named after the divine twins Apollo and Artemis. The churches of Panagia Yeranofiora and Panagia Kokhi stand on top of the ancient temples of Apollo and Artemis, respectively.
Do not miss the chance to wander around the town's picturesque streets and let Cyclades's aesthetic sink in. For those wanting to have drinks and discover what the island has to offer regarding nightlife, Apollonia is the place to be.
Otherwise, you can always walk up to Artemonas and taste the delicious traditional desserts and pastries found in local workshops. Do not miss the chance to visit the charming Museum of Folk Arts and see for yourselves how life on a Cycladic island used to be in the past.
Return to Kamares
The first site you will witness when arriving at Sifnos is the picturesque port of Kamares on the island's western shores.
Originally a picturesque village, the bay of Kamares is surrounded by high mountains with numerous caves. Although Kamares is the official port of the island nowadays, it retains some of its past beauty and traditional taste.
With many options for you to choose from (traditional tavernas, modern restaurants, cafes, and bars), Kamares beach is the place to enjoy a meal or drink by the seaside. Do not miss the opportunity to climb to the church of Agia Marina and enjoy a majestic sunset!
What to do on Sifnos
Discover the pottery tradition of the island
Perhaps the trademark of Sifnos, the pottery tradition is one of the most dominant commercial activities still happening on the island. With countless small workshops and many pottery experts, this Cycladic pottery mecca is the place to be for every pottery lover.
After all, even since ancient times and even today, the most renowned potters of Greece come from the island of Sifnos.
Discover the traditional vessels of the Cyclades and get your hands dirty by trying to make your own pots. From cooking vessels to chimneys, plates, cups, etc., it seems that everything on Sifnos is made out of clay!
Let yourselves immerse into the tradition of the island and experience its history through the humble craft of pottery.
Taste the local cuisine
The place to be for every foodie, Sifnos offers a wide variety of traditional Cycladic recipes for you to choose from that surpass the typical Greek salad you see advertised on all Greek islands and mainland destinations.
Meat stews cooked in clay pots, fresh vegetables, legumes and fruits, traditional pasta, and delicious pastries are only some of the dishes you must try!
A popular beach party - credits: pixabay.com
The long culinary tradition of Sifnos is reflected by the figure of Nikolaos Tselementes, a Siphnian who came to be the most-known Greek chef ever! His name was so popular that the word for a cookbook got his name in modern Greek.
He was also responsible for making traditional Greek cuisine international and known throughout the world with dishes such as moussaka and pastitsio! The people of Sifnos are so proud of Tselementes that they hold every year a culinary festival to honor the work of the famous cook!
How To Get To Sifnos Island?
Ferry to Sifnos island, Greece - credits: pixabay.com
Depending on the season you choose to visit Sifnos, there are several options you can choose from to reach Sifnos. The entry of high-speed ferries on the Western Cyclades line has dramatically reduced travel time.
So if you choose such a means, you will travel the distance of approximately 80 miles that separates the port of Piraeus from Sifnos in approximately 3.5 hours.
During the summer season, the frequency of the Piraeus-Sifnos routes is adjusted accordingly and is admittedly quite satisfactory, with 3 or even 4 arrivals during the high season. Note that in summer, conventional ships operate intra-Cycladic routes, connecting several islands of the Cyclades by ferry.
In this way, Sifnos can become a base for Serifos, Kythnos, Kimolos, Milos, Folegandros, Ios, Sikinos, Santorini, Paros, and other Cyclades.
Greek ferry - credits: pixabay.com
The option of traveling by plane from Eleftherios Venizelos to the nearest airport in Milos is also debatable. From there, you will be in Sifnos in 30 minutes with the fast ferry or 1.5 hours with the conventional ferry.
Alternatively, the nearest airports to Sifnos are those of the other islands of Paros, Syros, Mykonos, and Santorini. All you have to do is find out about the flights and ferry connections between the islands.
Please contact the local shipping agencies and port authorities for more information on ferry routes to and from Sifnos.
How to get around Sifnos Island?
Rental car in the Cyclades islands - credits: Self Drive Vehicle Hire - https://sdvh.co.uk/
The twelve villages of the entire island of Sifnos are connected to each other regularly during the summer season by frequent bus routes, while ten taxis also serve the transport.
There are also many car and motorcycle rental companies in Sifnos based in Kamares (port), Apollonia (the Sifnos island capital), and Platy Gialos.
Sifnos island - credits: pixabay
Kilometer distances in Sifnos are short, and the access time to the remotest small village or beach does not exceed 20 minutes.
Also, if you are a hiking lover, you can follow one of the Sifnos trails and get to know the island from a different perspective.
Final Thoughts
Sifnos is definitely a destination that will surely satisfy your wanderlust! However you choose to spend your time there, from making pots and tasting the authentic local cuisine to discovering the island's rich past and wondering about the well-preserved trail network, Sifnos guarantees a memorable experience with pristine sandy beaches for every traveler type and family-friendly environment.
Do not waste more time and plan your own trip to explore Sifnos island or check out one of our Greece tours and the best family hotels in Greece.
Get in touch with our travel specialists and design the ideal family trip to Greece!
Frequently Asked Questions
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