The Ultimate Sifnos Travel Guide: Best Things to Do, Beaches, & Restaurants

Published October 27, 2026

Editor’s Note: If you’re starting to plan out your time in Sifnos or considering adding it to your island-hopping itinerary, this guide is for you. I’ve narrowed down the best things to do in Sifnos, where to eat, plus where to stay, with helpful tips.

Out of our five-week trip through the Cycladic islands in Greece, Sifnos was the one island I was looking most forward to. Known for its dramatic landscape dotted with easy to reach beach coves, an island only accessible by ferry, and best known as a “foodie” destination, the island far exceeded my expectations. After spending 8 days on the island, Sifnos became our favorite island stop in Greece, and for such good reason.

Even though it’s one of the smaller islands in the Cyclades, Sifnos packs a serious punch. The island has over a dozen incredible restaurants (so many it’s hard to narrow down) and crystal-clear coves, which pair beautifully with many of the restaurants for post-lunch swims. The landscape between is grand, with mountainous roads that traverse the island. And if you spend a few nights in the hilltop area, you’ll feel like you’re floating above the Aegean Sea (our Airbnb was out of this world).

It’s an island deserving of time spent across all of its corners, as each part is so different. I found myself at utter relaxation between our days spent dipping into the waters, to shopping for local ceramics which is a centuries old Sifnos tradition, to meals planned in various locations across the island.

Sifnos is for those who want to experience what an island feels like before mass tourism hits — it could not be more different from its neighbors like Milos or Paros. And having done many of the Greek islands, I can say Sifnos has beautifully held on to its roots.

If you’re starting to plan your time on Sifnos, I’ve taken the very best of our days on the island and put them into this travel guide. I’m breaking down the best things to do in Sifnos, from the restaurants to reserve in advance, the beaches to swim at, and some incredible accommodations to stay at for your time. It’s an island that rewards the time and effort to get there, and has a bounty of beauty to enjoy.

The Best Things to Do in Sifnos, Greece:
A Complete First-Timer’s Guide

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Quick Tips Before Visiting Sifnos

Before getting into the best things to do, I recommend looking at the travel logistics for your trip to Sifnos to help get a sense of the island and pace.

How Many Days in Sifnos is Enough?

For a first visit, I recommend at least four full days to see Sifnos. While the island may be small in size, there are several wonderful villages to explore, beaches in the south and north, and most importantly, standout restaurants you’ll want to have the time for. Three nights and four full days in Sifnos gives you enough time to do it all. If you can stay a full week, then I do recommend it, as it would give you a slower pace to enjoy the island.

• Four Days in Sifnos: The Hilltop Villages, 2-3 Beaches, and Dining
• Five+ Days in Sifnos: All of the above at a slower pace, more beaches, ceramic stores, and a day trip.

Is it Worth Visiting Sifnos, Greece?

Yes! It’s worth visiting Sifnos if you want to experience a Cycladic island that feels wonderfully authentic. Home to some of the best restaurants in the Cyclades, Sifnos is where you go to enjoy Greek cuisine and easy-to-access beaches. Since the island is not nearly as built up as the rest of the Cyclades, it still has a much more local feel to it.

How to Get to Sifnos

Getting to Sifnos by Ferry

The only way to access Sifnos is to reach it by ferry, as there is no local airport on the island. The closest island that you can fly to is Milos, and then you could ferry from there if you’re visiting Milos. If coming directly, it is best to ferry from Athens, or include it as part of one of your island stops while in the Cyclades. We used Ferryhopper for all of our ferries in Greece as it was convenient to manage bookings, and flex fares allowed for last-minute changes due to weather and preference.

• Sifnos Ferry from Athens — You can take a direct ferry from the port of Piraeus in Athens; the high-speed ferries take around 2 1/2 hours, whereas the more conventional ferries can take more than five hours.
• Other Nearby Islands — other islands nearby have routes to Sifnos. Milos is only 45 to 60 minutes, Kimolos is under 30 minutes, Paros is 1 hour, and Santorini is around 2 hours 45 minutes by fast ferry.

Getting Around Sifnos

• By Rental Car or Scooter — I recommend renting a car when you get to the Port of Kamares in Sifnos for the easiest way to get around the island. You could also choose to rent a scooter if you want something smaller. We had a rental car for our eight days on the island and found it very convenient to be able to access all of the beaches and towns at our own pace.
• By Bus — I did not use the public bus, but I did see that the bus route was very popular between the main towns and the beaches it runs to. You would want to base yourself in either Apollonia or Kamares, as Apollonia is a hub for many beach and village routes. The Cheronissos route departs from Artemonas.

Rental Car Tip: We used Avance Rent a Car for all our car rentals across 5 weeks and 4 islands on our Greece trip and had a great experience. Pick-ups and drop-offs were the fastest we’ve had anywhere, and the prices were quite reasonable. We ended up booking direct, as we found most of the main booking sites had very limited availability and much higher prices.

Best Time of Year to Visit Sifnos

If I had to pick the best time to visit Sifnos, I would say early in the season in June or later in the season in September, when all of the crowds are not there, but it is still pleasant to visit.

• May to June — May to June begins this season in Sifnos; there is hardly anyone on the island, and it’s easier to get reservations at the restaurants. The caveat is that the sea is not entirely warm, but it is still swimmable on hot days.
• July to August — Peak summer crowds on the island come between July and August. The island does get quite busy, so you need to reserve everything far in advance. You will have the hottest days, but the sea will feel very refreshing.
• September to October — One of the best times of year, especially for those who love to swim in the sea. It is at its warmest, and at the end of the season for the island, the restaurants usually stay open through the first week or so of October.
• October through April — Sifnos really shuts down for the winter months, with very little open between the most popular restaurants and accommodations. While it is popular to visit for hiking, you would need to carefully plan out where you will eat and stay during the winter months.

Is Sifnos easy to explore?

Compared to all of the other islands I visited in the Cyclades, I found Sifnos one of the easiest to drive around. The roads are wide and well mapped out, with one to two main roads that cut through the island. Because Sifnos is so small, you never drive more than 45 to 60 minutes across the island. Most things to do are under a 30-minute drive.

Is Sifnos family-friendly?

I found Sifnos to be very family-friendly. All of the popular beaches are very easy to access with nearby parking in flat areas. The restaurants were all welcoming, and the villages are easy to stroll through. Outside of the stairs within some of the villages, those would’ve been tricky to navigate with a stroller.

Other Important Travel Tips

• Tipping — You can either round up or leave 5-10%, or even just a few euros.
• Language — English is widely spoken, but I recommend a few Greek phrases like “Kalimera,” which is good morning, or “Yasou,” which is hello. These go a long way when interacting.
• Money — I recommend carrying some cash for small vendors. Otherwise, major credit cards are fine and widely accepted.

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Where to Stay in Sifnos

I have an entire guide on where to stay in Sifnos, breaking down the areas in detail with many recommendations for hotels and vacation rentals. For four nights or more, I recommend splitting your stay between Platis Gialos or Faros and Artemonas or Apollonia. With fewer nights, I’d choose one base in the center or south of the island.

1. Platis Gialos and Faros, best for beachfront stays and families
   Hotels: Verina Terra Hotel, Enalion Suites, Nos Hotel & Villas
   Airbnbs: Villa Glaros House (Where I Stayed), Sifnos Beachfront Home, Ammos 2
2. Artemonas, best for a central location for traditional charm
   Hotels: Verina Astra Hotel, Petali Village Hotel
   Airbnbs: Aggelis Villa Sifnos (Where I Stayed), Aglaia’s Home, Hillside House
3. Apollonia, best for a central location for no car and dining
   Hotels: Stamna Sifnos, Nival Boutique Hotel, Gerofinikas Boutique Hotel
   Airbnbs: Kallisti Boutique Home, DeuxSiècles Rooftop Home, #HH05 Sunset House
4. Cheronissos, best location for unplugged relaxation
   Airbnbs: Psarona Hospitality Big 1 Br (My Top Pick), Ethereal House, Onar Sifnos
5. Vathi, best for a low-key beach
   Hotels: Elies Resort, Eutopia Suites, Aerides Boutique Rooms
   Airbnbs: Xenia Beachhouse, Sea-fnos Beach House, Beach Studio

My Top Tip: Book early, as Sifnos has limited hotel rooms, and the best Airbnbs like the boathouses book up quickly in the summer.

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What to Do in Sifnos

Visit the Charming Villages

While a small and rugged island, Sifnos is home to a handful of charming historic villages that are well worth spending time in. The beaches are fantastic, but the villages add character and fill in the history of your time in Sifnos. If I had to pick three to explore or set aside time for, these would be them:

Apollonia

The epicenter for all things social on the island of Sifnos, Apollonia is a hilltop town that really comes to life in the early evening. It’s the one town I would save for an evening out, planning the time around a dinner (namely KAFENEIO DRAKAKIS) and post-dinner drinks at Botzi 93. In the peak summer season, you will actually need reservations for the restaurants here; even the one night we went in early June, the restaurant was packed.

The main pedestrian street of To Steno is lined with about a dozen or so stores, which all had open hours typically from 6 pm to 11 pm at night (as well as before siesta from 10:30 am to 2 pm). The jewelry store of Ekatonenteka, the clothing store Dotts, and το Σταυρί for gourmet food were all standouts. With the later hours, it’s easy to build in time before dinner or even after dinner to shop through some of the local stores here.

Where to Park: Parking around Apollonia can be hectic because many buses pass through this area. I’d recommend parking at this free lot just below the village and walking up.

Artemonas

The quieter, more local sister to Apollonia is the village of Artemonas. You can actually walk between the two, as they do blend with each other, with one road that connects them. I really enjoyed our time in Artemonas; we came back several times, mostly to get pastries at the local bakery of Veniou and iced freddos to go at Smaragdi Restaurant.

The village is compact and beautiful, and as you stroll the single-lane road, you’ll pass by an assortment of places. Keep an eye out for the historic Theodorou bakery that sells a classic Greek treat called amygdalota, and a handful of stores like Sunlit Boutique and Jo Handcrafted in Sifnos. For a meal, reserve a table in advance at Cafe Mosaic; we went twice, and it was so good.

Where to Park: We parked in this dirt lot that is free to park, just in the middle of the village. From there, it’s only a 5-minute walk into town. If you have kids, there is also a playground there.

Kastro

The most historic village on Sifnos is Kastro, and its history dates back before the Middle Ages. The ancient city was the principal settlement on Sifnos, as the former capital. Set up on a rocky headland that overlooks the Aegean, Kastro has over time turned from an ancient city into a fortified medieval village. With roots that go back to prehistoric times, you find over 2500 years of history here. It’s also home to the Church of the Seven Martyrs, the famous church on a rocky outcrop just below the village.

Kastro is somewhere you can easily go spend a couple of hours, strolling around winding alleys, and then enjoy a drink at the famous Loggia Wine Bar with epic views. I’d recommend showing up right at opening for Loggia Wine Bar, or try to snag a reservation at the restaurant Cantina (one of the top 3 restaurants on Sifnos) that sits at the bottom of the bay below Kastro.

Where to Park: You have a few choices for parking in Kastro, beginning with the biggest free parking lot before the village. Alternatively, you can try to drive up the main road and snag street parking, but it is very limited, and it’s a narrow road.

Shop For Local Ceramics — A Longstanding Sifnos Tradition

Sifnos’ history with ceramics is ancient, as it was one of the leading islands for ceramic production in Greece. Because there is so much clay on the island, there were multiple studios that shaped the island’s production for generations. Today, there are about 15 or so that are still open, and most of them sell ceramics to the public.

I spent a lot of time visiting ceramic stores across the island, and I loved it so much that I ended up shipping an entire box home to California (more on this below). The ceramics here are incredibly special, and getting to see the artisans work with the materials, especially at Lembesis Pottery near Artemonas, was incredible. These are the ceramic stores I would add to your list:

• Lembesis Pottery — My favorite (unfortunately most expensive) ceramic studio, I visited in Sifnos. I stopped by the location near Artemonas and got to see the artisans’ hands painting each design on the plates and bowls. The colors are stunning, and the pottery is really well-made. We shipped home a collection of plates, bowls, and mugs and have been using them for several months, and they’ve held up really well. There are two locations: near Artemonas (the main studio) and then a shop just near Apollonia.
• Sifnos Stoneware — The pottery here is very classic and modern with neutral tones. This was one of the only studios that would ship for you back home.
• ΚΕΡΑΜΙΚΑ Η ΔΥΣΚΟΛΗ — A very old-fashioned ceramic store that is cash-only, with historic ceramics from candle holders to small bowls.
• Κεραμικά Αποστολίδη Pottery — A very bright and cheerful pottery store that has a more modern and contemporary feel to it.
• ATSONIOS Ceramics – ΚΕΡΑΜΙΚΑ ΑΤΣΟΝΙΟΣ — Really lovely ceramic store in Vathi, lots of brighter colors.
• Ceramic Psaraftis — The largest ceramic store I visited in Platis Gialos; you could spend a few hours going through here. You’ll find everything from bases to large platters, with a mix of sea-inspired and contemporary style.
• Ceramics Lemonis Frazeskos — A small ceramic studio in Platis Gialos; it is mostly stoneware and pottery.

How to Ship Ceramics Out of Sifnos

While a few of the ceramic shops will ship for you, our favorite, Lemsesis, didn’t so we had to self-ship. One afternoon, my husband spent over an hour walking through Apollonia, vetting shipping options (Google Maps shows different DHL options on the map, but they’re not accurate). Ultimately, we shipped our ceramics home with ACS Courier and had a wonderful experience. The staff were super helpful, provided a box, and helped ensure everything was packed safely. Packages from Sifnos to the US typically ship via DHL Express, and ours arrived in California in less than one week (all ceramics arrived safely too!).

I want to warn you: international shipping costs aren’t cheap. Our package was 12.5 pounds and cost $397 to ship, plus an additional $19 in customs duty once it arrived in the US.

Pick a Beach for a Taverna Lunch and Swim

One of my favorite things to do in Sifnos was to pick a beach taverna where we could swim in the sea just after our lunch. There are several locations across the island that have this option, where you can have a wonderful lunch with your toes in the sand and then get a dip into the Aegean afterwards. I think getting to spend at least two afternoons like this is ideal, because most of the villages shut down anyway from 2- 4 pm, so what better place to spend the day than at the beach.

If I had to pick a few of my favorite combinations, these are the beaches I would pair with lunch:

• Cheronissos Beach with lunch at Η Αμμουδιά or Cheronissos Fish Taverna
• Vathi Beach with lunch at Tsikali
• Platis Gialos Beach with lunch at Omega3, Maiòlica Sifnos, or To Steki
• Apokofto Beach with lunch at Restaurant Chrisopigi-Lembesis
• Faros/Vlichó Beach with lunch at Pelicanos

Enjoy Sunset from Agios Symeon

Up a winding road that seems to have no end, you’ll find the second highest point on the island of Sifnos at the white-walled church of Agios Symeon. The views from here are spectacular, and well worth the very careful drive you have to take to get to the top. My suggestion is to arrive at least 30 minutes before sunset, and catch the last of the light that will coat the Port of Kamares in the most beautiful golden rays. While we came on a whim, I saw many people who had pre-planned their Greek sunset outing with a few drinks and bites on hand to enjoy for sunset (I’d steal this idea!). Lastly, bring a sweatshirt, as it can be windy and a bit cooler up there.

You’ll certainly want to be quite careful on the drive, taking the turns slowly as most are blind turns. I don’t think I’d suggest a scooter for the last portion as there is a lot of gravel, and most I saw park their scooters just before the cement ended. With a car, we had no problem making the full ascent, and there is plenty of parking at the top.

Try Local Sweets at Theodorou

Opened in 1933, Theodorou is well known for historic treats it has preserved and continued making for nearly 100 years. Right in the town of Artemonas, this storied sweet store that feels quite literally preserved in time is still open today to the public. Only selling a handful of sweets, it is most famous for the Greek treat of amygdalota, ground-almond treats in cookie form. They’re formed to look apparently like a Roman nose, but truthfully they’re just delicious and worth trying once. Depending on the day, there are other sweets for sale too, like halva pie and kourabiedes (my favorite).

Spend an Afternoon at Loumidis Family Farm

For those with kids in tow, or even just interested in visiting a working farm on the island of Sifnos, book in time at Loumidis Family Farm. The 1.5-hour-or-so tour takes you around the farm, from how the land has been worked to grow traditional ingredients to how they raise the farm animals, to ending your time by getting to taste their farm-grown ingredients. It’s a very family-friendly thing to do (our friends who visited the island did it and raved about it), and I wish we had made the time to make the visit.

Eat at The Restaurants that Set Sifnos Apart

Eating in Sifnos is one of the best parts of visiting the island, home to a dozen plus top-tier restaurants. Some are traditional beach tavernas, others are deserving of a Michelin-star in terms of service and deliciousness. Sifnos is often dubbed the “foodie” destination of Greece, in large to the legacy of Nikolaos Tselementes, the chef who wrote Greece’s first modern cookbook. So much so, to honor this heritage, the island hosts the annual Cycladic Gastronomy Festival every September in Artemonas. Sifnos and food go hand in hand. I’ve listed it as one of the things to do in Sifnos as it takes some careful consideration around reservations and planning. I have an entire guide on where to eat in Sifnos (coming soon!) and have included my top restaurant recommendations below.

Take the Hike to the Church of the Seven Martyrs

Set below the village of Kastro, I think the Church of the Seven Martyrs is the most recognizable monument on Sifnos. A small traditional white chapel with a blue dome sits perched on a rocky outcrop over the edge of the Aegean Sea. For me, what makes this church so fantastic is its setting, a real postcard moment on the island. The building dates back to the 19th century, and with Sifnos’ tradition of building the white churches in remote places on the island, this is a fine example. It’s around 180-200 steps (no exact number), so keep in mind that you will have to hike back. If you’d rather skip the hike, you can also see it easily from the outer walls of Kastro.

Visit the Northern Tip of Sifnos at Cheronissos

I have to make a particular call-out for the northernmost tip of Sifnos, the final beach cove where the road ends in Cheronissos. This idyllic, turquoise water inlet is something of a picture-perfect postcard, and couldn’t feel more like a day on a Greek island. Cheronissos is small, with two tavernas lining the beach edge, a historic ceramic store, and a mini mart (with very expensive sunscreen, buyer beware). Cheronissos also has a collection of homes from Psarona Hospitality that I would have gladly holed up in for a few nights if I could have snagged a reservation (super popular).

If you’re headed to Cheronissos, it’s best to combine a swim and a meal. Keep an eye out for the ceramic store ΚΕΡΑΜΙΚΑ Η ΔΥΣΚΟΛΗ to open its doors; hours are when the owner is there. And after lunch, pick one of the perfect platforms on the outer edges of the inlet to soak under the sun. Do keep an eye out, though, for the fishing nets; fishermen lay these out in a particular way to dry and cannot be stepped on.

See Chrisopigi Monastery

To the south near Faros is the Chrisopigi Monastery, a much easier-to-visit church as you can drive right up to the parking lot just below the buildings. Dedicated to the Virgin Mary, who is considered the island’s protector, the church has a bit of a history. There’s a legend that says there were pirates attacking the island and threatening the Christian women, and through the Virgin Mary, the rock split, allowing the women to escape. You’ll see the narrow cleft in the rocks tied to the legend when you visit, and the old monastic buildings have a stunning setting just at the sea’s edge.

Hit the Hiking Trails on Sifnos

There are over 100 kilometers of marked trails that encircle and traverse the island of Sifnos. The ancient stone paths connect many of the villages, remote churches, and hidden coves around the island. If you’re into hiking, the marked paths are easy to follow. You’ll have little to no shade on the walks, so do bring your own water and consider doing these earlier in the morning. A few to consider:

• Sifnos Trail 4 (Cedars, Olive Trees and the Sea / Platis Gialos – Fikiada Loop) — A 6.6 to 7.2 mile trail that starts at Platis Gialos and works its way to the remote chapel of Profitis.
• Monastery of Chrysopigi – Timios Stavros Church (Coastal Route) — An easy 3-mile out-and-back trail that winds around the shorelines of Sifnos, starting at the Monastery of Chrysopigi and passing through Faros to Timios Stavros Church.
• Sifnos Trail 9 (The Wuthering North / Kabanario – Cherronissos) — An easy to moderate trail that is about 1.5 miles one way (about 3 miles out and back) and brings you into the village of Cherronissos.

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The Best Beaches to Visit in Sifnos

There are a handful of standout beaches in Sifnos to add to your list. I’ve included notes on which are affected the most by the Meltemi winds as well. These are my top choices:

Cheronissos Beach

If I had to pick one beach that I think of the most on Sifnos, it would be Cheronissos, as it was so different from the rest of the island. Set at the furthest northern point, its crystal-clear waters were stunning, with little boats bobbing up and down in the background. Even on windy days, Cheronissos Beach felt calm because of how protected it is, so it’s a good beach to visit at any time.

• Best For: Quieter, distinct beach cove
• Beach Style: Small sandy strip of beach with cement platforms to sunbathe
• When to Visit: Mornings for quieter visits
• Good to Know: It’s the most northern beach, and there are facilities.
• Parking: You will park above the beaches as the road access to the village can be limited, and there is a large lot above with a 5-minute walk in.
• Food Options: Two tavernas that serve seafood, Cheronissos Fish Tavern (where we ate) and Η Αμμουδιά. Both are good.

Vathi Beach

With a large horseshoe bay and one of the longest strips of sand, Vathi Beach is one of the calmest and most sheltered beaches in the south (though it is exposed to southwesterly winds). We spent a day here, hopping from our taverna lunch to the sea, enjoying a calm swim. There’s loads here, and a small village area.

• Best For: Families and a relaxed beach day
• Beach Style: Long sandy beach, horseshoe bay that is protected
• When to Visit: Anytime
• Good to Know: It is very sheltered
• Parking: There is a main lot that is above the village and requires a 10-minute walk down
• Food Options: Several tavernas and cafes; Tsikali is my favorite

Faros Beach and Vlichó

My other favorite beaches in the south were Faros Beach and its next-door beach of Vlichó. As Faros Beach is the main large beach for the town, if you traverse through the Cycladic village, up and over, you’ll find Vlichó beach. Vlichó beach is lovely, set with tamarisk trees that you can sit under for shade. Either beach is nice for a swim and easy to access.

• Best For: A long beach day with proper village amenities
• Beach Style: Faros is a sheltered beach next to a fishing harbour, and Vlichó is a more laid-back beach just over five minutes
• When to Visit: Anytime
• Good to Know: Faros was the main port of Sifnos until 1883, so it is still an active harbor
• Parking: There is one main parking lot just above the village
• Food Options: Several restaurants and cafes; Pelicanos is my favorite

Apokofto Beach

With views to the Monastery of Panagia Chrysopigi, Apokofto Beach is much more exposed as it is an open bay. What I loved about the beach, though, was how shallow it is and how easy it is to access. It had incredible stones as well, which we spent an hour looking at, all of the vibrant colors. There are also some shady areas as well, with trees that sit just off the water’s edge.

• Best For: Swimming and visiting a historic site
• Beach Style: A small cove with clear water
• When to Visit: Anytime
• Good to Know: Visit the Monastery of Panagia Chrysopigi while here, as you’ll pass by it
• Parking: There is one main lot that has lots of spaces
• Food Options: Two tavernas; I recommend Restaurant Chrysopigi-Lembesis

Platis Gialos

One of the largest and most built-up beaches on Sifnos is Platis Gialos. The long beach is lined with dozens of restaurants and beach bars that spill out onto the beach. The beach is very active, easy to access, and very popular to visit on the island due to its ease. We stayed right on the beach for a few nights and enjoyed getting in the water here.

• Best For: Families, watersports (equipment for rent), daybeds for rent, and full days
• Beach Style: More commercial beach with a long strip of sand
• When to Visit: Anytime
• Good to Know: It’s good to reserve the popular restaurants for lunch
• Parking: There are a few lots, but it does fill up come early afternoon
• Food Options: Plenty of choices all day; Omega3 is my favorite

Kamares Beach

I’m not one to always recommend a port beach, but Kamares is quite nice considering its location. Its wide, sandy beach has turquoise waters and several spots to lay out. If you’re in need of some beach time before a ferry, this is a good spot to hang before heading out.

• Best For: A quick dip before a ferry, or without a car
• Beach Style: A wide sandy beach just adjacent to the port
• When to Visit: Anytime
• Good to Know: Swim away from the area where boats dock
• Parking: Lots nearby
• Food Options: Lots in the town of Kamares next to it

Fassolou Beach

A more off-the-radar beach, just over from Faros, is Fassolou Beach. It’s small but a good one if you want something on the southern edge that doesn’t have near as many visitors as Faros.

• Best For: Quieter beach for families
• Beach Style: Small sandy cove, and some shade from tamarisk trees
• When to Visit: Anytime
• Good to Know: You can easily walk to Faros village for more amenities
• Parking: Limited parking on the street
• Food Options: One single taverna, Fasolu Restaurant – Beach Bar, with more in Faros

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Where to Eat in Sifnos

Editor’s Note: I do ample research on where to eat in each destination I visit because I believe this is an equally valuable part of the trip when traveling somewhere new. I like a mix of modern and traditional cuisine, so this list represents a bit of all the best places to eat in Sifnos after eating at more than two dozen restaurants.

Pelicanos

One of my favorite long lunches we had was at Pelicanos, a beach taverna and upscale seafood restaurant right on the beach in Faros. It’s done by Giorgos Samoilis who does Cantina as well, and this is his take on modern seafood with more bright and bold flavors. *Reserve in advance

Cantina

Second to Pelicanos, Chef Giorgos Samoilis’ Cantina was one of the best dinners on the island in terms of setting, food, and service. It’s an incredibly tough reservation to get, only by whatsapp and done weeks in advance. I’d plan around this meal first. The restaurant is zero-waste (“no loss – no waste”) restaurant built directly into the rocks of a historic seaside building just below the town of Kastro. The multi-course dinner takes about 2.5 hours to do and you have lots of wood-fired dishes too.

Omega3

One of the first famous restaurants on the island was Omega3, a fishbar right at Platis Gialos beach. I enjoyed our lunch here, with more crudo dishes than anything. It’s all bar-seating (not the easiest with kids), and you sit out looking over the sea. The dishes are creative and super fresh here, be sure to book ahead.

Cafe Mosaic

In Artemonas, our favorite low-key place was Cafe Mosaic for small plates and local food. We came here with our daughter, the food was delicious and loved that we could try a handful of local dishes like dolmas, grilled manoura, and traditional meatballs.

Bostani Bar & Restaurant

I went one night solo to Bostani Bar and enjoyed this cliffside restaurant at Verina Astra. The concept is farm-to-table dining, and has one of the best elevated views. It’s a more high-end experience with chef Nikos Thomas focusing in on creative dishes and textures.

Tsikali

In Vathi Beach is the wonderful taverna of Tsikali. It’s the kind of spot to spend a few hours enjoying the toes-in-sand lunch, and then follow with a dip. The food is casual, but really well-done. I’d recommend the moussaka here and the roast chicken.

Restaurant Chrisopigi-Lembesis

Another classic beach taverna, we loved Restaurant Chrisopigi-Lembesis as a family. It’s a bigger restaurant right near Chrisopigi Monastery, with a huge menu. You have to try the classic chickpea soup when here, and their house salad. This was one of the best taverna meals of the trip!

Kafeneio Drakakis

Kafeneio Drakakis was a favorite for a later meal in Apollonia, and was packed every time we walked by. It’s one of the more famous restaurants, a longstanding spot on the island for meze (small dishes). I’d describe it as old-world Greek food but with a modern twist. Don’t miss the Manoura Saganaki (the tomato dish) and the spicy sausage.

NŌS The Restaurant

NŌS The Restaurant, one of the newer spots on the island served some of the best food near Faros. It’s more upscale, and their wood-fired dishes were fantastic. Don’t miss the split shrimp, topped with local herbs and spice; it was my husbands favorite dish on the island. *Reserve in advance

Veniou Bakery

Veniou was our favorite local bakery in Artemonas; there was everything from pastries to cookies.

Loggia Wine Bar

Loggia Wine Bar sits at the very edge of Kastro, and was the one spot I wish I could have gone to but was closed when I was there. It’s a very popular bar meets casual eatery. In my recommendation and based on research, it’s more of a spot to get a drink and enjoy the view.

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The Best Islands to Visit Before or After Sifnos

For all ferries in the Cyclades, you need to pre-reserve your seats as they sell out. We used Ferryhopper for all our ferry tickets and were really pleased with how easy it was and the ability to book changeable tickets. These are the islands I would pair Sifnos with:

Milos

The closest neighboring island to visit before Sifnos or after would be the island of Milos. It’s actually a great place to start because you can fly directly from Athens, and then take a ferry from Milos to Sifnos. Milos is very different and more focused on unique beaches and grand landscapes. The restaurant scene is nothing quite like Sifnos, but there are a handful of good places to eat.

Paros

Paros is a very strategic island to visit before or after Sifnos as well. Only an hour to get there by high-speed jet, it’s a much more developed island for the Cyclades. Paros is quite massive, with two distinct areas in the south and the north to visit. I personally found the island a touch too commercial for me, especially after spending eight days on the island of Sifnos, which felt very slow-going and authentic.

Naxos

You can visit Naxos after Sifnos because there is a ferry during high season that stops briefly in Paros along the way to Naxos. I really enjoyed our time on Naxos as part of our time in the Cyclades. The island feels like the best of all worlds, with a few villages to visit and very easy-going beaches to spend the day at. The areas we explored on the island were flatter and easy to reach, too.

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