Greece has always been a dream destination for me and my family. We’ve been to a few of the popular islands, but our recent trip to Sifnos was a real game-changer. Sifnos is a hidden gem in the Cyclades, known for its beautiful beaches, charming villages, and traditional pottery. Our family vacation to Sifnos was an unforgettable experience that left us with memories to last a lifetime.
In this blog post, I will share our amazing trip to Sifnos, including how we got there and what we did during our stay.
About Sifnos Island
Sifnos is a small island located in the western Cyclades, known for its unspoiled beauty and traditional way of life. The island has a rich history that dates back to ancient times, and it’s known for its pottery tradition, which is still practiced today. Sifnos has a variety of stunning beaches, each with its own unique character, and charming villages that showcase the island’s traditional architecture and way of life.
Aerial view of Sifnos, Greece
Short History
Sifnos has a long and storied history that dates back to the ancient times. The island was once known for its gold and silver mines, which brought prosperity to the island. The island was also home to the famous poet and philosopher, Epicharmus, and the famous sculptor, Aristomenes. In the Middle Ages, Sifnos was ruled by the Venetians and later by the Ottoman Empire. Sifnos played an important role in the Greek Revolution of 1821, and many of the island’s residents fought bravely against the Ottomans. Today, the island is a popular tourist destination, attracting visitors from all over the world.
How to Get to Sifnos
Getting to Sifnos is relatively easy, but it requires some planning. The easiest and most scenic way to get to Sifnos is by ferry from Athens or other nearby islands. There are several ferry companies that operate on the island, and the schedules vary depending on the season.
We decided to take the ferry from Milos, which took approximately 1.5 hours.
Our Airbnb
Our Sifnos Airbnb was a great find. The moment we arrived, we were struck by the charm of the place. The first thing that caught our eye was the amazing panoramic view of the harbor and the beach, which was visible from almost every corner of the house.
The bedrooms were situated on the first floor, and we were pleasantly surprised to find a kid’s room with a window that offered stunning views of the island. The master’s room was equally impressive, with a bathroom and tub for a relaxing soak after a long day of exploring. We appreciated having two toilets on the same floor, which was very convenient for our family of six.
Upstairs was the living room, our work area, and an open kitchen, which were all very spacious. However, the highlight of the entire Airbnb was the huge open terrace with its breathtaking panoramic views of Sifnos Island. We spent many hours there, enjoying breakfast, meals, and relaxing in the sun. We couldn’t have asked for a better place to stay during our time in Sifnos.
Agios Simeon
Agios Simeon is a small church located in Sifnos, Greece. It is perched on top of a hill and offers stunning panoramic views of the island’s landscapes. Many tourists and locals visit Agios Simeon for its picturesque scenery and to take in the tranquil atmosphere.
Agios Simeon
Driving to Agios Simeon was one highlight during our family stay Sifnos, Greece. As we drove along the winding roads, we were surrounded by amazing views of the island.
Driving to Agios Simeon
Agios Simeon
Once we arrived, we were blown away by the panoramic views that greeted us. From this high vantage point, we could see the entire island of Sifnos, with the blue waters of the Aegean Sea stretching out to the horizon.
The kids looking out at the view
Super picturesque views from Agios Simeon!
We spent some time taking in the incredible scenery. The landscape was breathtaking, with hills and valleys stretching out as far as the eye could see.
Agios Simeon up close
Edith stepping inside Agios Simeon
Our visit to Agios Simeon would not have been complete without a visit to the small church located at the top of the hill. Inside, we were awed by the intricate details and beautiful artwork that adorned the walls and ceilings.
The interior of the Agios Simeon church
Artwork on the walls and ceiling of the Agios Simeon church
Kastro and the Church of the Seven Martyrs
Kastro is a small town located on top of a hill and overlooks the Aegean Sea and the island’s stunning landscape.
We drove to Kastro and passed by a lot of scenic views along the way. The winding roads offered us glimpses of the island’s waters and coastline, making the drive an adventure in itself.
Driving to Kastro
When we reached the town, we parked our car and began exploring the village on foot, wandering through narrow alleys and houses, many of which have been converted into guesthouses and small shops.
Walking around the town of Kastro
Cliffside walkk around the town of Kastro
One of the highlights of our visit to Kastro was a short hike to see the Church of the Seven Martyrs, one of the most photographed spots on the island.
Church of the Seven Martyrs – photo taken from the start of our hike
The church is situated on a small hill overlooking the sea, and it offers stunning panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
Church of the Seven Martyrs from afar
Rugged cliffs and blue waters surrounding the Church of the Seven Martyrs
Although we didn’t make it all the way down to the church, the views from where we were were still breathtaking.
The Church of the Seven Martyrs, Sifnos
The church itself is a marvel of Byzantine architecture, with intricate frescoes and beautiful mosaics adorning the interior. We learned that the church is mainly closed during the year, except for a few special occasions, so we felt lucky to have caught a glimpse of it during our visit.
Kamares BEACH
When we were planning our trip to Sifnos, Greece, we knew we had to visit the beaches. And one beach that stood out to us was Kamares Beach.
We had heard so many good things about it, and we were excited to finally see it for ourselves. We drove to Kamares Beach, passing by some scenic views on the way.
Driving to Kamares beach
When we arrived at the beach, we were amazed by its beauty. The waters looked so inviting, and the warm sun made us want to jump right in.
We found a spot on the beach and settled in for the day. The best part was that there were not a lot of people around, so it felt like we had the whole place to ourselves. We played in the water and just relaxed in the warm sun.
Beautiful Kamares Beach
The McClure’s in Kamares Beach, Sifnos, Greece!
Edith in Kamares Beach
Apokofto BEACH AND CHRISOPIGI MONASTERY
We started our day by driving towards three locations: Apokofto beach, Chrisopigi monastery, and Platis Gialos beach.
Our first stop was Apokofto beach, where we stayed for a bit to check out the beach. It was not as beautiful as Kamares beach, but it was very secluded and peaceful, and there were only a handful of people there.
Edith walking along Apokofto beach
Apokofto beach
However, we didn’t stay for long, since we had other places to explore, but it was worth the visit to see the stunning scenery and appreciate the beauty of the island.
Edith and the kids (Natalie, Nathan, and Bethany) during our road trip
Next, we made our way towards Chrisopigi Monastery (Monastery of Panagia Chrissopigi), one of the most photographed spots in Sifnos and protector saint of the island. We admired the monastery from a distance, as our main agenda for the day was to head towards Platis Gialos beach.
Platis GIALOS
We finally arrived at Platis Gialos beach. When we got there, we were greeted by a lively atmosphere. There were locals enjoying refreshments at the surrounding restaurants. We could feel the vibrant energy of the place. We set up our beach chairs and towels and enjoyed the perfect beach day.
Walking to Platis Gialos
Platis Gialos, Sifnos
Lively atmosphere in Platis Gialos beach
We swam and played in the water, feeling refreshed and rejuvenated. Our children were especially excited to build a sandcastle, which they modeled after a traditional Greek church.
Late afternoon in Platis Gialos beach
Sandcastle the kids made
Bars, restaurants, and outdoor seating in Platis Gialos beach
Conclusion
Our family trip to Sifnos was so much fun. We had an amazing time exploring and enjoying all that the island had to offer.
We also enjoyed trying out the local food and learning about the island’s traditional crafts and ways of life. We left Sifnos feeling so rejuvenated, and we hope to visit again someday.
If you’re planning a trip to Greece, we highly recommend adding Sifnos to your itinerary. It’s a true gem in Greece, and you won’t regret exploring all that this beautiful island has to offer.
WATCH THE FULL VIDEO HERE
Like this post? Pin it on Pinterest!
