Discover Sifnos
A jewel of the Cyclades, Sifnos captivates visitors with its exceptional cuisine, stunning architecture, golden beaches, and warm hospitality. No wonder so many choose to make it their home.
~2,600
Population
73.9 km²
Area
2.5-5 hours
Ferry from Piraeus
Areas of Sifnos
Each area has its own distinct character and charm
Beaches
A few of the island's most beautiful spots
Platis Gialos
One of the largest sandy beaches in Sifnos and the Cyclades, and the most popular with Greek visitors. It has hotels, rooms, restaurants, cafés and potteries, plus a fishing harbour whose jetty hosts summer cultural events and an open-air theatre. The beach holds the EU Blue Flag. Across the water lies the islet of Kitriani, home to the 11th-century church of Panagia Kitriani — the oldest on the island.
Kamares
The port of Sifnos, 6.5 km from Apollonia, with one of the island's most beautiful sandy beaches and an annual EU Blue Flag. Around the bay you'll find hotels, rooms, restaurants, bakeries, cafés and the port authority, while opposite lies Agia Marina (known locally as 'Pera Panta'). A footpath leads past the Sanctuary of the Nymphs, the Black Cave and the old mines towards Apollonia.
Vathi
One of the most beautiful and largest beaches of the island, 14 km west of Apollonia. A sheltered, sandy bay with rooms, a hotel, restaurants, groceries and cafés. On the shore stands the 16th-century church of the Taxiarchs, celebrated three times a year.
Chrysopigi
About 10 km from Apollonia, just before Platis Gialos, lies the most photographed spot on the island. On its cape stands the monastery of Panagia Chrysopigi (1650), patron saint of Sifnos, whose feast falls on the eve of the Ascension. The rocks are a favourite swimming spot; to the east is the sandy cove of Apokofto with its green-blue waters and two tavernas, and to the west the small, secluded pebble beach of Saoures.
Faros
A fishing village with a sheltered harbour, 7 km from Apollonia, which served as the island's port until 1883 and is named after its old lighthouse. It has three small sandy beaches: the central one with a wonderful view of Chrysopigi, Glipho — linked by a restored, night-lit path to Apokofto and Chrysopigi — and Fassolou, home to the monastery of Stavros.
Cheronisos
The northernmost beach of the island, 15 km from Apollonia. A picturesque fishing village with a small sandy beach and the church of Agios Panteleimonas, offering tavernas, a mini-market, a few rooms to let and a traditional pottery workshop.
Seralia (Kastro)
On the eastern side of the island, below the hill of Kastro and facing Paros and Antiparos, lies this small pebble beach — the ancient harbour of Sifnos, also known as Gialos. Small and tranquil, it is perfect for those seeking quiet away from the island's busier shores.
Vroulidia
A small, quiet pebble beach about 14 km from Apollonia, roughly a kilometre before Cheronisos, with two tavernas — ideal for a peaceful swim well away from the crowds.
History of Sifnos
From ancient mining island to a Cycladic gem
According to tradition, the island was named after Sifnos, son of the hero Sounion of Attica. At different periods it has also been known as Akis — perhaps because of its pointed shape — and Merope. The name Sifnos has held since Frankish rule, with variants such as Sifounos, Sifanos and Sifanta.
3000–2000 B.C.Sifnos is inhabited by the Aegeans; evidence suggests early mining activity on the island.
1130–1120 B.C.The Ionians arrive from Athens; it is believed they founded a city at the site of present-day Kastro.
8th–5th century B.C.Sifnos flourishes thanks to its gold and silver mines and mints its own coin.
525 B.C.The Sifnians dedicate their own treasury at Delphi.
5th century B.C.Sifnos takes part in the Battle of Salamis against the Persians.
388 B.C.The island passes under Macedonian rule.
146 B.C. – 324 A.D.Sifnos comes under Roman rule.
1207–1262Sifnos is under Frankish rule.
1537–1617The pirate Barbarossa captures the island, which is then governed by the Gozzadini dynasty under Turkish dominion.
1650The church of Panagia Chrysopigi, dedicated to the island's patron saint, is built over an ancient temple and remains active to this day.
1821Sifniots take prominent roles in the Greek War of Independence; Nikolaos Chrysogelos raises the revolutionary standard over the island's school.
1883Kamares is established as the island's official port.
1914The Municipality of Sifnos is split into the towns of Apollonia and Artemonas.
1999A single Municipality of Sifnos is restored.
Buying Property in Sifnos
A brief guide for international buyers
1. Find Your Property
Browse our listings, contact us with your requirements, and we will arrange viewings. We can also search for off-market opportunities.
2. Legal Checks
Your lawyer will check the title deeds, building permits, and land registry. EU citizens can purchase freely; non-EU buyers may need additional permits for border areas.
3. Make an Offer
Once you have found the right property, we help negotiate the price and terms. A preliminary agreement and deposit (typically 10%) secures the property.
4. Complete the Purchase
The final contract is signed before a notary. Transfer tax (approx. 3.09%) and notary/legal fees apply. We coordinate every step until you receive the keys.