The fascinating island of Sifnos

By Faye J. Vasiliadis

Sifnos seems to have something for everyone. A beautiful, scenic, historical island that captivates the soul with its breathtaking vistas from the Medieval castle, the incredible churches built on the edge of the cliffs, remarkable archeological attractions and, of course, its amazing cuisine. The beaches are many, lovely and crystal clear and the seabed will fascinate the diving and snorkeling aficionados.

Every year numerous events take place on the island, where visitors have the chance to get to know Sifnos’ traditions and customs, and locals can show their wholehearted hospitality. Below you will find detailed information about the activities, events and all places of interest on the island.

Diving and snorkeling in Sifnos

The seabed around the island of Sifnos is spectacular, and ideal for diving and snorkeling. The local Scuba Diving center can provide you with the equipment, while the experienced trainers and guides will take you to the most awe-inspiring underwater spots. Fish, shells, weird rock formations, and old shipwrecks will be the canvas to your adventure.

Sifnos cuisine

The Sifnian cuisine is famous. After all, the head chef of the 20^th century Nikolaos Tselementes was born on this island. Make sure you try the delicious “mastelo”, which is lamb cooked in a traditional clay pot usually served with rice or potatoes, revithokeftedes (chickpea balls), caper salad and string beans with garlic sauce. Other incredible local products include the exquisitely aromatic thyme honey, the xinomizithra cheese, which is usually added in the Greek salad, the chloromanoura cheese, which is used as the basic ingredient for the traditional Sifnian honey-pie, and the spicy manoura, which is truly unique.

Sifnian pottery

Sifnian potters are famous all over the world and this is why every year they are invited in many countries to teach their technique. All the pottery shops are mostly family businesses and sell useful items for cooking or storing food, but also decorative hand-painted objects. 

Attractions and points of interest

Sifnos has everything; from exciting hiking trails with incredible vistas, to archeological attractions, old churches, a well-preserved and inhabited Medieval settlement and unique sandy beaches. 

Recommended hiking routes

• Route 1: Artemonas (Agios Loukas) – Poulati – Kastro – Seralia – Monastery of Vrissi – Agios Andreas - Agioi Anargiri Ftochiani – Firogia

• Route 2: Kastro – Kalamaki – Agios Ioannis Siderou – Faros – Apokofto

• Route 3: Apollonia – Kato Petali – Monastery of Vrissi – Agios Thomas – Platis Gialos

• Route 4: Platis Gialos – Mousia – Fikiada – Kodou – Profitis Ilias Kodou

• Route 5: Katavati – Archangel of Skafi, with two sub-routes:

·      5a: Mavro Chorio – Ai Nikolas of Aerina – Vathi

·      5b: Virgin Mary of Nigio – Kalamitsi – Vathi

• Route 6: Apollonia –Theologos of Mongou –Agios Eleftherios, with two sub-routes:

·         6a: Mavri Spilia – Kamares

·         6b: Virgin Mary of Toso Nero – Flabouro – Agia Marina – Archangel of Skafi – Firogia

• Route 7: Ano Petali – Virgin Mary of the Plane – Agios Lazaros –Agios Symeon – Troulaki

• Route 8: Artemonas –Agia Anna –Virgin Mary of Magana –Agios Minas – Agios Sostis –Agios Nikitas – Diavrouchas – Agios Filipos – Cheronissos

Sightseeing

The citadel of Agios Andreas

The citadel of Agios Andreas (13^th century BC) was the first organized settlement on the island and lies in the plateau of the hill of Agios Andreas, in an area of ten thousand square meters. The excavations carried out in this area in the 70s and the 80s by the Sifnian archeologist Varvara Philippaki and the archeologist Christina Televantou from 1997 to 2007 brought to light not only the magnificent Mycenaean wall of the citadel, but also its urban structure that includes many buildings, streets, and a fully developed rainwater management system. This entire well-built citadel clearly reflects the island’s prosperity. It’s open for the public all year round (except from Mondays and religious holidays) from 8:30 to 15:30.

The citadel of Kastro

The awe-inspiring Kastro is the old capital of Sifnos. It has been populated since the prehistoric times (the first houses were built during the 3^rd millennium BC) and maintains the original characteristics of a Venetian fortification. It was established by the Da Corogna Dynasty around 1635, its name comes from the Greek word for “castle”, while its form is ellipsoid –following the morphology of the ground. The houses are built adjacent to one another, forming defensive circles. The inner circles were reserved for the rich people and the external ones for the poor. Atop the hill, the ruins of the ancient citadel prevail (6^th century BC). The wall was built with fine Sifnian marble and is still preserved. The entire settlement includes the ancient citadel, columns embodied in the more recent buildings, roman sarcophagi, six “loggias” (gallery-shaped entrances), and churches of the 16^th and the 17^th century.

Eftamartyres chapel

The chapel of Eftamartyres is one of the most-photographed attractions of Sifnos. It’s perched on a lonely rock in the water, and is connected by a long stairway with the Castle. Words cannot even begin to describe the magnificence of this location, especially when you see it from above. The infinite blue combined with the alluring white create one of the most authentic images of Greece!

Virgin Mary of Chryssopigi

One of the most popular spots and undoubtedly one of the most picturesque and photographed ones is the church and monastery of the Virgin Mary of Chryssopigi. It’s located approximately 10 kilometers from Apollonia, before Platis Gialos, and was built in 1650. The church is dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary, the patroness of the island, and is celebrated on Ascension Day, 40 days after Easter. Every summer, tens of weddings and christenings take place in this breathtaking location. Visit the church, allow yourselves to be captivated by the magical scenery of the open Aegean, walk towards the lovely beach and watch the emerald water sparkle under the sun.

The monastery of Vrissiani

The monastery of Vrissiani is located in Exabela and is one of the biggest on the island. It was built in the 17^th century and is dedicated to the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary. This intricate building also houses the local Ecclesiastic Art Museum, where visitors will have the chance to see rare copies of old editions, a gospel dating back to 1796, reliquaries, cherubim banners, utensils, vestments, icons, and many more.

The monastery of the Virgin Mary of the Mountain (Panagia tou Vounou)

The monastery of the Virgin Mary of the Mountain was built in the 19^th century and is located 500 meters off the road that leads from Apollonia to Vathi, and impresses with its exceptional architectural beauty and wonderful view of the village, the beach of Platis Gialos and the islet of Kipriani. The church has three hypostases and is dedicated to the Presentation of the Virgin Mary, the Saints Constantine and Helen and to Saint Nicholas.

The monastery of the Virgin Mary of Firogia

The monastery of the Virgin Mary of Firogia was built in the 16^th century and is located in the southern exit of the village of Katavati, on the way to Vathi. It allegedly owes its name to the red color of the soil in the area. The building was restored in 1978 by the Hellenic Society for the Protection of the Environment and Cultural Heritage and the entire project was awarded the special prize of Europa Nostra.