Sifnos · Beaches
Sifnos is small, so no beach is more than a short drive from Apollonia. The south and west keep the sand, in bays deep enough to take the edge off the meltemi, with a taverna or two and often a potter at the back. The east and north are rock, chapel and clear deep water at the end of a path. A rule islanders swim by: when the north wind blows, go south, and to Vathi above all.
Our favourites
SandOrganised
The longest beach on the island, a wide curve of soft sand on the south coast with shallow water, sunbeds, tavernas and pottery workshops behind it.
Road from Apollonia, about 8 km, and a regular bus in summer
The far end of the beach is quieter. Walk up to Panagia tou Vounou, built in 1813, for the view over the bay to the islet of Kitriani and its thousand-year-old chapel.
The south coastStay in Platis Gialos
SandEasy-going
A round bay almost closed by its two headlands, so the water stays calm as a lake. The sand runs past a few tavernas, potteries and the white church of the Taxiarchis at the water's edge.
Road from Apollonia, about 10 km, or the old path down through the hills
Stay for the evening, when the day visitors leave and the tavernas put their tables near the water.
Kamares & the westStay in Vathi
Pick your kind of day
SandOrganised
A long sandy beach at the head of the port bay, with shallow water, trees for shade and the cafes of the harbour a few steps away.
On foot from the port and the village
Good for a last swim before an evening ferry. The sun sets straight down the bay.
Kamares & the westStay in Kamares
Sand & pebblesEasy-going
A small bay right beside the split rock of Chrysopigi, with clear water, a taverna and the white monastery looking back at you across the channel.
Road towards Chrysopigi, then a short walk down; or the coastal path from Faros
Visit the monastery in the late afternoon, then swim here when the light turns gold.
The south coastStay in Faros and Chrysopigi
SandEasy-going
A sandy cove a short walk from the harbour of Faros, sheltered and shallow, with tamarisk trees, the fishing boats nearby and the monastery of Stavros a little beyond.
A few minutes on foot from Faros, past the harbour
Eat in one of the small tavernas of Faros afterwards and walk on along the path towards Chrysopigi.
The south coastStay in Faros and Chrysopigi
SandEasy-going
The second of the three little beaches of Faros, a quiet strip of sand just round from the harbour, where the shore path to Chrysopigi begins.
On foot from Faros, a few minutes along the shore
Swim here, then take the path along the rocks to Chrysopigi and Apokofto and swim again.
The south coastStay in Faros and Chrysopigi
PebblesWild
A quiet pebble cove on the other side of the Chrysopigi headland from Apokofto, with nothing but the rocks and clear water.
A short walk from the road to Chrysopigi
Bring water and shade. There is nothing here.
The south coastStay in Faros and Chrysopigi
Sand & pebblesEasy-going
Two small coves near the northern tip of the island, below a dry, wild hillside, with deep blue water and usually a simple canteen in high summer.
Road towards Cherronisos, then a steep track down
Come on a calm day; the north wind can make it rough. Lunch afterwards at the fish tavernas of Cherronisos.
The north
Sand & pebblesEasy-going
A tiny beach in a long, narrow inlet at the end of the island, with a fishing hamlet, two tavernas and a pottery workshop.
Road from Artemonas through the empty north of the island
The drive is part of the pleasure. Go for a long lunch of fish and a swim in the inlet.
The north
RocksWild
No sand at all, only flat rocks below the chapel of Panagia Poulati on its cape, a mid-August feast, and some of the clearest deep water on the island.
A footpath from Kastro or from Artemonas, about 30–45 minutes
Bring water shoes for the rocks, and sit by the chapel to dry off.
Kastro & the east coastStay in Kastro
PebblesEasy-going
The old harbour of Kastro, a small pebble cove below the village, with a taverna and steps down into the water. On Ascension Day the icon of Chrysopigi lands here by caique.
Steps down from Kastro, or a short road
Swim off the rocks below the Seven Martyrs chapel nearby, then climb back up to Kastro for the sunset.
Kastro & the east coastStay in Kastro
Wind and sea change by the day. On windy days swim on the sheltered side of the island, and watch for red flags.
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