Trips and Tips: Sifnos - a magnificent place; the island of the ancient God Apollo! My definition of paradise!

Light. This is the first thought that comes to my mind when I think of this island. Light and blue: wherever you turn your eyes to, you see the deep blue of the Aegean sea and the light blue of the sky. I have visited this island three times already, but I always dream of returning. What can I say? It’s love!

Sifnos is a small island known for its beauty, its cuisine and its trails. It is located in the midst of the Aegean Sea and is one of the Cyclades islands. It is situated c.3 hrs from Athens and you take the boat from the port of Piraeus.

The main village is Apollonia and it stands hand in hand with Artemonas, the second biggest village. Apollonia is the “capital” of the island, is said to be named after the ancient God Apollo and has a vivid life especially during August nights. It is one of the most beautiful villages in Cyclades with very nice alleys, architecture, restaurants and shops. In Apollonia’s alleys you will witness beautiful white houses, blue bell towers, while the village has magnificent views as it is situated on the slopes of three hills.

My second preference is the village called Castle. It is actually a village situated on the ruins of a medieval castle; therefore you will see a lot of antiquities as you will be walking in its alleys. It used to be the capital of the island until 19th century. The view from this village is insurmountable.

This island has more than 10 mapped trails. My favorite trail starts from Exambela, a small village in the entrance of Apollonia and ends at the Castle. This walk lasts for about an hour, there is absolute tranquility and you can experience pure and untouched Sifnos.

Other spots you should visit are Platys Gialos, by the sea, Vathi, also by the sea, Camares, which is the port, and Faros.

My favorite beach is Platys Gialos and my second choice is Chryssopigi. On the edge of the latter, there stands the church Chryssopigi:

Sifnos’ citizens make their living from livestock farming, agriculture, fishing, tourism, pottery. Sifnians make nice wine, cheese, olive oil and very good capers and caper leaves. On my first visit to Sifnos - during Easter - we followed a trail, from Artemonas, via a village called Kato Petali, reached the Castle, whereupon we found wild caper leaves on our way, gathered some and pickled them! Amazing flavors!

Sifnos is also considered to have good cuisine. The most traditional dish here is chickpeas in the oven. It is slowly cooked in a pottery pot inside a wood stove. Another traditional dish is mastelo, which is lamp, also slowly cooked in the wood stove. Delicious!

A restaurant that would be interesting for you to visit is Omega3 in Platys Gialos. It has very exquisite flavors, mostly with seafood. The other restaurant I recommend is more simple - actually is a tavern - called To Limanaki in Faros village.

Sifnos is part of the Natura 2000 network; you see, among other species, the Caretta Caretta sea turtle and the Monachus Monachus monk seal have found a refuge in this island. On the west of the island, cedar trees are reviving, trying to overpass excessive-logging by locals, creating an ecosystem for various species.

Overall Sifnos is a very dear island, a must see destination for your summer vacations!