Sifnos or Milos: Which Greek Island Should You Visit?

Ah, the Greek islands of Sifnos and Milos, each amazing in their own way, making the choice of which island to visit damn near impossible.

Obviously, if you could visit both, I assume you would. But imagine you don’t have that luxury, which is why you’re here trying to figure out which island is the best for your vacation.

I will share my firsthand experience, offering you a way to look at these islands objectively in hopes that you can make a concrete decision you feel good about!

One Reason Milos is Better Than Sifnos: 

While the beaches on Sifnos are idyllic, there’s no denying that the white volcanic rock of Sarakiniko Beach in Milos is more magnificent than any beach you’ll find in Sifnos.

So, if you’re looking for a genuinely epic beach experience, Milos is the ideal place for you.

A Reason That Makes Sifnos a Better Island to Visit Than Milos:

The food, it’s as simple as that. The restaurants in Sifnos offer some of the best cuisine I’ve ever had, and I’m not exaggerating.

While I hit up some decent spots in Milos over my four-day visit, none of them could touch the amazing eats I found in Sifnos.

Sifnos truly is the island for foodies. So, I’ll say it again: if you travel to eat, it is one of the biggest reasons to visit Sifnos.

RELATED POSTS FOR SIFNOS & MILOS:

• How to Get Around in Milos
• Pros and Cons of Visiting Milos
• Prices in Milos: What You Can Expect to Pay
• Where to Stay in Milos
• Where to Stay in Sifnos
• Pros and Cons of Visiting Sifnos

Reasons to Choose Milos:

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#1. You’re Allured Beaches & Quaint Fishing Villages

Sifnos doesn’t have a lunar-like beach that is referred to as the “Moon Beach.” So, if you want to marvel at crystal blue waters up against white volcanic rock, Milos is the place to be.

Not only is Sarakiniko Beach incredible, but you will also want to consider visiting Papafragas Beach on the way to Pollonia. It is pretty epic, as well.

Then, there are two fishing villages you should add to your Google Map. The colorful village of Klima and Mandrakia, where you’ll find Medusa, one of the best fish restaurants on the island.

Be sure to get there early or call ahead to secure a reservation. Keep in mind, you’ll need a car to reach both, as the public bus doesn’t service these areas.

#2. You Don’t Want to Take a Ferry

The cool thing about Milos is that it has an airport, which Sifnos simply doesn’t have. Flying isn’t always the cheapest option, but it’s a good option to have if you are short on time and don’t want to have to take the ferry all the way back to Athens or to a nearby island that has an airport.

I recommend you access whether flying or the ferry is good for you, and check out my guide that breaks this down.

#3. You Are Looking for a More Lively Island

Now, let me be clear: both Sifnos and Milos are pretty low-key, sleepy islands compared to Mykonos, Santorini, and Crete, for example.

But Milos is bigger than Sifnos, with more nightlife areas, especially in places like Adamas Port, Pollonia, and Plaka.

There are also more attractions on the island of Milos, such as Klima Village, Mandrakia Village, Catacombs of Milos, and Ancient Theather of Milos.

Reasons to Choose Sifnos

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#1. You Don’t Want to Rent a Car

If you’re visiting Milos for more than a couple of days, you really need a car to explore the island easily. While taking the bus is an option, the timetable can feel a bit restrictive, especially if you want to travel from one major area to another, like Pollonia to Plaka, which requires a bus switch at the Adamas port.

Taxis are not only scarce but also expensive, expect to pay €20+ for a 15-minute ride.

In contrast, the best areas of Sifnos (Apollonia, Artemonas, and Kastro) are all relatively close, making it easier to get around without a car by walking or taking the bus. 

If you stay in those areas, you will want to catch the bus to the beach unless you want to visit the rocky beach in Kastro.

READ MORE: The Guide to the Best Beaches in Sifnos

#2. You Are Obsessed With Food

While I’ve already mentioned that Sifnos is superior regarding its dining options, let me drop a few names of restaurants that will blow your mind. 

My all-time favorite, Cantina, is located in Kastro. A few other must-visit restaurants include Bostani and Maiólica. For more details on these dining establishments, check out my foodie guide to Sifnos.

#3. You Are Into Dramatic Landscapes

The cliffside village of Kastro in Sifnos offers something truly magical. The walkway down to the Church of Seven Martyrs is particularly epic—easy going down, but be prepared for a challenging climb back up.

It’s important to note that if your mobility is compromised or you’re traveling with small children, the village of Kastro might pose a challenge.

It has many stairs and is not suitable for wheelchairs or strollers.

READ MORE: Best Areas to Stay in Sifnos

Something Both Islands Have in Common

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Both Sifnos and Milos are Safe for Solo Travelers

As an avid solo traveler, I can confidently say that I felt safe walking around at night and exploring each island on my own.

I rate both these islands as some of the best Greek Islands for solo female travelers.

However, if you’re looking for a community of other solo travelers, you might want to opt for other islands like Rhodes or Crete.

Both Sifnos and Milos are a bit less traveled and don’t have the same year-round vibe as the larger, more bustling islands.

SMALL GROUP TRIP: If you are a solo female traveler and want to visit both these islands, consider joining my small group trip—the only organized tour that brings us to both Milos and Sifnos, plus Serifos!

They Are Both Close to Athens

I appreciate that both Milos and Sifnos are easily accessible from Athens. Although Milos is a bit further from the capital, the ferry ride is less than 4 hours. 

And as I mentioned earlier, Milos also has an airport, making it feasible to fly there and then take a ferry back, or vice versa.

Both Sifnos and Milos Have Similar Prices

Many people ask me if Milos is more expensive than Sifnos. The costs of visiting both islands are about the same, especially when considering accommodations and dining. 

For example, you can find nice boutique hotels in both Milos and Sifnos for around 250 euros a night, which I think is quite reasonable during the peak summer season. The same quality and likeness on Santorini or Mykonos would cost double or even triple.

Here are two examples:

• Nival Boutique Hotel in Sifnos
• Noon Beyond Accommodation

While it’s certainly possible to find more budget-friendly accommodations on both islands, these are just the hotels I personally loved.

How Many Days Do You Need to Explore Sifnos and Milos?

While the number of days needed to explore either island somewhat depends on your travel style, I recommend spending at least four full nights in Milos and three nights in Sifnos for a well-rounded experience that includes beaches and village sightseeing.

Of course, you could always extend your stay on both islands if you prefer a more relaxed pace. These recommendations are based on my personal experience with a low-key, balanced visit.

Can You Visit Sifnos and Milos on Day Trips From the Other Island

If you want to keep your same hotel on one island, make a day trip out of visiting the other; it is definitely doable. 

At the time of writing this, there are many options to choose from on Ferry Hopper that will take you from Milos to Sifnos and back to Milos later that evening. 

The prices are around 35 euros each way, so not the cheapest of day trips, but possible. 

Which Island is Better for Families? 

I’d suggest Milos for families rather than Sifnos, though both islands are fairly comparable in overall appeal.

Milos offers a broader range of organized tours and water sports activities compared to Sifnos. I use Get Your Guide when booking my activities.

You can filter for family-friendly activities. When you look at Milos compared to Sifnos, there are far more options in Milos.

Which Island Would Be Better for Accessibility? 

Milos has a bit better accessibility for those with mobility problems. The area of Pollonia is fairly flat and contains great restaurants and a sandy beach! But in areas of Plaka, you will encounter some stairs and uneven cobblestones. 

In Sifnos, I would advise against Kastro, but Apollonia and the popular beach area of Platis Giatos will be very manageable. 

Still Unsure Which Greek Island to Visit?

If you read this and still feel unsure, I can sum it up like this. Sifnos is for foodies, and Milos is for beach and history lovers. 

If proximity to Athens is a major factor, consider whether Syros or Sifnos is the better choice for your trip.

I also created a short and helpful Quiz to help you find the best Greek island based on your interests!

And as always, if you are filled with more questions, you can always contact me here!