Idyllic 3-Day Sifnos Itinerary: Beaches, Villages & Epic Restaurants + Map

A Solo Woman Traveling uses human-written content that contains affiliate links and is a member of Amazon Services LLC. When you make a purchase on a link, we may receive a small commission. This is at no extra cost to you. See Our Affiliate Policy and Advertiser Disclosure for more info.

So you are about to island hop to Sifnos, Greece—a little island gem in the heart of the Cyclades islands.

As someone who explored this captivating island just last year, I’m thrilled to share a meticulously crafted three-day Sifnos itinerary that promises an authentic slice of paradise.

My personal experiences on the island have equipped me with invaluable insights that ensure this ultimate travel guide isn’t just “thorough”, but also filled with the best restaurants and expert tips.

From the crystal clear water beaches to the historic cobblestone streets, each recommendation I share is a place I truly fell in love with.

Get ready to uncover the best of Sifnos through a journey that’s as rewarding as it is memorable!

A woman smiles gently while seated on a white bench in Sifnos, with lush greenery and mountains in the background, a serene moment to include in a Sifnos itinerary.

A panoramic view of the rolling hills dotted with olive trees and the whitewashed architecture of Sifnos, under a clear blue sky.

Day 1: Arrival and Exploring Apollonia

Morning: Arrival in Sifnos

Getting to Sifnos from Athens is pretty straightforward. You can catch a ferry from the Piraeus port in Athens directly to Sifnos.

The trip usually takes about 3 to 5 hours, depending on whether you hop on a high-speed ferry or a regular one.

If you’re coming from nearby islands, there are also ferry connections available, particularly from islands like Serifos, Milos, and Paros.

These rides are often shorter, depending on the route and the type of ferry you choose. Make sure to check the ferry schedules in advance as they can vary by season!

A quaint stone-paved street in Sifnos flanked by white buildings with blue doors and vibrant flowering vines overhead.

he picturesque port of Sifnos, with white buildings against a backdrop of rugged mountains and the clear Aegean Sea.

Sifnos Transit

Once you arrive at the Kamares port in Sifnos, you have a few simple options to get to your accommodation.

The most common way is to catch a local bus, which regularly runs from the port to various towns and beaches around the island.

It’s affordable and convenient. If you prefer a bit more comfort or have heavy luggage, you can also grab a taxi.

TAXI TIP: There are usually several waiting at the port when ferries arrive. During peak season, I would call ahead and arrange for a pick-up.

Another option is to arrange a transfer with your hotel—some offer this service for free or for a small fee. This is especially handy if you’re staying a bit off the beaten path.

My recommendation and the best way to explore everything on this Sifnos itinerary is by renting a car.

Want the Google Map of all the best locations in Sifnos? Grab it here by subscribing to my newsletter!

Check Into Accommodation

In Apollonia, I stayed at one of the top places to stay, the Nival Boutique Hotel.

It offers a comfortable and stylish experience, right in the heart of Sifnos’ charming capital. The hotel is perfectly located to explore the town’s cozy cafes and quaint shops.

And it is one of the only hotels in the Chora that has a pool!

A tranquil poolside area in a Sifnos hotel, surrounded by vibrant bougainvillea and offering a panoramic view of the island,

For more options around the island, be sure to check out my full guide on where to stay in Sifnos.

It’s packed with recommendations for every type of traveler, ensuring you find the perfect spot to rest after a day of adventure.

A stylish and inviting hotel bedroom featuring a comfortable bed with chic décor and a balcony view

A modern and minimalist hotel bathroom in Sifnos with sleek fixtures and natural wood accents,

Afternoon:

For a truly local dining experience in Sifnos, head over to Kafeneio Drakakis for lunch. It’s a favorite among both locals and visitors for its authentic Sifnian cuisine.

When you’re there, you absolutely must try some of the island’s their Greek Salad. As you can see below, it is not you typical salad.

Instead of feta cheese, this dish has “manoura,” a cheese aged in wine residue, giving it a unique taste.

These dishes will give you a real taste of Sifnian culinary tradition, making your meal at Kafeneio Drakakis a memorable part of your trip.

A cozy outdoor café in Sifnos with mint green chairs and wooden tables, inviting visitors to relax and dine.

A traditional Greek salad topped with olives and feta cheese, served alongside creamy tzatziki and grilled pita bread.

Explore the town of Apollonia

Apollonia, the heart of Sifnos, is quite small, but has key attractions and charming spots. Be sure to stroll along the narrow, winding streets where you’ll find the Panagia Ouranofora with its beautiful blue dome—a picturesque spot that’s perfect for photos.

As for shopping, Apollonia is a great selection of local artisan shops. You can find handmade pottery, a craft Sifnos is renowned for, in shops along the main street.

My favorite shop was Biba! Here you can find higher-end clothes from Greek Designers, like Zeus and Dione.

Look for unique jewelry, woven textiles, and traditional Greek sandals too. Each shop offers something special, giving you a chance to take a piece of Sifnos home with you.

A stunning display of Sifnos’s traditional Cycladic architecture of the church.

A traveler in casual summer attire poses with a straw hat against the backdrop of a traditional white-walled Sifnos church,

Evening:

For a dinner with a view in Apollonia, you can’t go wrong with Bostini, located in the Verina Astra Hotel.

This spot offers not only delectable cuisine but also some of the best sunset views over the Aegean.

It was one of the best meals I had on my trip.

After dinner, take a night walk through the charming streets of Apollonia.

For some local nightlife, check out the bars, like Argo Bar and small clubs scattered around town. These places are nothing like you can find on the island of Mykonos, but where you can enjoy a drink and perhaps some live Greek music.

A refreshing cocktail adorned with a slice of grapefruit, resting on a rustic wooden table with a scenic view of the Sifnos coastline, a perfect sip stop on a Sifnos itinerary.

Al fresco dining area on a terraced hillside overlooking the azure waters of Sifnos

The Prettiest Digital Travel Planner

The Notion Travel Planner features 100+ ChatGPT-powered travel prompts, a credit card points tracker, budgeting tools, direct access to 50+ pre-pinned Google Maps from this site, and more—all beautifully organized in one easy-to-use space.

Grab the template

Day 2: Beach Day and Historical Sights

Morning:

Kastro is more than just a village; it’s a place worth visiting because of its rich history on the island of Sifnos. This old fortress town was built to protect the people from pirate attacks during the Byzantine era and the Middle Ages.

When I visited, I was really drawn in by its special charm. Walking through its narrow, twisting paths, I felt surrounded by history. The strong walls and old buildings have lasted for centuries.

Photography lovers visiting Kastro will find themselves spoilt for choice, but based on my personal experience, the Church of the Seven Martyrs is an absolute must-visit.

Perched dramatically on a small islet connected by a narrow causeway, the church offers some of the most striking views of the Aegean Sea—perfect for those looking to capture that unforgettable shot.

The panoramic views from here during the golden hours of sunrise or sunset are truly magical.

Inside Kastro, every alley and stone archway presents a beautiful snapshot opportunity, blending historic architecture with the stunning natural beauty of the island.

A woman in a flowing dress stands at the arched entrance of Kastro, overlooking the terraced landscape of Sifnos, a historic site to explore on a Sifnos.

The iconic blue-domed church of Kastro perched on a rocky promontory jutting into the cerulean Aegean Sea, a must-see destination