Sifnos is a small but amazing island in the Cyclades. It’s famous for its food, beautiful beaches, and quiet, relaxing atmosphere. It’s not a party island—it’s a place to slow down, enjoy great meals, explore little villages, and swim in clear blue water.
If you’re wondering where to stay in Sifnos, this guide is here to help. Below you’ll find the six best areas to stay, with hotel suggestions, local tips, and all the info you need to choose the right spot for your trip.
Let me tell you a quick story. On one of my trips to Sifnos, I stayed in Platys Gialos, at a lovely place called Margaritari Studios Sifnos (⭐ 9.9). Honestly, I had waited too long to book, so I missed out on spots in Apollonia and Kamares—but no regrets.
Sifnos is small, and we had a car, so everything was easy to reach. The studio we stayed in was traditional and beautiful, just a short walk from the beach. And the host, Mrs. Sofia, was incredibly kind and helpful. A great stay all around.
Best places to stay in sifnos
1. Apollonia, best area to stay in Sifnos for first time
If it’s your first time in Sifnos, start here. Apollonia is the island’s capital and has been around since the 6th century BC. It was built by Greeks from Corfu, and its name means “town of Apollo.”
Apollonia sits on three hills and is full of white houses, little streets, and pretty churches. It’s also the main place for shops, banks, post office, and the island’s public buses. If you’re not renting a car, this is the best place to stay.
There are lots of things to see here—like the Folklore Museum, the Prokos Foundation’s summer art shows, and old churches like Panagia of Barou and Metamorphosis of the Savior. A bit outside town, you can visit the Prophet Elias Monastery, which sits proudly on the hill.
But even if you’re not sightseeing, just walking around the little streets is a joy. You’ll find shops selling sweets and handmade goods.
And in the evening, Apollonia comes alive. Bars like Cosi and Argo are popular in August, and the main walking street is full of people, food, and music.
Even though there’s no beach in Apollonia, many hotels have balconies with views of the Aegean Sea. And beaches are just a short ride away.
Best hotels in Apollonia
- (€€) Nival Boutique Hotel (⭐ 9.3) A stylish, modern hotel with great service and elegant rooms.
- (€€) Petali Village Hotel (⭐ 9.2) A peaceful place with lovely views and classic Cycladic style.
- (€) Anthousa Hotel (⭐ 8.9) Simple and affordable, right in the center of town.
2. Kamares, best area to stay in Sifnos on a budget
Kamares is the port of Sifnos, and it’s the first place you see when you arrive by boat. It’s a quiet bay surrounded by hills, with calm water and a nice beach.
There are many simple seaside hotels here, some with amazing sea views. But during the summer, the best ones get booked quickly—so it’s smart to plan early.
If you’re coming with your family, Kamares is a great option. There are plenty of rental homes and big apartments, and prices are usually lower than other places.
Best hotels in Kamares
- (€€) Nymfes Hotel (⭐ 9.2) Clean and stylish with beautiful sea views.
- (€) Afroditi Hotel (⭐ 9.2) Small, friendly, and close to everything.
- (€) Chrysa House (⭐ 8.7) Quiet and cozy, perfect for couples or solo travelers.
3. Platys Gialos, best area to stay in Sifnos for families
Platys Gialos is on the south coast of Sifnos and has one of the biggest and best beaches on the island. The name means “wide beach,” and it really is—over 1,000 meters of soft sand and clear, safe water.
It’s perfect for families with children, because the sea is shallow and calm. You’ll also find water sports and space to swim and relax.
There are both budget hotels and fancy places, so you can find what fits your style and money. And don’t miss the sacred rock of Chrysopigi—a beautiful church on a rock by the sea. If you take the last left turn before you reach the beach, you’ll find one of the most famous spots on the island.
Best hotels in Platys Gialos
- (€€€) Niriedes Hotel (⭐ 9.7) A lovely boutique hotel with amazing views and beautiful rooms.
- (€€) Ammos Sifnos Village (⭐ 9.6) Comfortable and modern, just a few steps from the beach.
- (€€) Margaritari Studios Sifnos (⭐ 9.6) This is where I stayed! Clean, cozy, very close to the sea, and run by the wonderful Mrs. Sofia.
- (€) Sifnos Hotel Benaki (⭐ 8.8) Great location, friendly service, and good value.
4. Faros, best area to stay in Sifnos for beaches
Faros is a small fishing village that feels like old Greece. It has white houses, little streets, and a lighthouse at the harbor. Before 1883, this was the main port of the island.
Today, it’s a quiet place with charm. You’ll find local pottery workshops, and three beaches—Fassolou, Faros, and Glyfo—just a short walk from town.
There are also a few family-run tavernas where you can eat amazing fresh seafood. If you want peace and quiet, Faros is a great place to relax away from the crowds.
Best hotels in Faros
- (€€€) NOS Hotel & Villas (⭐ 9.5) A modern, luxury stay with a calm, quiet setting.
- (€€) Venereum Apartments (⭐ 9.6) Comfortable and stylish, perfect for couples.
- (€) Fassolou (⭐ 8.7) Simple, friendly, and close to the beach.
5. Kastro, coolest area to stay in Sifnos
Kastro used to be the island’s capital. It sits on a high cliff and looks out over the sea. The view is unforgettable.
Walking around Kastro feels like stepping back in time. The tall stone walls were built to protect people from pirates. You’ll see old buildings, narrow streets, churches, and even a Venetian fortress.
There’s not much nightlife here, but it’s a beautiful place to relax. It’s small, so you don’t need many days to explore it, but even one night here is special.
Best hotels in Kastro
- (€€) Athina Exquisite Houses (⭐ 9.4) Lovely houses with sea views and beautiful decoration.
- (€) Agnanti (⭐ 9.1) Clean and peaceful, perfect for a quiet holiday.
- (€) Aris & Maria Houses (⭐ 8.7) Simple, traditional, and welcoming.
6. Vathy, a quiet village to stay in Sifnos
Vathy is a quiet village in the southwest of the island. The streets are calm and have no cars or motorcycles, which makes it very peaceful.
Locals love it here, and so did I. The food is great, and prices are more affordable than in other places. Make sure to eat at Manolis’ restaurant—they cook everything in a big clay oven, and the food is amazing.
The beach is clean and relaxing, and the family-run hotels have views of the bay. It’s great for couples, families, or anyone who wants to get away from busy places.
If you want something more special, Elies Resort is the island’s most luxurious hotel—and it’s right here in Vathy.
Best hotels in Vathy
- (€€€) Elies Resorts (⭐ 9.3) A 5-star hotel with comfort, beauty, and great service.
- (€) Aerides Boutique Rooms (⭐ 9.3) Small, clean, and with lovely views.
- (€) Villa Costa Studios (⭐ 8.4) Affordable and quiet, great for a simple stay.
Where is Sifnos?
Sifnos is part of the Cyclades island group in Greece. It’s not one of the biggest islands—but it’s not tiny either. In fact, it’s the 38th largest island in Greece, and the 14th largest in the Cyclades.
The island is well-known for two things: pottery and amazing food. The famous Greek chef Nikos Tselementes came from Sifnos, so it’s no surprise the local cuisine is so good. You’ll also find beautiful beaches with clear water, old walking paths, and even mines, because the island has a lot of minerals underground.
Sifnos is located 76 nautical miles from Athens (that’s about 140 km or 87 miles by sea). The closest islands are Serifos and Kimolos—which is a smaller island next to Milos.
The main port of Sifnos is in Kamares, where all ferries arrive. The capital village of the island is Apollonia, which sits in the hills near the center of the island.
Important to know: There is no airport on Sifnos, so you can only reach it by ferry.
How to get to Sifnos
Getting to Sifnos is easy. There are daily ferries from Piraeus port (Athens). You have two choices:
Fast ferry: takes about 2.5 hours, costs €65.70
Regular ferry: takes about 5–5.5 hours, costs €35
To book tickets, use Ferryhopper—it’s simple and helps you find the best option for your schedule.
Sifnos is connected all year round by ferry with several other islands, including: Milos, Kimolos, Serifos, Kythnos, Sikinos, Ios, Folegandros, Santorini, Paros, and Syros.
2 Responses
Do you have a suggestion for inexpensive, but reputable rental company in Kamares? Thanks for your great suggestions! Susan
Hey Susan, thanks for your comment. I would go for a stay in To Steno, it’s budget friendly, it has great reviews and it’s 50 m from the beach <3