How to Get Around Sifnos

Sifnos is a small island, but how you choose to get around will completely shape your experience.

At its longest point, it takes around 45 minutes to drive from one end of the island to the other. That means nowhere is ever that far, but it also means your transport choice determines how flexible and relaxed your trip feels. For us, getting around easily was a huge part of why we loved Sifnos so much.

Sifnos hiking map

Renting a Car (The Best Option)

If you’re comfortable driving, renting a car is by far the best way to explore Sifnos. 1It gives you complete freedom to move around the island at your own pace, which is exactly how Sifnos is best experienced.

You’ll need a car to get to Agios Symeon monastery - A stunning sunset viewpoint

Driving allows you to:

• Jump between beaches and towns throughout the day

• Visit more remote spots like Vroulidia or Cheronissos

• Stop off at small villages and viewpoints along the way

• Go out for dinner anywhere on the island without worrying about timings

Yes … we realised this was a disabled spot and moved the car!

The roads are generally in good condition, and driving is straightforward. It’s not a stressful island to drive on, especially compared to somewhere like Santorini. There isn’t much traffic, and people are quite relaxed on the roads. Just be a bit careful when you’re in the towns, as the roads can get a little narrow and windy.

It’s also easy to park, as there is plenty of space at most places you will go.

We’d strongly recommend booking in advance during peak summer months, as availability can be limited.

Using Public Transport - The Bus Network

If you don’t want to drive, Sifnos actually has a very solid bus network. Almost all of the routes start from Apollonia, the island’s main hub, and connect to most of the key areas. They are all fitted with air conditioning and have plenty of space for luggage as well.

The bus routes are:

• Artemonas → Apollonia → Kamares

• Artemonas → Apollonia → Platis Gialos

• Artemonas → Apollonia → Faros

• Artemonas → Apollonia → Vathi

• Artemonas → Cheronissos

• Apollonia → Kastro

Bus tickets can be purchased from the driver and cost €2.00-€2.50, depending on the route. We haven't done this, but we've read that if you want to jump off the bus in between stops, you can just ask the driver.

The frequency and timings of the bus depend on the season, and you can check the latest bus schedule on this website. The bus timetable will only be published closer to the summer season once they start running.

Relying on the buses does have a few limitations:

• You’ll often need to route back through Apollonia

• Some of the more remote beaches aren’t easily accessible

• You’re tied to timetables, especially in the evening so dinners in towns around the island can be tough to plan

Ordering a Taxi

Taxis are available on the island, but there are very few. When we visited, there were only around 10 taxis operating across Sifnos, so availability can be limited, especially in peak season. That said, it’s quite an easy system to navigate:

• Most locals know taxi drivers personally

• Restaurants, hotels and cafés can usually give you a number

• You’ll often find taxi numbers posted on notice boards in towns and villages

If you’re planning to use a taxi, it’s best to call ahead and book it in, particularly for evenings or port transfers. (Just be aware that the drivers may not stick to a rigid timescale, so you may need to be flexible.

Here are all the Sifnos taxi numbers from our trip in 2025:

1. Mitilinaios Menelaos

2. Kalogirou Stavros – 6944 74 26 52

3. Komis Nikos – 6988 80 88 88

4. Gerontopoulos Giorgos – 6944 44 49 04

5. Diaremes Giorgos – 6944 64 26 80

6. Kalogirou Giannis – 6944 69 64 09

7. Depasta Flora – 6932 40 34 85

8. Karavis Nikos – 6944 93 61 11

9. Chrissogelos Nikos – 6944 90 09 72

10. Koulouris Nikiforos – 6973 20 97 20

All the drivers we dealt with spoke English and knew the island well, including guesthouses, beaches and restaurants, so getting around this way is straightforward once you’ve made contact.

ATV / Scooter Rental

ATVs and scooters are popular in Sifnos and can be a really fun way to explore the island.

We didn’t use one in Sifnos, but we did hire an ATV in Milos and loved it. Even though Sifnos is a smaller island, it actually has a much better paved road network, and most beaches are centred around towns or easily accessible by road.

In Milos, we found ourselves driving on rough, unpaved roads far more often, which is where an ATV really comes into its own. In Sifnos, a car simply feels more convenient for getting around comfortably and efficiently.

Where an ATV would be ideal is for shorter trips. Hiring one for a day or two to explore nearby beaches or just to have a more adventurous day would be a great experience.

Hiking Across the Island

Sifnos has one of the best hiking networks in the Cyclades, and it’s a big part of what makes the island feel so special.

There are over 100km of marked trails criss-crossing the island, connecting villages, beaches, monasteries and remote stretches of coastline. These paths have been used for centuries by locals moving between towns, and today they’ve been restored and clearly signposted, making them easy to follow even without a guide.

Some of the most popular routes include:

• Apollonia to Kastro – a relatively easy walk linking two of the island’s most beautiful towns

• Kastro to Faros – a coastal route with incredible views

• Apollonia to Artemonas – ideal for a shorter, more relaxed wander in the evening

Along the way, you’ll pass:

• Olive groves and terraced farmland

• Whitewashed chapels and monasteries

• Coastal paths with uninterrupted sea views

• The occasional donkey or horse on rural tracks

You don’t need to commit to long hikes either. Even short sections of these trails can be a great way to explore the island at a slower pace.

You can find all the trails online at www.sifnostrails.com and in the towns you can buy a map that has all the routes on it as well.

Final Thoughts

For most people, renting a car is the best option. It gives you the freedom to explore properly, move at your own pace, and make the most of everything the island has to offer, from beaches to villages to long, relaxed dinners.

That said, you don’t need a car. The bus network is reliable, taxis are easy to organise once you have a number, and if you’re staying centrally, you can still see a lot without driving.

What really stands out about Sifnos is how accessible everything feels. Whether you’re driving, hopping on a bus, or walking between villages, the island is small enough that nothing ever feels too far away.

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