Where To Stay in Sifnos

Sifnos is a small island, but where you base yourself can still shape your experience. The good news is that you can’t really go too wrong here. Choosing where you stay is more about how you want to travel, and the kind of pace you’re after, but no matter what you decide, you will still be able to see everything (as long as you have a car).

Kastro

If You’re Relying on Public Transport

If you’re not planning to rent a car, Apollonia and Artemonas are easily the best places to stay.

These villages sit right in the centre of the island and act as the main transport hub. Almost all bus routes start from here, which makes getting around straightforward, even without a car.

You’ll also have plenty going on in the evenings. There are plenty of restaurants, bars and small shops, so you won’t feel stuck once you’re back from the beach.

Evenings in Artemonas

For most people travelling without a car, this is the most practical and enjoyable base. You can find out more about bus services using this link.

• Bus tickets are €2.00 - €2.50 depending on the route, and you can buy them on the bus

• The driver can stop in between designated stops if you want to get off

• All buses have air conditioning and luggage space

• Frequency and timings depend on the season

Bus Routes

• Artemonas → Apollonia → Kamares

• Artemonas → Apollonia → Platis Gialos

• Artemonas → Apollonia → Faros

• Artemonas → Apollonia → Vathi

• Artemonas → Cheronissos

• Apollonia → Kastro

There are also a handful of taxis (around 10) operating on the island, and the numbers are pasted up in the main towns or just ask a local, and they will give you one of their numbers.

If You’re Renting a Car (Which We Recommend)

If you’re driving, then the entire island opens up for you.

Sifnos is compact, and you can drive from one end of the island to the other in around 45 minutes. That means you’re not tied to one area and can explore each day freely.

That said, we still think staying in or around Apollonia works really well. It’s centrally located, making it easy to reach all parts of the island without long drives, and you still get access to the best evening atmosphere. It’s the most balanced option.

If your trip is more about switching off and moving less, Vathi is a great choice. It’s a beautiful bay with a proper beach, a handful of excellent restaurants, and enough going on to keep things interesting without feeling busy. You could quite easily base yourself here for a few days without needing to go far, which makes it ideal if you’re after a more relaxed, self-contained stay.

If you really want to be quiet and relaxed, find a nice place in Cheronissos, a very small village with a beautiful beach, stunning views and some lovely guesthouses on the cliffs.

Vathi

A guesthouse on the cliffs of Cheronissos beach

Where we stayed

We stayed in an Airbnb just outside Artemonas. It was quiet and up in the hills away from everything, but it had a small kitchen and a terrace with sunloungers, with a lovely view. Mainly chose becuase of price and central island location.

South vs North of the Island

In general, the southern part of Sifnos gives you better access to things to do. This is where you’ll find more beaches, restaurants, and places to explore. It’s also where most visitors tend to base themselves.

The north of the island is much quieter, more rugged, and feels a bit more remote. It’s definitely worth exploring, but we found it better suited for day trips rather than as a base, especially if it’s your first time on the island.

Southern Sifnos

• Vathi

• Faros

• Platis Gialos

• Kastro

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Northern Sifnos

• Paralia Vroulidia

• Kamares

• Cherronisos

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Kamares port

Final Thoughts

At the end of the day, Sifnos is small enough that you’re never too far from anywhere.

As long as you’re happy to drive, you can stay almost anywhere and still explore the island easily. So if you come across a place you really love, it’s worth going for it.

But if you want the safest, most well-rounded choice, Apollonia (and its surroundings) is hard to beat.

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