Day 1: Platys Gialos, Panagia Chrysopigi, and Artemonas

We start the day at Platys Gialos. We enjoy swimming in the crystal-clear waters and walk barefoot along the beach. At Platys Gialos beach, you can lay your mat on the sand or sit in one of the bars that provide sunbeds and umbrellas. We choose Palmira, a small beach bar (Tel. (+30) 22840.712.83) that serves coffee, beverages, and excellent snacks.

At noon, we stop for lunch at Omega3 (Tel. (+30) 22840.720.14; book in advance). We try delicious dishes such as shrimp orzo and other inventive seafood specialties on a wooden bench by the seaside.

On our way back from the beach in the afternoon, we stop by Panagia Chrysopigi. We walk around the Monastery’s courtyard, gazing out at the infinite blue. We walk down the side steps to the rocks, where we spread our towels and swim in the pristine, crystal-clear waters.

Our evening destination is the charming Artemonas. We park the car in the municipal carpark and begin our walk from the village’s main square. On both sides of its narrow streets, we see some of the most stunning Cycladic mansions. We try traditional meze and spirits at the lovely courtyard of the café Mosaiko (Tel. (+30) 22840.335.62). Before the night is over, we make sure to pass by Kitrino Podilato (Tel. (+30) 22840.312.44); their fresh desserts are a must.

If you want to continue with a drink in Artemonas, you can stop by Diachroniko bar.

Tip: Visit the Chrysopigi rocks in the afternoon when the sun is less intense. Bring water and snacks, as there may not be an open refreshment stand nearby.

Day 2: Aghios Andreas, Vathi, Kastro, and Apollonia

We get up early to explore the Mycenaean Acropolis of Agios Andreas on Sifnos. This organized archaeological site spans the plateau of Aghios Andreas Hill, providing a panoramic view of the island.

After seeing the archeological site, we head to Vathi. We lay out our mats on the sand and dive into the crystal-clear waters. If you prefer beach bars, Bola (Tel. (+30) 22840.360.02) is an excellent choice—it features tables and chairs where you can sit in your swimwear, as well as sunbeds. It also serves snacks and food.

In the late afternoon, we visit the traditional settlement of Kastro, which holds unique surprises. Its breathtaking views are best appreciated in the afternoon light.

Seek out the chapel of the Seven Martyrs. Here, you will admire the breathtaking view of the chapel perched on a towering rock in the sea. A staircase with wide steps leads you there, with the sea on one side and steep cliffs on the other.

Loggia wine bar (Tel. (+30) 22840.319.65) in Kastro serves wine and various cheeses. The tables are right on the edge of the rock, providing an ideal setting to taste your wine while admiring the distinctive rocks and the sky turning pink as night falls.

We choose Cantina (Tel. (+30) 22840.353.95) for dinner. Located in Seralia (below Kastro), it is accessible by car or stairs. This beautiful eatery focuses on reducing food waste by sourcing seasonal items from local producers.

Late at night, we head to Apollonia to have drinks and walk through the alleys. Our favorite bars are Cosi (Tel. (+30) 697.977.7813), Botzi 93 (Tel. (+30) 22840.323.58), and Argo (Tel. (+30) 22840.311.14).

Tip: If you find yourself in Vathi, it’s worth walking from one end of the beach to the other. To reach the other side, pass through the small tunnel at the Chapel of Taxiarchis.

Day 3: Kastro, Ceramics, and Kato Petali

We return to Kastro, this time to swim. This location is perfect for rock lovers. We get our supplies and descend the steps to the chapel of the Seven Martyrs, then continue down to the flat rocks, where we spread our towels, swim, and read books while listening to the soothing sound of the sea. You might find some shade early in the morning, but if you can’t take the heat, visit the rocks in the afternoon.

Sifnos is known for its ceramics. Almost all the ceramic workshops on the island allow visitors to observe the local craftspeople at work. Pylotechnio (Tel. (+30) 22840.321.24) in Apollonia allows us to paint our own ceramics.

For dinner, we go to the traditional taverna Kelari (Tel. (+30) 22840.322.68) in Kato Petali, which serves Sifnian dishes such as revithada (chickpea stew baked in a wood-fired oven) and mastelo (lamb or goat with red wine and dill).