Sifnos, Greece - The 2017 Traveler Guide

Sifnos, Seven Martyrs Church

The Sifnos, Greece 2017 traveler guide

Located between Serifos and Milos, Sifnos is a five-hour journey from Piraeus. Home to a population of 2,625, the island is known for two things: its celebrated cuisine and its churches and chapels – one for every day of the year. This said, each saint and church, has its own feast complete with food, song and dance.

Being one of the Cyclades, Sifnos is also known for its handful of tiny villages  connected with frequent bus services promising summer strolls made in dreams: bougainvilleas hang from whitewashed dwellings along cobblestone streets. The island’s capital, Apollonia, is enough to win you over. So will the stunning sunset at Agia Marina church overlooking the island’s port, Kamares.

Things to do on Sifnos

Wander around the village of Kastro – Enter the island’s former capital through the ‘lodgies’ or old arcade-like entrances and be entranced by the breathtaking views to the Aegean as you walk along the medieval paths to the Church of the Seven Martyrs.

Sifnos, Greece - The 2017 Traveler Guide

Kastro Village in Sifnos, Greece

Sail & Swim – Sifnos is renowned for its coastline dotted with unique beaches for every taste and style. Rent a sail boat from Lavrio port on the outskirts of Athens and sail to Sifnos. Drop anchor in Vathi or Faros bay and dive into the crystal clear turquoise waters. For the golden sand lover, Platys Gyalos is the place to go. Most beaches are accessible by regular bus service.

Visit Panagia Chryssopigi Monastery and its bright white chapel standing proudly on an outcrop from the mainland off Faros. Besides the sheer beauty of the location, this is the hottest spot to get married nowadays. Could it be any other way? Its name means ‘’source of gold’’.. and of happiness may we add.

Sifnos Greece Chryssopigi Church

Chyssopigi Church, Sifnos Greece

Eat, eat, eat – and if you’re lucky enough catch the Cycladic Gastronomy Festival named after the island’s very own Nikolaos Tselementes, one of Greece’s most famous cooks. The late summer event gathers chefs and cooks from all the Cyclades isles showcasing the finest tastes and products. Don’t forget to try ‘’revythada” – a velvety chickpea stew slow-cooked in a traditional Sinfos ceramic pot.

Buy pottery – Sifniots are considered leading potters by tradition with the secrets of the craft handed down from father to son.

How to get to Sifnos?

Car ferries depart daily from Piraeus port outside Athens. The journey lasts about five hours. High-speed vessels take about 3.5 hours but cost more.

What’s near Sifnos?

Sifnos is connected via daily ferry services with Serifos and Milos and is an ideal base for travel to other Cycladic isles including Kythnos, Kimolos Folegandros, Ios, Sikinos and Santorini.

Sifnos ports

Kamares Port Sifnos

View of Kamares Port, Sifnos

Kamares is the main port serving incoming ferries, fishermen and sailboats. The marina there offers fuel and water supplies and the town plenty of accommodation facilities, food and entertainment. 

Ferries to Sifnos / Athens to Sifnos / Sifnos ferry tickets

There are daily ferries from Athens to Sifnos. The ferry routes to Sifnos are operated by both conventional and high speed ferries. The island of Sifnos is also connected with frequent ferry schedules to close by islands of Serifos, Milos and Kimolos.

From Athens, Piraeus port to Sifnos in the Western Cyclades

Aegean Speed Lines from Piraeus to Sifnos

  • From 07/07 until 03/09 daily at 07:05 with the Speedrunner 3
  • From 06/06 until 06/07 & from 04/09 until 16/09 daily except Fridays & Sundays at 07:30 with the Speedrunner 3 15/04 & 29/04 & 03/06 every Saturday at 07:30 with the Speedrunner 3
  • From 17/04 until 20/04 every Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday at 13:00 with the Speedrunner 3
  • From 24/09 until 29/10 every Sunday at 11:00 with the Speedrunner 3
  • From 09/04 until 12/04 every Tuesday, Wednesday and Sunday at 12:00 with the Speedrunner 3
  • From 23/04 until 02/07 every Sunday at 12:00 with the Speedrunner 3
  • From 03/05 until 17/05 every Wednesday at 12:00 with the Speedrunner 3
  • From 29/05 until 05/06 every Monday and Wednesday at 12:00 with the Speedrunner 3
  • From 28/04 until 30/06 & from 08/09 until 29/09 every Friday at 16:30 with the Speedrunner 3
  • From 09/07 until 20/08 every Sunday at 17:00 with the Speedrunner 3
  • From 13/07 until 19/08 every Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 17:00 with the Speedrunner 3
  • From 26/08 until 03/09 daily except Wednesdays at 17:00 with the Speedrunner 3

Hellenic Seaways from Piraeus to Sifnos

  • From 01/06 until 24/09 daily at 07:15 with the Hellenic Highspeed

Zante Ferries from Piraeus to Sifnos

  • From 01/03 until 05/04 every Wednesday at 14:00 with the Adamantios Korais
  • From 04/03 until 24/06 every Saturday at 07:15 with the Adamantios Korais
  • From 03/03 until 07/04 every Friday at 14:00 with the Adamantios Korais
  • From 06/03 until 03/04 every Monday, at 14:00 with Adamantios Korais
  • From 10/04 until 14/04 every Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday at 07:15 with the Adamantios Korais
  • From 26/04 until 28/06 every Wednesday at 14:00 with the Adamantios Korais
  • From 05/05 until 30/06 every Friday at 14:30 with the Adamantios Korais

July & August Zante Ferries schedules are expected to be published later.

Seajets from Piraeus to Sifnos

  • From 28/04 until 15/10 daily at 07:00 with the Seajet 2
  • From 01/06 until 13/07 every Thursday at 15:30 with the Parosjet
  • From 02/06 until 18/09 every Monday, Friday and Sunday at 15:30 with the Parosjet
  • From 03/06 until 16/09 every Tuesday, Wednesday and Saturday at 15:30 with the Parosjet
  • From 20/07 until 14/09 every Thursday at 15:30 with the Parosjet.

All ferries from Athens to Sifnos can be booked online via danae.travel

How much does it cost to travel to Sifnos / Sifnos ferry prices

Prices for 2017 ferries connecting Athens’ main port of Piraeus to Sifnos start at 36.00 euros per person in economy with the Zante Ferries.

Indicative ferry prices from Athens to Sifnos per adult in economy:

  • Aegean Speed Lines – Speedrunner 3: 50.00 euros per person
  • Hellenic Seaways – Hellenic Highspeed: 50.00 euros per person
  • Seajets – Parosjet: 51.90 euros per person
  • Zante Ferries – Adamantios Korais: 36.00 euros per person

Zante Ferries, Adamantios Korais also offers cabins. Prices start at 66.00 euros per bed

How long is the ferry ride to Sifnos?

Travel times always depend on the vessel type, the number of stops and the weather conditions. Large conventional ferries are not affected by the weather conditions too much. The soonest you can reach Sifnos from Athens is in 2 hours 30 minutes.

Indicative travel times from Athens to Sifnos:

  • The Speedrunner 3 takes about 2 hours 30 minutes from Athens to Sifnos. Departs from Piraeus at 07:30 in the morning and arrives in Sifnos at 9:45.
  • The Parosjet takes about 2 hours 30 minutes from Athens to Sifnos. Departs Piraeus at 15:30 in the afternoon and arrives in Sifnos at 18:00.
  • The Hellenic Highspeed takes about 2 hours 30 minutes from Athens to Sifnos. Departs at 07:15 in the morning and arrives in Sifnos at 09:45.
  • The Adamantios Korais takes about 4 hours 20 minutes from Athens to Sifnos. Departs at 14:30 in early afternoon and arrives in Sifnos at 20:20.

All ferries from Athens to Sifnos can be booked online via danae.travel

Which other Greek islands is Sifnos connected to?

From Sifnos, you can catch a ferry to the following islands (next to each island, you will find a price indication):

  • Serifos: 14.00 euro per person
  • Kea (Tzia): 12.50 euro per person
  • Kythnos: 18.50 euro per person
  • Folegandros: 30.00 euro per person with conventional ferry / 50.00 euro per person with hydrofoil
  • Ios: 33.50 euro per person with conventional ferry / 55.00 euro per person with hydrofoil
  • Santorini: 33.50 euro per person with conventional ferry / 55.00 euro per person with hydrofoil
  • Sikinos: 30.00 euro per person
  • Syros: 9.50 euro per person
  • Kimolos: 13.00 euro per person
  • Milos: 16.00 euro per person
  • Paros: 5.00 euro per person

Athens ports with ferry departures to Sifnos

All ferries connecting Athens to Sifnos depart from the main port of Athens, Piraeus.

Information about Piraeus Port – Athens
How to reach the port of Piraeus:

Piraeus port is near Athens and can be reached by metro, train, bus and taxis both from the Athens city center and from Athens International Airport (AIA):

  • From Athens International Airport: Take the express bus X96. It takes you directly to the port, its frequent, cheap and quite fast. It usually takes about 60-90 minutes. The cost is 5 euros / adult. Check the timetables on screens inside the airport. The X96 bus stop is just outside the arrivals level at the airport (check the signs). At the port, the bus stop is near Gate E6 (also close to the metro station). If you choose to take a taxi, it will cost you 50-60 euros and it will take you around 60 minutes.
  • From the center of Athens: The best way to reach Piraeus port from the center of Athens is by metro / train. You can catch it from the Monastiraki or Omonia stations. It costs 1.40 euros and takes under 30 minutes. If you choose to take a taxi, it will cost you just under 30 euros and it will take you about 30 to 40 minutes. With heavy traffic it might take you up to an hour. If you prefer traveling by bus, there are two options:
    • From Syntagma Square to Piraeus: Bus 040, Piraeus bus stop: Korai Square (close to the Municipal Theater) and then a 10-minute walk to Gate E9.
    • From Omonia Square to Piraeus: Bus 049, Piraeus bus stop: Korai square (close to the Municipal Theater) and then a 10-minute walk to Gate E9.

We can arrange a private transfer for you from your hotel in Athens to Piraeus port or from the Athens International Airport to the port. You can also book online via danae.travel together with your ferry tickets.

Where or which gates do the ferries to Sifnos depart from at Piraeus port? 

  • Aegean Speed Lines to Sifnos depart from Gate E7
  • Hellenic Seaways ferries to Sifnos depart from Gate E7
  • Seajets ferries to Sifnos depart from Gate E9
  • Zante Ferries to Sifnos depart from Gate E9

Note: There is a running port bus which connects departure gates.

Map of Piraeus port:

Piraeus port map

Athens, Piraeus Port map