If I had to choose only one island in the Cyclades, which "has everything" - from crowded beaches, lively nightlife and luxury resorts so quiet, traditional, serene beaches and sights of historical importance-it undoubtedly would be Sifnos.
Although at first glance the scene looks like typical Cycladic and not particularly impressive, looking more closely at the visitor discovers the secret charm.
Walking along the paths crossing Sifnos, the images are rotated constantly: from cosmopolitan Apollonia, the capital of the island, amphitheatrically built on three hills, which brings many visitors all hours of the day in quiet, picturesque villages of upper and lower Petaliou, Katavatis, and San Lucas and from there on the beaches katagalanes Farou, Apokoftou, Cherronisou and Seralias.
The tradition is evident at every point of Sifnos. The Cycladic architecture harmoniously combined with the elaborate neo-classical buildings, traditional pottery workshops are peritrani proof of maintaining sifneikis delivery of this age-old art and cooking of Siphnians has rightly described as one of the klassikoteres Cyclades.
The villages of Sifnos are far from the image of egkataleleimenis Greek province. Developed in the majority, with hospitable people, willing to xenagisoun visitors to the traditional pottery workshops, the neo-classical mansions and churches, Sifnos laws give a description of the few cases where Greek islands villages might impress more than beaches.
That does not mean that beaches of Sifnos is not worthwhile. Amouderes in the majority, with shallow, blue water and golden sand, but many visitors during the summer months. To discover the most isolated of them will need access by sea and the help of a local - but the search will compensate.
A special mention should be made to kastropoliteia of Sifnos, the village under the name "Castro", which was the capital of the island since ancient times up to 1836. The architecture of the settlement is a characteristic sample Venetian castle, while the entire village is an open museum.
Here you will have the opportunity it was to stone-built narrow streets, admire the magnificent sea view from the back side of the village and visit the archaeological museum of the island, which hosts a rich collection of Archaic and Hellenistic sculptures, ceramics from the geometric to the Hellenistic Age and coins.
Where to stay
In Sifnos will find a wealth of hotels and rented rooms, both in crowded areas, such as Apollonia, Kamares and Kamares, and in galinious coastal settlements. They operate two also organized camping, private and public, in Kamares and Platy Yialos.
Regarding hotels, some of the best choices are as follows.
Patriarca Boutique Hotel (Apollonia, tel: 22840 32400). History of the 1650 building, renovated and transformed into a luxury boutique hotel just six rooms. Unique decorated with objects aesthetically, but also equipped with all modern facilities, rooms cost from 100 to 250 euros.
The luxurious Elies Resort (Deep, tel: 22840 71114, 22840 71112) has 10 superior rooms 17 suites and 3 villas in a green area of 50 acres, a breath away from the sea and with all the amenities you would expect from a exclusive hotel. Prices during high season start at 330 euros for superior rooms and reach up to 900 euros for the superior villa.
The hotel Niriides (Kamares, tel: 22840 71530, 22840 71531) has a uniquely decorated rooms, fully equipped with satellite TV, access to the internet, air condition, safe and kitchen and outside Jacuzzi, swimming pool and gallery. Prices range from 95 to 360 euros, depending on the type of room and time.
Food and fun
As I said, the cooking of Siphnians is from the traditional (and perhaps the best in the Cyclades). There is also a coincidence that the Sifnos is home to many famous cooks such as Nicholas Tselementes.
It, therefore, to stress that Sifnos will eat almost everywhere extremely steamed (do not forget to try the traditional mastelo, xynomyzithra and revithokeftedes), fresh fish and traditional, homemade desserts.
Some of the parties xechorisame for the excellent cuisine and impeccable service is the "Lichnos" in Faro, "Ydroussa" Deep, "Meropi" in Kamares, the "Star" in the Castle, "The Great Sifnos" Apollonia and "Sunset" in Troulaki, with a magnificent view of the best sunset of the island.
For extremely sweet desserts and go to the "Three Angels" and the "Terrace of the Aegean" in Artemonas. Poutigka superb chocolate will try to "Hi" to Platy Yialos.
The lovers of night life will not be disappointed in Sifnos. Unlike other "low profile" Cycladic islands, Sifnos has several bars and club which operated until the early morning hours.
The… nychtoperpatimata usually start from the romantic "Remezzo" and "Kastello" of the Castle, to continue in the famous "strait of entertainment" in Apollonia, which consists of ten bars, covering every musical preference. You'll find the right twist in the oven, across from the piatsa taxis. Then follow the music.
It is interesting to see
* The traditional pottery workshops, you'll find anywhere on the island. Visit at least one of them is an experience worth the trouble. The owners will be glad to tell you xenagisoun.
* The neo-classical mansions in Artemonas and Exampela.
* The acropolis of the Castle (classical era), of St. Nikita Seladiou and St. Andrew's (proelliniki acropolis settlement Cycladic era).
* The archaeological museum of the Castle.
* The folk art museum in Apollonia, which includes exhibits such as local costumes, farm tools and household articles.
* The lines, lines around ten windmills at the entrance of the village Exampela.
* The White Tower, on the road to Platy Yialos.
* The house where he lived Aristomenes Provelengios to Exampela.
* The most important of the 227 churches of the whole island (Lady Vrisi, Mountain Monastery of Panagia, Angeloktisti Katavatis, Sozon St. Mary the Gournia, Panagia Ammo, San Lucas, Agios Konstantinos) and especially the Chrysopigi, built on a rock in the Lighthouse.
* The paths linking Apollonia with most villages of the island.
* The English version of the fjords, Cherroniso.
