Sweet little Sifnos is quieter than most Greek islands. The pace of life here is refreshingly slow, creating a laid-back vibe reminiscent of old-school Greece. That’s not to say that Sifnos hasn’t been discovered – it’s popular with holidaying Athenians - but the lack of an airport means that mass tourism hasn’t arrived. Villages are cute and traditional, rich with chapels (there are over 350 churches on the island), tavernas and artisan shops, and the beaches are rarely crowded.
The island is known for pottery and food. It was once the home of Nicholas Tselementes, the father of modern Greek cooking, and has been rated as having "the most sizzling food scene in the Med” - so you’re in for a treat! For an authentic meal, try revithia (chickpea stew) or mastelo (meat stew), which are traditionally cooked in clay pots made on the island. Upmarket restaurants are mostly in Apollonia, the island’s attractive main town, but you’ll find some excellent tavernas (and a good beach) in Kamaras (the port town) too.
Days on Sifnos are simple. You might explore the coast by sailing boat, scuba dive in crystal-clear sea, stroll through lush valleys – there’s an excellent network of walking trails criss-crossing the island – or retreat to the soft sands of a secluded beach (Vathi and Faros are teeny and lovely), but primarily, you’re simply here to switch off.