Sifnos, a Greek island in the Cyclades, offers the scenic beauty of Santorini with far fewer crowds. Around 126,000 people visit Sifnos each year, a figure that seems large against its modest population of just 2,600 residents, but it pales in comparison to the more than three million tourists who visit Santorini annually.
Beaches, Villages, and Trails
The island features a range of beaches with crystal-clear waters, including Platis Gialos, Vathi, Apokofto and Kamares, suitable for relaxation or water activities. Hiking trails cross the island, offering views over terraced hillsides, ancient olive groves, and traditional Cycladic architecture.
Visitors can explore villages such as Apollonia, known for its winding alleyways and whitewashed houses, and Kastro, which is noted for its medieval architecture and sea views. Sifnos is also known for its culinary heritage, with local specialities including chickpea soup and mastelo (lamb stew).
Getting There
There are no direct flights to Sifnos from the UK. Travelers must fly to Athens, with flights from London available from as little as £42. From Athens, visitors can take a taxi, bus, or train to Piraeus and catch a ferry to Sifnos from around £25. High-speed crossings take two to three hours, while traditional ferries take about five hours.
Despite the extra effort required to reach the island, it offers a way to avoid the large crowds found on other Greek islands.
Tourist Reactions
Travel TikToker Declan described Sifnos as his "favourite" Greek island of the 10 he has visited. He added: "This under-the-radar island checks every box: amazing restaurants and bars, whitewashed villages and cobblestone charm, quiet beaches without the Mykonos crowds, hikes with panoramic views, and it’s affordable, authentic, and easily accessible from Athens!"
Another TikTok user, known as Totally Avalon, called Sifnos the "most underrated island in Greece," praising its "amazing" food, "incredibly blue" water, and "unforgettable" landscape. Commenters agreed, with one saying "Stunning," another calling it "our favourite island," and a third adding "Looks incredible."
