Jewellery designer Lucy Delius has named Sifnos in the Cyclades as her favourite destination, praising its slow pace, gorgeous sea, and exceptional restaurants. She describes it as the perfect place to unplug for two weeks, reading, eating, and sleeping. This will be her third consecutive year visiting, and she remains amazed that such a small island consistently offers new discoveries.
Why Sifnos?
Delius, who travels with her husband and two sons, says Sifnos provides a total slow down. She appreciates both smart hotels and low-key experiences, and the island delivers on both fronts. The family typically stays in an Airbnb on Platis Gialos, as close to the beach as possible.
Favourite Meal and Must-Visit Restaurants
Her favourite meal is at Cantina, a well-known restaurant that recently did a pop-up in London. The menu is a non-pretentious taster menu that changes daily, with incredible dishes served on beautiful ceramics, accompanied only by the sound of waves. Delius calls it a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
She also recommends To Steki, a taverna on Platis Gialos with fairy lights and Greek families; Cantina in Kastro; and Mamma Mia, also in Platis Gialos, which serves the best pizza she has had outside Italy, plus a superb vitello tonnato.
24-Hour Itinerary
If limited to 24 hours, Delius would start with iced coffees and decadent pastries from Theros Bake Project Sifnos, then take a driving tour to Chrisopigi Monastery for scenery and culture. She would head to a nearby spot for sunbathing and sea jumping, then visit the fishing village of Cheronissos. For lunch, she would drive to Paralia Vroulidia, a rocky beach at the bottom of a steep hill, where the taverna serves amazing fresh fish and salads. The drive is nerve-wracking, but worth it. She would end the day in Kastro watching the sunset with biodynamic wine.
Unmissable Activity and Hidden Gems
Delius recommends a boat day around the island with Salty Rides. For hidden gems, she suggests ceramics from Lemonis Pottery Workshop and Ceramic Psaraftis.
Where to Let Your Hair Down
Loggia Wine Bar is legendary, but Delius prefers sundowners on the beach with a turbo gin poured by her husband, playing a competitive game of Uno Reverso.
Favourite Shops and Souvenirs
In Apollonia, she recommends Biba Sifnos for unique finds. She once bought a homemade sun hat made from vintage 1970s tea towels, which still gets compliments. Every year, she brings home an extra suitcase full of ceramics from local workshops.
Beauty Spot and Packing Essentials
Her favourite beauty spot is anywhere with rocks big enough for her boys to jump off. Packing essentials include rock shoes, a silk scarf from Kallmeyer to tame baby hairs, a deck chair bought locally, a swimsuit from Matteau with matching pareo, and a Beauty of Joseon sun stick. She also brings a long sleeve for breezy evenings.
Song and Dress Code
A song that reminds her of Sifnos is anything from the first Killers album, which the family sings along to in their rental car. Her dress code is a favourite swimsuit and pareo during the day, and a wafty kaftan in the evenings, always wearing her Diamond Signet ring.
Emergency and Favourite Memory
Delius has had no emergencies, but notes the challenging drive up from Paralia Vroulidia, a 45-degree hill with no grip. Her favourite memory is watching her kids play football on the beach, eating at beach tavernas, barefoot and salty, spending time with family.
