Sifnos Car Hire

Guide of Sifnos

Geography

Sifnos is a triangular-shaped island located in the Western Cyclades, near Serifos, Kimolos and Milos. It boasts 70 km of coastline, dotted with beautiful beaches, picturesque coves and tiny islets. Inland, the landscape is characterised by mountains, hills and valleys covered in olive and almond trees, making it popular with hikers and outdoor enthusiasts. The highest point on the island is Profitis Illius Hill, which reaches 680 metres above sea level.

Climate in Sifnos

Like the rest of the Cyclades Islands, Sifnos enjoys a Mediterranean climate with hot summers and mild winters. July and August are the hottest months in Sifnos, with average temperatures of 25°C. January is the coldest month with average temperatures of 11°C and December is the wettest month. Summer is a popular time to visit, while spring is popular with hikers.

Culture

Sifnos has a rich and turbulent past. Once the most important outpost for the Phoenicians, the island later became famous for its ceramics. Little remains of its early history and today its towns and villages are fantastic examples of the traditional Cycladic style. More recently, the island has become a popular holiday destination though, unlike Mykonos and Santorini, it isn’t overrun with tourists during the summertime.

Things To Do in Sifnos

Beach hop

Sifnos is brimming with brilliant beaches and, unlike some of its Cycladic neighbours, you’ll often have these golden sandy stretches to yourself. The most popular beaches are located along the south coast, though there are quieter spots like Fassolou. If you’re after dive-in dips, try the flat rocks surrounding Chrisopigi Monastery.

See the Church of the Seven Martyrs

This tiny blue-domed church is one of the island’s most iconic sights. Set at the end of a steep cliff path on its own little peninsula, it’s one of the best places to enjoy a sunset. While the church itself is often closed, it’s worth the trip for the photos alone. The surrounding waters are a popular spot for swimming too.

Learn about the history of Sifnos pottery

Sifnos boasts a rich history of pottery dating back to the Early Bronze Age. You can see some of these artefacts at the Archaeological Museum of Sifnos, or try your hand at one of the 19 pottery workshops still in operation today.

Meander around Kastro

This lovely clifftop village was built in the ruins of the ancient capital of Sifnos. Unlike most of the island’s villages, Kastro has retained its medieval character and landmarks, including the old boundary walls, the Venetian fortress and its narrow grid of streets. Look closely, and you’ll spot the Venetian coat of arms and ancient wall fragments on some of the oldest houses in the village.

Take a hike

While beaches might immediately spring to mind, Sifnos is a hikers’ paradise. Some 200 kilometres of hiking trails snake around the island, meandering across huge hills and past hidden churches. One of the most popular hikes on the island is the route between Panagia Poulati and Kastro Village. Come spring, the route is bursting with wildflowers and fragrant herbs.

Visit rural villages

Few can fail to fall for the charms of Sifnos’ white-washed rural villages. Artemonas and Apollonia are two of the prettiest, but there are dozens of lesser-known villages to explore too. In the north of the island, Cheronissos is protected by a small gulf. The waters here are crystal clear and perfect for swimming. Once you’ve worked up an appetite, head to one of two tavernas on the beach for fresh fish and a cool beer. On the other side of the island, Faros is home to a collection of restaurants, shops and tavernas.

Eating Out in Sifnos

Some claim Sifnos is home to the Cyclades’ hottest food scene. Sifnos-born Nikolaos Tselemented, who wrote a Greek cookbook in 1926, became the country’s first celebrity chef and the island has enjoyed a reputation for its culinary offering ever since. Many of the island’s most lauded restaurants combine rich traditions with a contemporary edge. Local specialities include Revithia (chickpea stews), kaparosalata (caper salads) and melopita (Sifnian honey pie).

Omega3 is one of the island’s most famous restaurants and counts Tom Hanks among its fans. The raw fish plates and sashimi are real crow pleasers. Or, for more authentic farm-to-table fare, try The Tsikali in Vathi. This family-run restaurant serves meat and cheeses produced on its own farm. Astro in Kastro was founded in 1969 and was the first taverna in the village. Portions are generous and served alongside spectacular hillside views.

Transport

Airport

There is no airport in Sifnos. The closest airports to Sifnos are Athens International Airport (AIA) and Milos Airport (MLO). Milos Airport is just an hour away by ferry, but it is only served by domestic flights from Athens. If you’re flying internationally, you will need to first fly to Athens. From here, you can either pick up a connecting flight to Milos and ferry or travel directly from Athens by ferry. There are daily ferry sailings from Piraeus in Athens and journeys take between four and eight hours.

Getting Around Sifnos

Sifnos is a tiny island. The cheapest way to get around is to make the most of local buses, which are affordable and serve the most popular spots on the island. Sifnos is well connected to other islands in the Cyclades, including Serifos, Milos, Kimolos and Kythnos, making it an excellent option for those looking to island-hop.

However, if you’re looking to explore some of the island’s more secluded spots and under-the-radar destinations, we recommend hiring a car or a motorbike. Bus services can be irregular, particularly during the winter season, and taxis are expensive.

Top Tips when hiring a car in Sifnos

• Look for car rentals that offer a wide range of vehicles, from compact cars like Fiat Panda to spacious SUVs. This variety ensures you can choose the perfect car for your needs when you rent a car in Sifnos.

• Rental Car Deals: Keep an eye out for attractive discounts and special rental car deals, especially if you're visiting during the low season. These promotions can help you save on your rental costs.

• Latest Models: Opt for a car rental agency that offers the latest models. This not only provides a comfortable and safe driving experience but also helps you make a positive impression during your stay on Sifnos.

• Competitive Rates: To make the most of your budget, compare the rates of different car rental companies. Choose a service that offers competitive rates and logical prices for the vehicle category you desire.

• Friendly and Hospitable Environment: A hospitable environment is key. Select a car rental company known for its friendly and welcoming staff, ensuring a faultless service that puts your needs first.

• Safety: Prioritize your safety by renting a well-maintained vehicle from a reputable company. Ensure that the rental cars undergo regular maintenance checks for a worry-free journey.

• Long Term Experience: Consider renting from a company with long-term experience on the island. They are likely to have a well-established fleet and a solid reputation for quality service.

• Earn Points: Some car rental companies offer loyalty programs where you can earn points or discounts for future rentals. Enquire about such programs to maximize your savings.

• Drop-off Services: If you plan to pick up your rental car at one location and drop it off at another, check if the rental company offers this option. It can add convenience to your travel plans.

• Moto Renting: In addition to cars, consider exploring moto renting options if you want to experience Sifnos on two wheels. Scooters or motorcycles can be a fun way to explore the island.

• Vehicle Variety: If you're traveling with a group or family, inquire about the availability of larger vehicles like minivans or SUVs that can comfortably accommodate everyone.

• Combine Services: Some car rental companies may have partnerships with hotels, offering package deals that include both a vehicle and accommodation. This can simplify your travel plans.