Gretchen Stuppy Carlson
Sifnos is a fantastic Greek Island if you love to hike. You will find generally well-marked trails that wind through scenic landscapes, historic sites, and charming villages. Whether you’re an experienced trekker or a casual walker, the island’s trails provide an unforgettable way to explore its beauty.
We did several hikes during our visit to Sifnos and put together this article on the best Sifnos hiking trails. It’s important to note that if you are visiting the island in the summer months – it is every hot and dry and you should limit your hikes to the mornings.
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Tips for Hiking on Sifnos
Season: Spring and fall are the best times to hike, as the weather is mild and the landscape has more green.
Gear: Wear sturdy hiking shoes, bring sunscreen, and carry plenty of water, as most of the trails have very little shade.
Maps: Most trails are well-marked with signs and numbers, but carrying a map or using a hiking app is helpful.
Respect Nature: Stick to the marked paths, and leave no trace to preserve the island’s natural beauty.
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Best Sifnos Hiking Trails
1. Trail 1: Artemonas to Kastro
This moderate hike starts in the picturesque village of Artemonas and leads to Kastro, a historic fortified village with stunning views of the Aegean Sea. Along the way, you’ll pass through olive groves, stone-paved paths, and traditional Cycladic architecture. There are actually a number of trails that run through this area and you can combine some road walking with hiking trails.
2. Trail 3: Apollonia to Panagia tou Vounou and Platis Gialos
This trail begins in Apollonia, the island’s capital, and leads to the Church of Panagia tou Vounou (Virgin of the Mountain), offering breathtaking views of the coastline. From there, the trail descends to Platis Gialos beach, where you can cool off with a swim.
3. Trail 6: Vathi to Profitis Ilias Monastery
For more adventurous hikers, this trail ascends to the highest point on Sifnos, Profitis Ilias Monastery. The climb rewards you with panoramic views of the island and the surrounding Aegean.
4. Trail 7: Kastro to Chrysopigi
This coastal trail connects the historic village of Kastro to the iconic Chrysopigi Monastery. The route features rocky cliffs, hidden coves, and mesmerizing sea views, making it a favorite among nature lovers. Dave and I did this trail – most of the path is simply stones and is easy walking.
6. Trail 2: Apollonia to Vathi
This trail connects the island’s capital to the serene beach of Vathi. The hike takes you through terraced landscapes, ancient ruins, and traditional farmsteads, offering a glimpse into Sifnos’ rural charm.
7. Hiking Trail in the North of Sifnos
More remote, the hiking trail is the northerm part of Sifnos offer a much quieter and different experience. We hiked here, and enjoyed visiting the remote beaches in the area. You can see many of these trails on All Trails without a name.
8. Hiking Trail from Kamares Past Church of St. Catherine
This is a great trail that leaves right from the port of Kamares. It’s easy to get to and offers great views back into the town. The trail leads to the Church of St. Catherine and continues past although it get rougher as you continue on. There are several places you can get down to the water for a swim.
How to Get Around Sifnos
The easiest way to get to some of these hikes is to rent a car, although it is also possible to visit many of these hikes by taking the local bus. Since most of the trails started as routes to get from one place to another, most of the trails start or end in a town. This make it relatively easy to access the trailheads.
That said, in general, the best way to get around Sifnos is to rent a car. The bus system operates between the major towns and some of the beaches, but that don’t run frequently to some of the more remote areas.
We rented a car for 2 days of our stay and spent the rest of the time using the bus system. There are several car rental companies right in the port of Kamares.
