SIFNOS

The small island of Sifnos holds a large amount of treasures. This can be said metaphorically, as a reference to its natural beauty, its tradition, its history, and its impressive monuments; but it can also be said literally, as this island of 74 sq.km and about 2500 souls today, once held even greater riches beneath its enchanting surface. Its mines would yield enough gold and silver to enable this small piece of land, with all but a handful of inhabitants, make an offering to the Oracle of Apollo in Delphi comparable to that of the Athenians, the leading power in Greece and one of the greatest cities in the ancient world. Alas, the mines were depleted by the 5th century BC, leaving the island in a state of economic decline for the remaining centuries of antiquity, which was followed by a long period of devastating pirate raids all through the middle ages and well beyond. All the villages are sited around the central town, composing a simple, functional and charming holiday destination. Sifnos is famed for its pastry and cooking, definitely a notable distinction in a nation renowned for its cuisine. A considerable number of monuments such as churches, chapels, monasteries and medieval castle ruins can be found scattered across Sifnos, while there are also a Folk Art Museum in the capital of Apollonia and an Archaeological Museum in the village of Kastro. A wide variety of bars, pubs, clubs, taverns, restaurants and shops can be found in Apollonia, Kastro, and Kamares, while the overall infrastructure is satisfactory, with good transportation services on land or sea, a decent road network, and comfortable accommodations. Of the many local delicacies and delights, one must include trying tasteful sweets, cheese-pies and other local foods and especially "revithada" (chick-pea soup), a distinct local specialty. There are frequent ferry routes from Piraeus, especially in the holiday season, and a hydrofoil (flying dolphin) service from the port Rafina to Sifnos during the summer months. Regular routes link the island with the ports of Kythnos, Milos, Santorini, Serifos, Kimolos, Ios, Folegandros, Sikinos, Paros and Syros. In the summer, flying dolphins provide additional links to Mykonos, Paros, Serifos, Tinos, Evia and Rafina. In addition to a journey into gastronomy, archaeology, history and culture, Sifnos offers adventure, as there are water sports facilities, windsurfing, sailing, and scuba diving facilities on most of the popular beaches, while the interior of the island is ideal for trekkers, as well as for simple promenades.

Usefull Telephones:

SIFNOS AREA CODE:  22840-

POLICE STATION : 22840-31210

PORT POLICE: 22840-33617

MUNICIPALITY: 22840-31345, 31110

TELECOMMUNICATIONS ORG.: 22840-33499, 33699

POST OFFICE: 22840-31329

MEDICAL CENTER: 22840-31315

PHARMACIES: 22840-33541, 33033