WITH over 6,000 islands, travellers are simply spoiled for choice when it comes to booking a holiday in Greece – but one quieter island offers a serene retreat.
Often dubbed the ‘Goldilocks’ of the Greek Cyclades, Sifnos “is quite possibly the perfect Greek island: not too big and not too small” according to Conde Nast Traveller.
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Its ‘perfect’ appearance is helped by the lack of crowds on the island compared to other Greek islands.
So much so, Swedish news website News55 has said the island is one of the top travel destinations this year as it avoids mass tourism.
Apollonia is the main village on the island and when visiting, make sure to have a wander down Steno, which is the main pedestrian street lined with traditional shops and cosy cafes.
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On the coast of the island, you can visit the former capital Kastro.
Dating back around 3,000 years, Kastro is completely pedestrianised and is full of quaint, whitewashed buildings with paths leading down to the sea where you can spot Church of the Seven Martyrs, perched on a rock islet just below the village.
There are a number of other villages on the island too, including Artemonas, which is just a short walk from Apollonia.
In Artemonas, visitors can see a number of 19th century neoclassical mansions along the main stone path.
The village is also known for its churches, such as the Church of Panagia Kohi, which is built over an ancient temple to Artemis.
If you’re more of an outdoorsy person, you won’t be short of hiking routes including a well-marked trail between Artemonas and the sea.
Wherever you go on the island, make sure to look out for amigdalota – a type of almond sweet that the island is famous for.
Scattered across the island you’ll see lots of quaint tavernas too, serving traditional Sifniote food such as chickpea balls and slow roasted lamb.
One Sun reporter who previously visited the island said: “Everything is delicious on Sifnos.
“There’s the food bursting with zingy, sunny flavour, a landscape of steep hillsides carved with agricultural terraces, azure-domed churches perched by the sea and whitewashed villages.
“For a beach day, head to Platis Gialos – a stretch of sand backed by chic bars and eateries, such as Omega3 which serves seafood dishes such as sea urchin ceviche, paired with regional wines.
“The coastline is laced with smaller beaches and secluded rocky coves, with my favourite being below the blue-domed church of Panagia Poulati –reached via a short, but steep, hike down from Verina Astra.
“Floating in the clear water, and having the place all to ourselves, was the most delicious feeling of all.”
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If you are keen to explore more beach spots, Cherronisos is another good choice and can be found in a small fishing village on the far north of the island.
One recent visitor said: “Amazing beach, amazing walking trail to the church on the top of the hill and AMAZING tavern.”
Dotted around the beach you will find a number of holiday homes too, costing as little as £63 per night and boasting panoramic views of the sea.
Sifnos doesn’t have an airport, so you’ll have to catch a ferry to reach the island which takes between two-and-a-half and three-and-a-half hours from Athens.
The main and only port on Sifnos is Kamares, where you will also find a number of places to stay including AirBnBs costing as little as £209 for a five night stay.
A single ticket from Athens to Sifnos on the ferry costs from €40.50 (£35.01) and the return leg costs from €35 (£30.26).