Discover the most beautiful beaches on Sifnos Island, from Blue Flag awarded Platis Gialos to hidden coves
Sifnos has around 35 named beaches. This guide covers the ones worth knowing, from the kilometre-long organised strip at Platis Gialos to small coves that need a hike or a boat and have no facilities at all. The coastline faces every direction, so there is almost always a sheltered option whatever the wind is doing, useful when the summer meltemi turns the north-facing beaches rough from July onward.
We have lived on Sifnos for years. The entries below are honest: we note what each beach is actually like (sand or pebble, shallow or deep, calm or exposed), how you get there (road, footpath, or boat), and what you will find when you arrive (facilities, or the lack of them). Some of these beaches are not in any other guide, either because access is tricky or because they simply do not photograph well. They are worth knowing about.
Sifnos Beaches, Assessed Honestly
Platis Gialos
Southern Sifnos
One of the longest sandy beaches on Sifnos, stretching roughly a kilometre from end to end, with a gentle shelf into the water and no sudden drops. The south-facing bay sits below the meltemi's reach: when north-facing beaches turn choppy from July onward, Platis Gialos stays swimmable. It consistently earns the Blue Flag award. The beach is lively in August, with beachfront tavernas, sunbeds, and a couple of water-sports operators, and noticeably quieter before and after peak season.
Key Highlights
Blue Flag awarded beach
South-facing, sheltered from the summer meltemi
White Tower (ancient beacon) on the hillside above
View of Kitriani islet with its small church
Facilities
Sunbeds & umbrellas
Restaurants
Water sports
Beach bars
Shops
Pottery studios
Access
Bus from Apollonia stops near the beach; road access with roadside parking along the bay
Wind Protection
Good, south-facing bay, protected from the north meltemi
Perfect For
Families
Swimming
Blue Flag beach
Food & tavernas
“A gorgeous view, with the ability to walk to the beach for restaurants and bars in about 10 minutes.”
The ferry port and the island's main arrival point, about 5 km from Apollonia. The beach runs along the port bay, wide, sandy, and gently shelving. Because everyone passes through Kamares, it has the island's densest concentration of hotels, tavernas, cafes, bakeries, and tourist services. The beach itself is pleasant, with the port as its backdrop. Worth knowing: the Mavri Spilia (Black Cave) and the Church of the Nymfon are reachable on signed hiking trails from here.
Key Highlights
Main ferry port, the island entry point
Widest range of services and accommodation on the island
Hiking trail to Mavri Spilia (Black Cave)
Connection to NATURA protected areas on the hillside
Facilities
Sunbeds & umbrellas
Restaurants
Beach bars
Shops
Natural shade
Port authority
Municipal information office
Grocery stores
Bakeries
Access
The ferry port; bus from Apollonia every 30 to 60 min in summer; walking distance from all port accommodation
Wind Protection
Good, protected western bay
Perfect For
Convenience
Families
First-night stays
Hiking access
Vathi
Southwest Sifnos
The most sheltered beach on the island, a deep, protected bay facing southwest, which means it rarely gets choppy regardless of wind direction. The sandy beach is wide with a gradual slope into the water. The village behind it has a handful of tavernas and rooms. Once a significant pottery centre, with one of the island's oldest surviving kilns; the Church of Taxiarches sits at the edge of the beach. Rare sand lilies bloom along the dune edge in late summer.
Key Highlights
Most sheltered beach on Sifnos, barely affected by any wind direction
Wide sandy beach with gentle slope into the water
Rare sand lilies bloom here in late summer
Church of Taxiarches at the edge of the beach
Prehistoric archaeological site at the north end of the bay
Facilities
Sunbeds & umbrellas
Restaurants
Beach bars
Natural shade
Pottery studios
Access
Bus from Apollonia (check the timetable, less frequent than south-coast routes); road access with parking
Wind Protection
Excellent, one of the calmest beaches on the island in all conditions
Perfect For
Families
Young children
Swimming
Quiet stays
Apokofto (below Chrysopigi)
Southeastern Sifnos
The sandy beach directly below the Chrysopigi monastery peninsula. You park near the monastery and walk down a short path. The sand is soft and golden, some of it naturally petrified hard as stone, so you pick the spot to step into the water. The backdrop of the monastery on its rocky islet, joined to the shore by a short bridge, makes it one of the most-photographed settings on the island. Tamarisk trees give natural shade, and there are changing rooms and showers, though no sunbeds, so it stays quiet.
Key Highlights
Direct view of the Chrysopigi monastery bridge
Soft golden sand, parts naturally petrified
Natural tamarisk shade along the back of the beach
Clear water, calm and quiet without sunbeds
Facilities
Changing rooms
Showers
Natural tamarisk shade
Cafe behind the beach
Access
Drive (~15 min from Apollonia) or bus to the monastery, then a short walk down; also reachable on foot from Faros (~20 min) or by boat
Wind Protection
Good, south-facing, among the sheltered south-coast bays
Perfect For
Photography
Families
Snorkelling
Chrysopigi
Southeastern Sifnos (between Faros and Platis Gialos)
Home to the Monastery of Panagia Chrysopigi, built around 1650, the island's patron saint and its most-visited monument. The monastery sits on a small rocky islet joined to the mainland by a short bridge, the image that appears on every Sifnos postcard. Apokofto beach lies to the south and the smaller, more private Saoures just to the west. The water around the islet is clear and good for snorkelling. The annual festival on Ascension Day draws the whole island.
Key Highlights
Monastery of Panagia Chrysopigi (17th century), patron saint of Sifnos
The bridge-connected islet, the island's most iconic image
Annual festival on Ascension Day (movable, May or June)
Snorkelling around the rocky islet base
Facilities
Cafe and mini-market nearby
Limited roadside parking
Monastery (open to visitors)
Access
Bus to the monastery, or drive to the small car park near Chrysopigi
Wind Protection
Good, south-facing, sheltered from the north meltemi
Perfect For
Photography
Snorkelling
Cultural interest
Families
Faros
Southeastern Sifnos
Faros is a fishing village with three distinct beach areas within a short walk of each other: the main village beach (small, sandy, with fishing boats), Fasolou to the east, and Glyfo to the west. The village itself, named after an ancient lighthouse, has some of the best snorkelling on the island thanks to a rocky seabed and very clear water. Several good tavernas sit directly on the waterfront.
Key Highlights
Three adjacent beaches in one village
Best snorkelling on the island over rocky seabed
Traditional fishing village atmosphere
Coastal walking path connects all three beaches
Facilities
Sunbeds & umbrellas
Restaurants
Natural shade
Lit walking path to adjacent beaches
Access
Bus from Apollonia (roughly hourly in summer); road access with parking at the village entrance
Wind Protection
Good, sheltered bay facing southeast
Perfect For
Snorkelling
Relaxation
Local atmosphere
Coastal walks
Seralia (below Kastro)
East coast, below Kastro village
A small pebble beach directly below the medieval village of Kastro, the island's former capital. Reached by a stepped path descending from the village, about 10 minutes on foot. The swim is short but the setting is exceptional: sheer rock faces on either side and the Kastro walls visible above. The seabed is rocky and the water deep quickly, making it better for confident swimmers. No facilities; the Kastro cafes are 10 minutes back up the steps.
Key Highlights
Kastro medieval village directly above
Dramatic rocky setting, cliffs on both sides
Very clear water over a rocky bottom
Reached by the stepped path from Kastro square
Facilities
None on the beach
Kastro cafes and taverna a 10-minute walk up
Access
On foot only, a 10-minute descent via stepped path from Kastro village; no car access
Wind Protection
Moderate, exposed to east and northeast winds
Perfect For
Confident swimmers
Photography
Snorkelling
After visiting Kastro
Fykiada
Southwest Sifnos (between Vathi and Platis Gialos)
A small sandy beach with no road access whatsoever: you either hike in (about 35 minutes from Vathi or 55 minutes from Platis Gialos on the signed trail network) or arrive by boat. Near the beach stands the chapel of Agios Georgios and one of the island's oldest olive trees. No facilities, so bring water and food. The lack of any car access keeps it quiet even in August.
Key Highlights
No road access, only by foot or boat
One of the island's oldest olive trees on the path above
Chapel of Agios Georgios
Sandy beach stays quiet even in peak season
Facilities
None, bring everything you need
Access
Hike ~35 min from Vathi or ~55 min from Platis Gialos on marked trails; or arrive by small boat
Wind Protection
Moderate, somewhat exposed to south and southwest
Perfect For
Hiking
Complete seclusion
Boat trips
Vroulidia
Northwest Sifnos (near Cheronissos)
A pebble beach on the northwest coast, about 1 km before Cheronissos and roughly 12–14 km (about 25 minutes) from Apollonia. A dirt track leads to a parking area, then a short walk down to the shore. The water is exceptionally clear over a pebble bottom. Tall hills around the cove give it more shelter than most of the north coast, and a small bar-taverna sets up sunbeds in summer.
Key Highlights
Exceptionally clear water over pebbles
Sheltered by the hills around the cove
A small bar-taverna with sunbeds in season
Quiet, thanks to the track access
Facilities
Seasonal bar-taverna
Sunbeds & umbrellas (seasonal)
Toilets
Access
Dirt track from the Cheronissos road to a parking area, then a short walk down
Wind Protection
Moderate, sheltered by the surrounding hills rather than by aspect
Perfect For
Snorkelling
Clear water
Seclusion
Herronisos (Cheronissos)
Northern Sifnos
The northernmost settlement on the island, 15 km from Apollonia on a narrow winding road. The beach is small, roughly 100 m of sand in a protected cove, with a handful of fishing boats moored at the small jetty. Two or three tavernas operate in summer. Traditional pottery has been made here for generations. The drive alone is worth it for the views across the north coast. Exposed to north winds; swimming is calm when the meltemi is not blowing, rougher when it is.
Key Highlights
Northernmost point of the island
Traditional fishing village and working pottery
A handful of tavernas right on the water
Spectacular drive across the north of the island
Facilities
Small tavernas
Traditional pottery workshop
Access
By car, a narrow road from Apollonia (allow 25 min); limited bus service in summer (verify the timetable)
Wind Protection
Moderate, the cove offers some shelter, but the north meltemi can make swimming uncomfortable
Perfect For
Seclusion
Pottery
End-of-the-road exploring
Poulati
Northeast Sifnos
A pebble and rock beach on the northeast coast, below the monastery of Panagia Poulati which sits on the clifftop above. The monastery (annual festival in August) is the reason most visitors make the drive; the beach below is a secondary reward. The road ends near the church, and you walk down a track to the shore. The water is deep and very clear. Exposed to north and northeast winds, so it can be rough when the meltemi is strong.
Key Highlights
Monastery of Panagia Poulati on the cliff above
Very deep, clear water
Short walk down from the church car park
Exposed position gives excellent views across to the mainland
Facilities
None, bring water and shade
Access
Drive to the monastery parking area, then walk ~10 min down the track to the shore
Wind Protection
Poor, exposed to north and NE meltemi; can be choppy on summer afternoons
Perfect For
Adventurous swimmers
Arrivals by boat
Monastery visit
Lazarou
Southern Sifnos (next to Platis Gialos)
A small pebble beach with rock platforms right beside Platis Gialos, a few minutes along the road from the southern end of the bay. The seabed turns sandy a short way out. It is organised around the well-known Lazarou Beach restaurant, with a swimming platform set on the rocks, so it suits a long lunch by the water as much as a swim. Quieter than the main Platis Gialos strip despite being next door.
Key Highlights
Pebble shore with rock swimming platforms
Lazarou Beach restaurant on the water
Sandy seabed a short way out
A few minutes from Platis Gialos, far quieter
Facilities
Restaurant
Sunbeds & umbrellas
Swimming platform
Access
Short walk or drive from the southern end of Platis Gialos; signed turn off the road
Wind Protection
Good, south-facing, sheltered from the north meltemi
Perfect For
Long lunches
Swimming
Away from the crowds
Fasolou
Southeastern Sifnos (below Faros)
A small, mostly sandy cove immediately east of Faros village, reachable on foot in about 5 minutes along the coastal path. The Monastery of Stavros stands on the west side of the bay, its whitewashed walls making this one of the more photogenic spots on the south coast. It is lightly organised, with changing rooms, showers, toilets and a beach restaurant, yet still quieter than the Faros main beach.
Key Highlights
Monastery of Stavros on the west side of the bay
Reached by a 5-minute coastal walk from Faros
Rocky seabed good for snorkelling
Quieter than the Faros main beach
Facilities
Changing rooms
Showers
Toilets
Beach restaurant
Access
Walk from Faros village along the lit coastal path; limited car access
Wind Protection
Good, sheltered by the Faros headland
Perfect For
Snorkelling
Photography
Quiet swimming
Saoures
Southeastern Sifnos (west of Chrysopigi)
A secluded cove just west of the Chrysopigi monastery, more private than neighbouring Apokofto. A short dirt path of about 150 metres leads down from Chrysopigi, and you can also arrive by boat. The shore is pebbles mixed with golden sand, the water clear, and the south-facing position keeps it calm and sheltered from the north meltemi until midday. No facilities on the beach; the cafes at Apokofto and the mini-market at Chrysopigi are a few minutes away.
Key Highlights
A short 150 m path down from Chrysopigi
More private than Apokofto next door
Pebbles and golden sand, clear calm water
South-facing, sheltered from the north meltemi
Facilities
None on the beach
Cafes at Apokofto and a mini-market at Chrysopigi nearby
Access
Short ~150 m dirt path from Chrysopigi, or arrive by boat
Wind Protection
Good, south-facing, sheltered from the north meltemi
Perfect For
Seclusion
Snorkelling
Quiet swimming
Glyfo
Southeastern Sifnos (west of Faros)
The westernmost of the three Faros beaches, reached by the coastal path in about 10 minutes from the village. Longer than the main Faros beach and usually less busy. The seabed is a mix of sand and flat rock, and the water runs shallow for a good distance, useful with children. No facilities on the beach itself; the Faros tavernas are 10 minutes back on foot.
Key Highlights
Quieter than the main Faros beach
Shallow water good for children
Connected by the signed coastal path
Rocky outcrops for snorkelling at the edges
Facilities
None on the beach
Faros tavernas a 10-minute walk away
Access
On foot from Faros village along the coastal path; no road access to the beach itself
Wind Protection
Good, similar aspect to Faros, southeast-facing
Perfect For
Families
Snorkelling
Quiet swimming
Tsopos
Southwest Sifnos (Vathi bay)
A quiet golden-sand cove on the left side of Vathi bay, reached by a paved road about 15 minutes from Apollonia. It shelves gently into the water, with some seaweed along the shoreline. There are showers, changing rooms and toilets but no sunbeds, so it stays unorganised and calm, and the Vathi tavernas are a short distance round the bay. A traditional pottery workshop still operates beside the beach, a direct link to Sifnos's ceramic heritage.
Key Highlights
Golden sand on the quiet side of Vathi bay
A working pottery workshop right beside the beach
Showers and changing rooms, no sunbeds
Gentle entry, sunset views over the bay
Facilities
Showers
Changing rooms
Toilets
Vathi tavernas nearby
Access
Paved road to Vathi bay, about 15 min from Apollonia; short walk to the shore
Wind Protection
Good, inside the sheltered Vathi bay
Perfect For
Seclusion
Pottery
Families
Hohlaki
Western Sifnos (beyond Vathi bay)
A secluded cove a little beyond Vathi bay on the west coast, with emerald water over pebbles and sand. There is no road and no path in: the only way to reach it is by boat, which keeps it empty even in August. A genuine boat-trip beach for a day on the water. (Not to be confused with the better-known Hohlaki on Nisyros.)
Key Highlights
Emerald water over pebbles and sand
Boat access only, empty even in peak season
A true day-on-the-water beach
West of Vathi bay
Facilities
None, boat access only
Access
By boat only; no road or footpath
Wind Protection
Moderate, open west-coast cove
Perfect For
Boat trips
Complete seclusion
Snorkelling
Spilia (the Cave)
Western Sifnos (beside Kamares)
A tiny pebble beach right beside Kamares, tucked behind the pier on the left as you face the sea. It is barely ten metres of shore with a small sea cave and a concrete plateau used for diving, and the seabed turns sandy further out. There are no sunbeds on the beach itself, but the cafes and tavernas of the Kamares waterfront are a short walk away. A favourite for snorkelling and diving, and quiet despite being next to the port.
Key Highlights
A sea cave and a diving plateau
A few minutes on foot from Kamares port
Sandy seabed further out, good for snorkelling
Secluded despite being beside the harbour
Facilities
None on the beach
Kamares cafes and tavernas a short walk away
Access
Short walk from Kamares port, behind the pier; also reachable by boat
Wind Protection
Moderate, west-facing, calmer in the morning
Perfect For
Snorkelling
Diving
Easy walk from the port
Toso Nero
Western Sifnos (before Kamares)
A green, unusually well-watered cove on the west coast before Kamares, named for the spring water that runs here ("so much water") and the little chapel of Panagia tou Toso Nero above it. The vegetation and running water are rare on a dry Cycladic island and set the spot apart. Pebbles underfoot, no facilities, and no road in: you reach it on foot along the trail or by boat.
Key Highlights
Natural spring water and greenery, rare for the Cyclades
Chapel of Panagia tou Toso Nero above the cove
No road access, footpath or boat only
Quiet and undeveloped
Facilities
None, bring everything you need
Access
On foot along the coastal trail, or by boat; no road access
Wind Protection
Moderate, open west-coast cove
Perfect For
Walkers
Seclusion
Boat trips
Explore Beyond the Beaches
Take your Sifnos days a step further with private boat tours to neighbouring islands and hidden stretches of coast.
Discover the magic of island hopping with private boat tours, departing from Platis Gialos, to Poliegos, Kimolos, and Milos. Each island has its own character, from the wild beauty of Poliegos to the small villages of Kimolos.
Visit uninhabited islands and hidden coves
Snorkel the rocky inlets and sea caves
Reach coves you can only get to by boat
You can also charter a private boat from the same partner, A La Mer — with a licensed skipper, it's the easiest way to reach the quiet coves and beaches that are hard to get to by land. Experience the genuine beauty of the Cyclades with our recommended boat-tour partners.
Use sunscreen (SPF 30+) and reapply every two hours, especially after swimming.
Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water through the day.
Be cautious of strong winds, which can make swimming difficult.
Not all beaches have lifeguards. Keep children in sight at all times.
Frequently Asked Questions About Sifnos Beaches
Which beaches are best for families with young children on Sifnos?
Vathi is the calmest beach on the island, a protected bay that barely gets choppy in any wind. Platis Gialos is the next best option: sandy, gently shelving, with tavernas and sunbeds. Kamares works well if you are staying at the port. Faros, with its three sheltered coves, also suits families who want shallow, calm water.
Which beaches need a hike or a boat to reach?
Fykiada has no road access at all: a 35-minute walk from Vathi or 55 from Platis Gialos, or arrive by boat. It is sandy and stays quiet even in August. Toso Nero and Hohlaki on the west coast are also foot-or-boat only. None of these have facilities, so carry water and food.
Which beaches are sheltered from the meltemi wind?
The meltemi is a north wind, so south- and southwest-facing beaches are the most reliable in summer. Platis Gialos, Vathi, Lazarou, Apokofto, Faros, and Glyfo all face away from the prevailing wind. The north- and east-facing beaches (Herronisos, Poulati, Seralia) are best outside July and August, or in the morning before the wind picks up.
Where can I find traditional pottery workshops near the beach?
Herronisos has active pottery workshops in the village above the beach, and there is a working studio right beside Tsopos in Vathi bay. Kamares and Faros also have workshops. Vathi was historically the island's main pottery centre, and the coastal walks between these villages pass several studios.
Can I reach Fykiada beach by car?
No. Fykiada has no road access: you walk in (about 35 minutes from Vathi or 55 from Platis Gialos) or arrive by boat. Bring food, water, and sun protection, as there are no facilities.
Are there Blue Flag beaches on Sifnos?
Platis Gialos consistently earns the Blue Flag award, which requires meeting criteria on water quality, facilities, safety, and environmental management. Kamares beach has also held the award in recent seasons. Check the current year's list on the FEE website.
Which beach is best for snorkelling?
The rocky seabed around Faros village, including the Fasolou and Glyfo coves on either side, is the best snorkelling on the island. The Chrysopigi peninsula and its islet base are also very good. Seralia below Kastro has deep, clear water over rock. Bring your own mask; there is no equipment hire at these spots.
Do I need a car to reach the best beaches?
No, but it helps. Platis Gialos, Kamares, Faros, and Vathi are all reachable by the island bus from Apollonia. Herronisos has limited bus service and is easier by car. The remote beaches (Fykiada, Toso Nero, Hohlaki) need a walk from the road or a boat, however you reach the trailhead.
Ready to Explore the Beaches of Sifnos?
Stay at Villa Olivia Clara above Platis Gialos and reach some of the loveliest beaches on Sifnos with ease.
