Getting Around Sifnos
Written by Elena Philippou,Updated June 2026
Buses, taxis, car hire — and whether you actually need a car.
Sifnos is small: you can drive from one end to the other in about half an hour. But it's hilly, and the villages and quieter beaches are spread out. Here's how the island moves, and an honest take on whether you need a car.
Do you need a car?
For a beach stay in Platis Gialos, not really — the beach, tavernas, coffee and a bus stop are all a short walk away. If you want to roam the villages, reach quieter beaches like Vathi and Heronissos, or start a hike on your own schedule, a car makes the island far easier. Plenty of guests rent one for just two or three days rather than the whole week.
The local bus
Sifnos has a public bus network (KTEL). Routes radiate from Apollonia, the island's capital, and link Kamares (the port), Platis Gialos, Vathi, Faros, Kastro and Artemonas. Buses run often in July and August and less frequently in the shoulder months; timetables are posted at the stops and at Apollonia's main square. The Platis Gialos stop is a short walk from the villa.
Taxis
There are only a handful of taxis on the island, so they get stretched in high season — book ahead, especially for ferry arrivals and departures. We're glad to arrange a transfer so a car is waiting for you at the port.
Car hire
Rental agencies operate at Kamares port and around Apollonia, with automatic and manual cars from roughly €30 a day. Reserve early for July and August, when cars sell out. The roads are paved and well signed, if narrow and winding in places. Tell us your dates and we'll recommend an agency and have the car ready when you land — just ask.
Getting around from the villa
Villa Olivia Clara sits just above Platis Gialos. The beach, tavernas and coffee are a short walk downhill. Kamares port is roughly 15–20 minutes away by car, Apollonia about 15. The bus stops near the bay. Parking around Platis Gialos fills up fast in August, so arrive early or take the bus on the busiest days.
Getting around Sifnos — common questions
Do I need to rent a car in Sifnos?
Not for a beach-based stay in Platis Gialos, where everything is walkable and the bus stops nearby. A car helps if you want to explore the villages, the quieter beaches or the hiking trails — many guests rent one for a few days rather than the whole stay.
Does Sifnos have buses?
Yes. The KTEL bus network runs from Apollonia and connects the port, Platis Gialos, Vathi, Kastro, Faros and Artemonas, with more frequent services in July and August.
How do I get from Kamares port to Platis Gialos?
It's about 15–20 minutes by car or taxi, or you can take the bus via Apollonia. We can arrange a transfer so a car is waiting when your ferry arrives.
Are there taxis on Sifnos?
Only a few, so they're busy in summer — book ahead, particularly around ferry times. We're happy to organise your transfers.
Arriving at Villa Olivia Clara
Tell Elena your ferry and dates, and she'll have your transfer and car hire sorted before you land — so the holiday starts at the door, not at the rental desk.