Getting Around Sifnos
Written by Elena Philippou, who hosts Villa Olivia Clara above Platis Gialos.Updated June 2026
Buses, taxis, car hire, and do you need a car at all?
Sifnos is small, about 15 km end to end. From the port at Kamares you can drive to almost any beach in half an hour. The full run from Cheronissos in the north down to Vathi is nearer three quarters of an hour. The island is hilly though, and the villages and the quieter beaches are spread out. Do you need a car? Most guests ask us that before anything else, so we will start there.
Do you need a car?
For a beach week in Platis Gialos, no. The beach, the tavernas, coffee and a bus stop are all a short walk from the house. Hire one if you want to see the villages or get to the quieter beaches like Vathi and Cheronissos, and for hiking, so you can start when it suits you. Plenty of our guests take one for two or three days of the week.
The local bus
The island bus is the KTEL. Everything runs out of Apollonia, the capital, to Kamares, Platis Gialos, Vathi, Faros, Kastro and Artemonas, and in July and August the buses run often. In the shoulder months there are far fewer, so check the timetable. It is posted at the stops and in the main square in Apollonia. The Platis Gialos stop is at the bottom of the road, the same 7 to 10 minutes as the beach.
Taxis
There are only a handful of taxis on the island and in high season they are stretched. Book ahead, especially for the day you arrive and the day you leave. Tell Elena which boat you are on and she will give you the name of a driver who does port pick-ups.
Car hire
The rental agencies are at Kamares port and around Apollonia, automatics and manuals from about €30 a day. Book early for July and August. The cars do sell out. The roads are paved and well signed, narrow and winding in places. Tell us your dates and we will tell you which agency to call.
Getting around from the villa
Our house sits just above Platis Gialos. The beach and the tavernas are 7 to 10 minutes on foot down the hill. Kamares port is 20 to 30 minutes by car, Apollonia 15 to 20. The bus stops down by the bay. Platis Gialos has three car parks and for most of the year you park without thinking about it. In August they fill by late morning most days, so go down early or walk. Apollonia has free municipal car parks at the village entrances.
What to put on in the car
RadioActive, 91.3 FM, is the island station, broadcasting from Artemonas since 1999. It reaches most of the road network and a good deal of the western Cyclades besides.
Getting around Sifnos: common questions
Do I need to rent a car in Sifnos?
Not for a beach week in Platis Gialos. Everything you need is a short walk and the bus stops by the bay. For the villages, the quieter beaches and the hiking trails you want a car, and many of our guests hire one for a few days of the stay.
Does Sifnos have buses?
Yes. The KTEL bus runs out of Apollonia and connects the port, Platis Gialos, Vathi, Kastro, Faros and Artemonas. It runs more often in July and August.
How do I get from Kamares port to Platis Gialos?
By car or taxi it is 20 to 30 minutes. Or take the bus, which goes via Apollonia. Tell Elena which boat you are on and she will give you the number of a driver who meets the ferry.
Are there taxis on Sifnos?
A few, and in summer they are busy, so book ahead, especially around ferry times. Ask Elena for a driver's number.
Arriving at Villa Olivia Clara
Send Elena your dates and the boat you are on. She will get you a driver’s number for the ferry, and point you at a car-hire agency we trust.