Sifnos is a beautiful island not far from Athens with plenty of sandy beaches. Some are small coves, others stretch out for quite a distance. Many of them offer at least a bit of natural shade, since quite a few beaches don’t have sets of loungers and umbrellas for rent. Come to think of it, we didn’t rent once during our week on Sifnos. On our first day in Vathi we saw an overpriced option and decided we’d rather spend the money on food. That’s how we ended up on the sand—and it was excellent! Yours, Pollybert
1.) Vathi beach: Vathi is a narrow yet long sandy beach. I couldn’t really tell the difference between low and high tide. Unfortunately, Deep Blue restaurant near the bus stop, which you can see below, was a disappointment, while its neighbor Okeanida restaurant seemed to be doing quite well.
the restaurant Deep Blue and the narrow beach to the right @Vathi
narrow beach to the left @Vathi
On the left side of the beach, at the far end, there is some natural shade where we laid down our towels. We passed one resort with loungers, but I’m not sure if they rent them out. Another place on the left side did offer rentals, but at €30 per set. At this end of the beach there’s neither a shower nor a changing stall.
natural shade on the left @Vathi
On the right-hand side, past the little church, you’ll find a much smaller beach. Most of it is taken up by a restaurant that spreads out under the trees, but there’s still one large tree left where everyone huddles together for shade. Despite the often-strong Cycladic winds, this little cove is well protected. Even though the flag above the church was flying proudly, the beach itself was calm.
The beach here is sandy, though with some stones at the water’s edge, which makes getting in and out a bit tricky, but still manageable without water shoes. There’s a changing stall but no shower. We had a delicious late lunch at the restaurant of Sifnos Studios right on this side of the beach. Highly recommended!
the little church on the beach that you pass @Vathi
the beach on the right side @Vathi
restaurant of Sifnos Studios @Vathi
2.) Glyfo beach: To reach Glyfo, take the bus to Faros beach, then keep right, walk through the little village, and you’ll come straight to Glyfo. It’s shaded by many trees and has a wonderfully relaxed atmosphere. We bought tasty sandwiches at a small bakery in Faros and ate them on the beach. Facilities here include a shower and a changing stall.
Glyfo beach from above @Sifnos
the view from my towel @Glyfo beach
3.) Platis Gialos: This is by far the busiest beach we visited, and the only one with two bus stops. It’s a very long, sandy stretch with a little bit of natural shade, though by 11:30 every shady spot under the trees was already taken. There are several places renting loungers and umbrellas, but at the far end (closer to the second bus stop) we found a section with umbrellas free to use, just without loungers. The beach is lined with restaurants, and there’s even a small supermarket. Showers and changing stalls are available.
Platis Gialos beach @Sifnos
right side @Platis Gialos
left side @Platis Gialos
4.) Fassolou beach: Just a short five-minute walk from the Faros bus stop, this smaller sandy beach offers natural shade and easy sea access without stones. Parking is right in front if you’re driving. There are no loungers or umbrellas, but there is a changing cabin and a shower. The restaurant at the back of the beach was excellent. It was so good that we came back a second time.
Fassolou beach @Sifnos
a small bay @Fassolou beach
Faros beach in the evening @Sifnos
6.) Cheronissos beach:Â From the bus stop it takes about five minutes downhill to reach this beach (though going back up feels more like ten). The descent is worth it for the spectacular view of the bay. The beach itself is small, sandy with some pebbles, and in June only one restaurant was open (supposedly there are three in total). A pier runs along the left side of the bay where people spread their towels in the afternoon. Facilities here include a changing stall, a shower, and even a toilet. The sea is sandy all the way in, making swimming easy.
the view from the top @Cheronissos beach
Cheronissos beach @Sifnos
