I’m here. For the next 83 days I’m on the Greek island of Sifnos. The quality of light is the first thing you notice when stepping onto a Greek island. Proof enough that Lord Byron was on to something when he noticed how beautifully “Eternal summer gilds them” in his poem The Isles of Greece. But with more than 200 to choose from, was it wise to choose just one?
Will we find enough to do?
That’s the question I’ve often pondered in the lead-up to this trip. We’ll be here for almost three months. Is that too long? Sifnos is one small island in the Cyclades. One of many small islands. Should we have a more aggressive itinerary? Will we get bored?
I know many of our friends have thought the same thing. None have said it directly, but I can tell that some of them think it’s downright crazy to spend so much time in one place. And I get it. Vacations are great and being a tourist is fine. But on this trip, we decided to shake off the limitations of resort-minded tourism and experience the place as the locals do. Or at least as much are we are able. There is that language barrier. I’ve tried to get somewhat acquainted with the Greek language on Duolingo. I’m trying, but I need to keep trying…
But why Sifnos?
First of all, it has a reputation among the foodies of the world. It was the home of 20th-century chef Nikolaos Tselementes, the father of modern Greek cuisine. He’s credited with introducing elements of French cuisine into Greek cooking. He’s the reason bechamel found its way into moussaka. In 1930 he wrote a cookbook, Οδηγός μαγειρικής και ζαχαροπλαστικής (Cooking and Patisserie Guide). Like America’s Joy of Cooking it’s still considered essential to everyday Greek households.
But there’s more to our choice than food. Surrounded by piercing sunlight and azure waters, the 28-square-mile rocky island is the antithesis of the more well-known islands like Santorini and Mykonos. Not that there’s anything wrong with Santorini and Mykonos. But we were looking for a more peaceful way to experience the Aegean.
Sifnos might be just that.
For starters, it isn’t all that easy to get to. It has no airport, which is bound to preserve the laid-back, unhurried feel of the island. It’s a 6‑hour ferry ride from Athens. 3 hours if you can handle the (bumpy) high-speed catamaran. Which probably helps the island maintain its traditional allure: picturesque whitewashed villages, cliff-ringed beaches, and an abundance of locally run restaurants offering fresh catch and traditional flair.
As I sit here typing I can see that the island is waking up from its long winter nap. The few tourists that do know this island will begin arriving after Easter. For now the locals are set about spiffing things up. It seems every building in the main village of Apollonia is getting a fresh white paint job. Even the stone pathways are getting meticulous white borders painted along the grout lines of each and every stone. The whole town is pitching in!
While we wait for the paint to dry (and the restaurants to open) we’re plotting our time as well as we can. I’d like to spend some time trekking. The island — so I have heard — has fantastic hikes along the ancient marble footpaths and donkey trails that connect the villages, landmarks, and beaches. The faces of these hills are lined with stone-walled agricultural terraces, occasionally interrupted by the stark white paint of a simple dome-topped chapel. These paths and these vistas are another reason we chose Sifnos.
But I’ve barely arrived. There’s plenty of time to explore the stony trails. As I write this we’ve not yet accomplished much more than a couple of slow and aimless strolls through the clutch of white-painted cuboid houses that make up the main village of Apollonia. I’ll have more to report later. For now, let these few words of introduction be enough. Well, these words and a few pictures too. Have I mentioned that Spanish Conde Nast Traveler declared Sifnos to be the #1 most photogenic place in the world? GREG
My wife and I stayed a week at Kamares, some ten years ago, walking the monopathi accross the island. In October this year, I’ll be going back. Alone, this time. I hope to meet, that it won’t be too lonely. But I chose Sifnos because it’s so beautiful…
Greg, sounds delightful to me! Much prefer to settle into a place and really get to know it rather than ticking off a packed itinerary. Like the clean new look of your blog as well.
Shhhhhhhhh. Why publicize the less known jewels of the world? By doing so, you encourage the throngs. The absence of which have made this island so special! Magical places are becoming rare in part because of articles like this and in Condé Nast . Keep your pleasures to yourself and let these places retain their character and integrity, please!
Yes, very wise choice. This is exactly the kind of place my husband and I dream of visiting–quieter and less touristy sounds heavenly and we realize that most of our friends don’t share our view. I love that you’ll be there for an extended time. It’s been so nice seeing your highlights on FB. Keep the pictures coming!
Indeed I think it’s a great idea to spend that much time in one place. You’ve got a unique opportunity to appreciate the culture and history without any rush (Well, you might even become almost a local haha) Not to mention picturesque views, beautiful architecture, and delicious cuisine. Have fun!
Three months? Are you serious? Based on these few pictures alone, I think I’d never come back!
a magical island. you are hooked for life.
this year will be my 9th visit.
try to find the few books on the place
eat at Tosteki on plati yaglo .
take strolls on the beach
enjoy
I would venture to say you’re going to Love it!!! I’ve lived there twice! I hope to cross paths so we can share a drink & chat Sifnos! I’ll be on the lookout for ya in June! Victoria
Hi Victoria, we’re looking at moving to Sifnos, is there away to contact you for more information on living there? Thanks.
Wow! Maybe you’ll do a photography book while you’re there? Leonard Cohen stayed on a tiny Greek isle for over a year in the 60’s. Maybe you’ll find some interesting people to hang out with. Enjoy!
Congratulations. Sifnos is a good choice. Please see the new cookbook that got out this year, (Amazon) by Dr. George Psacharopoulos, a Sifnos native, titled “Forget the Recipe, It is the process.”
We love Sifnos! We have several friends who live there. It’s beautiful and the people are wonderful. Enjoy every minute.
Hi Michael. We’re thinking of moving to Sifnos, do you think your friends who live there might be willing to chat to us about it? Thanks.
We’re spending two months in Spain in a sleepy little town called San José at my cousin’s flat — the views are incredible. It was super busy during the Easter weekend but it’s quietened down, thank goodness. Our landscape is also painted with (somewhat) white houses speckling the mountains but they are a little yellow from the recent sandstorms. Still idyllic nonetheless. Hope you have a wonderful time in Greece.
Your 3 months on Sifnos sound idyllic to me. I find, as I age, that I need fewer bells and whistles to make me happy. Don’t get me wrong, I love the sites and joys of a big city… but staying still — as we did on Ortigia for a mere 2 weeks — has its joys. Settling in. Getting to know the neighbors. Having the fruit and veg vender happy to see you day after day. I love it and look forward to times like that in retirement. Enjoy and keep sending those gorgeous photos.
Greg, I’ve been following your journey to Greece. I am so excited for you-what an incredible experience. I think its fantastic you are spending almost 3 months in Sifnos. This really allows you to be immersed into the culture and you won’t feel like a tourist.
We are hoping to visit Greece next year too.
Have a fantastic time!
It will take you a few days to relax and get the island rhythm going. Trust me , eat the clean food and breathe in the fresh air and you’ll get hooked! Love to be there.
I envy you also. I can’t wait to read your posts. Cooking, relaxing and hiking. What more to you want .
You two are quite the courageous ones! And I love the pic of the donkey 😉
I’ve never stayed in one place, but I’d certainly do it if I could go to markets and cook, go fishing, go to great little cafes… I think it’s a fabulous idea. And those photos…
Speaking strictly for myself, I absolutely prefer to stay in one place for as long as I can. There is just no comparison with squeezing in several locations during a vacation. I will get to know the local residents, market vendors, businesses; I’ll get accustomed to their quirks and charms, and I’ll make friends that I’ll always remember. And hopefully vice versa.
What a fabulous adventure! I envy you. And will be looking forward to hearing all about your eating and exploring activities in detail. 🙂