Sifnos ...more on Sifnos

Sifnos has been inhabited since Antiquity.  Its position at that time was significant, since its gold and silver mines offered great financial prosperity.  Archaeological findings on the island, excavation results, and also the Treasure of Sifnos in Delphi prove this significant position.  Evidence of the particular civilization and of its live tradition is nowadays the architectural Kastro, possibly the most picturesque village on the island, as it stands on the site of the ancient and medieval towns of Sifnos.  Defensive walls, built by the Catalan rulers of the time, still surrounding part of the village, and Latin coats of arms - Venetian and Catalan - can be seen on some of the houses.  There is also a small Archaeological Museum. 

The port is at Kamares, on the northwest coast, and the capital of the island, Apollonia, is six kilometers inland from the port.  The village, which is really three villages that have grown into one, takes its name from Apollo.  A number of churches and a Folk Museum are all worth visiting.  Here you will also find a bank, the post office, and the tourist police, all based in or around the central square.  Chora and the white villages, within an arm's length from each other, are connected through paths.  Exploring and strolling around is one of the delights that this island offers. 

At the foot of Chora stretches the plain of this island, with the largest olive grove, second only to Naxos.  The ship anchors in the sheltered harbor of Kamares, where a beautiful beach is also situated.  This is where the tourist center is located and constitutes the starting point for excursions by caiques.