Sifnos is an island that you should definitely visit if you are fond of the Cyclades and want to experience a virgin environment with authentic people, where you will feel like a guest and not like a traveler. Sifnos, like neighboring Serifos, has loyal visitors who, even if they don’t spend their whole summer vacation on the island, will surely visit it at least for a weekend, in order to get their necessary fix of Sifnos. The buildings have the simple lines, flat roofs for the collection of rainwater, and characteristic clay chimneys (flari) of the typical, beloved Cycladic architecture, and are dominated by colors of white and blue.
Sifnos is an island, the history of which begins from antiquity, with the first signs of habitation by the Pelasgians. As most islands, it was inhabited by the Phoenicians, the Carians, the Minoans, the Mycenaeans, and the Ionians. The big boom of the island was due to the mining of gold and silver, thanks to which, Sifnos acquired a robust economy early on, which was based on its own currency (even before Athens). The undisputed example of the island’s glory is the Treasure of the Sifnians, which was dedicated to the Oracle of Delphi by the inhabitants of Sifnos. Sifnians were also known for their artwork in pottery; fame that they preserve still today. During its history, Sifnos experienced Roman domination, was conquered by the Venetians, was targeted by pirates, as is evidenced by the fortified settlement of the Kastro (Castle) that is still preserved today, and, finally, it was subjugated by the Turks, until its liberation and its annexation to the Greek state.
Today, those who visit Sifnos will be able to enjoy its sandy beaches with the crystal clear waters, taste the well-known cuisine of Sifnos, and walk in the interior of the island between the chapels, the dovecotes and the dry stone walls, savoring the sea breeze. The island offers good nightlife, but the experience of an island festival, where everybody gathers and dances until dawn, is something that will fascinate you. This is an experience which you should definitely seek.