Information about Sifnos
The island of Sifnos is in the Western part of the Cyclades, situated between the islands of Serifos and Milos. Sifnos is just 74 km2 (29 sq. mi) big and in 2001 it had a population of 2.442, with the majority living in the capital of the island, Apollonia. Other important settlements include Vathy, Kamares, Artemonas, Faros, Kastro and Platys Gialos. Sifnos has a great tradition in pottery and you will be amazed by the variety of unique designs. It is a tranquil, family oriented destination with beautiful beaches and numerous footpaths that will lead you either to peaceful monasteries or small coves that can otherwise be reached only by boat.
Interesting information about Sifnos can be found through Greek Travel Pages (GTP), The Sifnos Municipality and Wikipedia.
The island has two ports:
- Kamares, which is the main port and is located on the North West part of Sifnos
Coordinates: 36º 59’ 21,90” N - 24º 40’ 29,79” E - Vathy (secondary port), which is located in the South West Part of the Island.
Coordinates: 36º 55’ 57,24” N - 24º 41’ 18,03” E
Useful info:
Sifnos port authority tel.: +30 22840 33617
Tourist police (Mykonos) tel.: +30 22890-22482
The main port is 5 km away from the capital Apollonia.
There are frequent bus services during the summer and taxis.
Travel times
Ferry from Piraeus to Sifnos
- Hydrofoils: min. 2 hours 30 minutes - max 3 1/2 hours
- Conventional ferries: around 5 1/2 hours
Sifnos ferries schedule announcement
There are four, so called, "ferry schedule seasons":
- Winter ferry season 1st of November until 31st of March.
- Spring ferry season 1st April - beginning of June.
- Summer ferry season beginning of June - mid September.
- Autumn ferry season rest of September - 31st of October.
Ferry connections and schedules for domestic routes, like Sifnos, are usually announced by most shipping companies, a couple of weeks before the beginning of each season.
Athens to Sifnos ferry schedule frequency during summer
Morning: Twice a week 1 Hydrofoil.
Afternoon: Daily conventional ferries.
Information concerning Athens ports serving routes to Sifnos you can find further down.
Ferry types operating routes to Sifnos
Conventional car ferries
These vessels can be divided into two categories: the old ones and the modern ones.
The main differences between them are
- their cruising speed
- the quality of accommodation and services provided and
- the prices
They are usually very big vessels, which also carry vehicles. Their advantages compared to the High Speed vessels, like the catamarans, are that they are more seaworthy, offer more "relaxed" accommodation and cabins and the passengers have the possibility to sit outside and enjoy their cruise around the Greek islands.
Catamarans & Hydrofoils
These vessels are smaller and much faster than conventional ones. Only a few of them can carry vehicles. Their main advantage is that they go twice as fast.
Passengers are usually not allowed to sit outside even though there is some space on some of them. The accommodation inside is a little like a very wide airplane. The better the class, the wider the seat. There are no cabins.
Smoking is not allowed in any inside area of any ship.
Ferry connections to & from Sifnos
- Piraeus (Athens main port) – click here for port information
- Lavrio (Athens secondary port - East Attica coast) - click here for port information
- Cyclades islands: Amorgos, Folegandros, Ios, Kea, Kimolos, Koufonissi, Kythnos, Milos, Mykonos, Naxos, Paros, Santorini, Serifos, Sikinos, Syros.
- Crete (Heraklio).
Note: Not all above connections operate throughout the year.
Ferry prices to Sifnos
Prices quoted below concern 2017, for the most popular routes, in economy class and are indicative. Same prices apply v.v. These prices are subject to change without prior notice.
| Athens - Sifnos ferries | Ferry types | |
| Conventional ferry | Hydrofoil/Catamaran* | |
| Piraeus (Athens) - Sifnos ferry | approx. 36€/adult | approx. 50€/adult |
| Cyclades - Sifnos ferries | ||
| Santorini - Sifnos ferry | approx. 34€/adult | approx. 55€/adult |
*Note: Hydrofoils/Catamarans usually operate between May and October.
