Sifnos, Greece: the best restaurants, foodie hotspots, hotels and highlights
- Stephanie Hulshoff
- Jun 27
- 5 min read
Sifnos may not be the best-known island of the Cyclades, but that is precisely what makes it so special. During our trip to this charming Greek island, we were surprised by the perfect mix of authentic villages, atmospheric coves, beautiful churches, great restaurants, and a relaxed atmosphere that immediately puts you in holiday mode. Here there is no mass tourism, but whitewashed streets full of flowers, hidden coves with crystal-clear water, and stunning views of the Aegean Sea.
What makes Sifnos extra special is the island's culinary reputation. Sifnos is known as the ultimate foodie island of Greece. All over the island, you will find the nicest tavernas, modern restaurants, and local bakeries where traditional dishes and fresh regional products take center stage. For lovers of good food, Sifnos is therefore a true paradise.
In this blog, I will take you along to the most beautiful spots on Sifnos, share our personal highlights, and provide handy travel tips for anyone who wants to discover this delightful island for themselves. Are you looking for an authentic Greek destination where tranquility, nature, and gastronomy come together? Then Sifnos is absolutely an island to add to your bucket list.
A relaxed and luxury stay at Stamna Sifnos
During our stay on Sifnos, we slept at Stamna Sifnos , a beautiful, small-scale boutique hotel that opened its doors last year. With only twenty stylishly furnished, spacious rooms, the hotel feels intimate and peaceful. From the hotel, you have a magnificent view of the Aegean Sea and the islands of Paros and Antiparos, and you also overlook the village of Apollonia.
The rooms are scattered throughout a beautifully landscaped flower garden full of lavender, chamomile, olive trees, and other flowers and bees, a kind of Garden of Eden, creating a relaxed and luxurious atmosphere. There is a vegetable garden, and you can exercise and take Pilates classes. Additionally, the location is ideal: a short distance from Apollonia, the lively heart of Sifnos, Kastro, and beaches, allowing you to easily discover the island's most beautiful spots.
The most beautiful highlights of Sifnos
An absolute highlight is The Church of the Seven Martyrs in Kastro, perhaps the most iconic spot on the island. Via a narrow stone staircase winding down the rocks, you walk to the little white church, which towers spectacularly above the deep blue sea. This is a magical place, especially around sunset.
Panagia Chrisopigi, the famous monastery on a rocky outcrop by the sea, is also well worth a visit. For a relaxing day at the beach, Vathy, Platis Gialos and Faros are nice to visit. Here you will find a few nice restaurants, and particularly near Platis Gialos, there are a few trendy beach bars where you can also rent sunbeds, such as Lost Bay and Yalos. Additionally, don't forget to stroll through the atmospheric streets of Apollonia . This lively capital (read: village) forms the heart of the island and is full of cozy terraces, restaurants, and a number of nice boutiques.
Foodie hotspots of Sifnos
Sifnos is known as the ultimate foodie island of the Cyclades, and you notice it everywhere. From atmospheric tavernas to trendy restaurants with a modern twist, lovers of good food can indulge themselves here. Our favorite spots were undoubtedly Cantina, Pelicanos, Bostani, and Loggia Winebar.
Cantina is without a doubt one of the most special restaurants on Sifnos. The location alone is an experience in itself: hidden in a small bay in the village of Kastro, in a place inaccessible to cars. Consequently, fresh ingredients and other groceries are still brought to the restaurant by donkey. At Cantina, you do not eat à la carte, but enjoy a surprising 7-course menu of small dishes, all prepared with fresh, local ingredients from the island. Each dish is presented with great care and creativity and tastes fantastic. The combination of the unique location, the relaxed atmosphere, and the fantastic food makes a dinner at Cantina an experience you really shouldn't miss during your stay on Sifnos.
Pelicanos Pelicanos is the atmospheric sister restaurant of Cantina and is located directly on the water in Faros. Here too, everything revolves around the pure flavors of Sifnos, with dishes prepared using fresh, local ingredients and seasonal produce. On the menu, you will find a contemporary mix of Greek classics and creative dishes, perfect for sharing. With the sound of the waves in the background, a beautiful view of the bay, and a relaxed atmosphere, Pelicanos is the ideal spot for a long lunch or dinner at sunset. Just like at Cantina, you can taste the passion for good food here, but in a more accessible à la carte setting.
Right next to Pelicanos, you will find La Marina , which is also part of Cantina en Pelicanos. This is the perfect place to pick up a delicious cup of coffee and freshly prepared focaccia to go or to take to the beach. Ideal if you are in the mood for a quick but high-quality lunch or a tasty snack during a day at the seaside.
Bostani It is without a doubt one of the most beautiful restaurants on Sifnos. You will want to come here for the location alone: situated high up, in the middle of nature, with a breathtaking view over the Aegean Sea and various islands, and you can also see the beautiful Church of the Seven Martyrs. Around sunset, the atmosphere here is truly magical. Bostani is also an absolute must-visit for its culinary offerings. The dishes are prepared with great care, taking center stage with local ingredients and seasonal flavors. Expect refined Greek dishes with a modern twist, beautifully presented and bursting with flavor. The combination of fantastic food, a relaxed atmosphere, and a spectacular view makes Bostani a restaurant you are guaranteed to remember for a long time.
Loggia Wine Bar It is also a special spot on Sifnos where everything revolves around atmosphere, views, and relaxed enjoyment. The tables are set along a low wall with a precipice behind it, allowing you to literally look down into the depths towards a small bay below, with even Cantina visible in the distance beneath you. Especially around sunset, this view is truly spectacular and almost magical. In addition to the tables, there is also the option to sit relaxed on the stone steps with a good glass of wine, which gives the place a very informal and almost secret character. With pleasant music in the background, good wines, and a few simple yet flavorful dishes, Loggia is the kind of place where you can easily linger for hours.
Kavos Sunrise is also a nice and colorful little Cuban bar, right opposite Loggia Wine Bar. As soon as you arrive, you are immersed in a relaxed Cuban atmosphere with music, cocktails, and, once again, a beautiful view. Kavos Sunrise was founded by a Greek with a great passion for Cuba. It's a nice place to grab a drink and also a great spot to take fun photos, just like I always enjoy doing ;-).
In the small village of Appolonia, you will also find several nice restaurants and cafes where you can sit and relax. Unfortunately, we didn't have time for this ourselves. However, for the food and the unique locations of the restaurants alone, we would return to Sifnos in a heartbeat.
TIP: Book restaurants well in advance, otherwise there is a good chance you won't be able to get a table. You can easily make reservations online or via WhatsApp at almost all restaurants.
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