Getting to Sifnos
At a glance: You can reach Sifnos by ferry — mainly from the port of Piraeus.
The high-speed ferries take about 2.5–3.5 hours in summer; the conventional ferries take 4.5–6 hours.
The island’s port is Kamares. There is no airport on Sifnos.
Quick options
- Fastest: High-speed ferry Piraeus → Sifnos (2.5–3.5 hours, usually Apr–Oct)
- More stable/economical: Conventional ferry (4.5–6 hours, all year round when weather permits)
- Island-hopping: Routes from Serifos, Milos, Paros, Naxos, Santorini and other islands, depending on the season
- Private: Helicopter (~40′) or speedboat with skipper (depending on weather)
From Athens (Piraeus → Sifnos)
The simplest and most common route.
| Type of ferry | Typical duration | Season | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|
| High-speed catamaran | ~2h30′–3h30′ | Mainly Apr–Oct (daily at peak) | Faster, more weather-sensitive, fewer open decks |
| Conventional ferry | ~4h30′–6h | All year round | More stable sailing, open decks, lounges |
Access to the Port of Piraeus
- Metro: Line 3 (Blue) from the Airport to Syntagma → Line 1 (Green) to Piraeus. Or Line 3 directly to Piraeus (check schedules). Allow 70–90 minutes total.
- Airport bus: X96 Athens Airport → Piraeus (24/7). Allow ~70–100 minutes depending on traffic.
- Taxi/transfer: ~45–75 minutes depending on traffic; confirm the boarding gate on your ticket.
Tip: Your ticket or SMS usually shows the Gate Number at Piraeus. Confirm on the same day via port screens/apps.
Island-Hopping to Sifnos
In summer, Sifnos is connected with nearby Cycladic islands. Routes change every season — below are typical patterns.
| From | Typical duration | Frequency (peak) | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|
| Serifos | ~30–50′ | Daily | Often on the same line Piraeus–Serifos–Sifnos–Milos |
| Milos | ~1–2 hours | Daily | Ideal for a 2-island combo; check same-day connections |
| Paros / Naxos | ~2–4 hours | Several times per week | Useful if you’re flying into Paros/Naxos |
| Santorini (Thira) | ~3–5 hours | Several times per week | Best in calm weather; book seats early |
Note: Rafina and Lavrio rarely serve Sifnos directly; most travelers use Piraeus.
Helicopter & Private Boat
By helicopter the flight from Athens takes about 40 minutes; weight limits and weather restrictions apply.
By private speedboat transfer is possible in calm conditions; flexibility is needed when the Meltemi wind blows. Prefer departure from Lavrio for reduced travel time and cost.
- Arrange door-to-door transfer at both ends (airport ↔ helipad / marina ↔ hotel).
- Keep a ferry alternative during Meltemi periods (July–August).
Tickets, Seats & Luggage
- Booking: Purchase online or through agencies in Athens/Sifnos; print/collect at port kiosks (near the ferry) or use e-tickets where supported.
- Seats: Numbered on high-speed ferries; numbered seats, lounges, cabins, and open decks on conventional ones.
- Luggage: Leave large suitcases on racks in the garage or in designated areas; keep valuables with you.
- Check-in: Arriving 30 minutes early is usually enough (earlier on holidays/peak days).
When to Travel
| Month | Routes | Sea & Wind | Atmosphere |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apr–May | Gradually increasing | Calm sea; cool | Excellent for hiking |
| Jun | Frequent | Warmer sea | Balanced crowd |
| Jul–Aug | Very frequent | Meltemi/windy | Peak season |
| Sep–Oct | Frequent → gradually fewer | Warm sea; often milder weather | Ideal period |
| Nov–Mar | Limited | Depends on weather | Quiet/local pace |
Ferry & Helicopter Agencies in Sifnos
Arrival in Sifnos (Kamares Port)
- Where the ferry docks: Kamares (port) — approx. coordinates
36.990, 24.674 - onward transport: Buses and taxis serve most ferries; ask your accommodation about pick-up options.
- Cash & tickets: ATMs and agencies are available in Kamares, Apollonia, and Platis Gialos. Book your return ticket early during peak periods.
Questions & Answers (FAQ)
No. You fly to Athens (ATH) or nearby islands (e.g., Milos, Paros) and continue to Sifnos by ferry.
High-speed: about 2.5–3.5 hours (mainly Apr–Oct). Conventional: about 4.5–6 hours all year round.
Yes, but fewer and more weather-dependent (sail with winds up to 7 Beaufort). Always check the weekly schedule before traveling.
High-speed = faster but more affected by wind. Conventional = more stable sailing, open decks, usually cheaper.
Yes. Popular options: Milos, Paros, Naxos, Santorini. In summer there are connections to Sifnos (check seasonality). In winter, only Milos is connected.
Prefer a conventional ferry, sit in the middle or rear, and keep your schedule flexible. High-speed ferries are more affected.
Mainly from Piraeus. Rafina and Lavrio rarely have direct routes to Sifnos.
By metro (Line 3 → Line 1), bus X96 (24/7), or taxi/private transfer. Allow ~70–100 minutes depending on traffic/connections.
Buy online or via agency; e-tickets where available. Numbered seats on high-speed ferries, numbered/cabin/lounge/deck on conventional. Large suitcases go in designated areas.
Yes. In Kamares there are usually buses and taxis coordinated with ferry arrivals; many accommodations offer pick-up service.
Useful Map Locations
- Piraeus Port: approx.
37.943, 23.640 - Kamares Port (Sifnos): approx.
36.990, 24.674
Useful Tips
- Gate check: Confirm your departure gate at Piraeus on the morning of your trip; it may change.
- Safety margin: If connecting with a flight, allow plenty of time (traffic, queues, weather).
- Meltemi wind: In July–August, stay flexible or prefer conventional ferries on windy days.
- Return ticket: During peak periods, book your return along with your outbound ticket.
Port Authorities
- Sifnos: +30 2284033617
- Piraeus: +30 2104511310-7
