The trails of Sifnos
Hiking trails in Sifnos
A paradise for hikers
If you love hiking, Sifnos is the perfect destination to explore unique natural landscapes, ancient towers, remote chapels, and hidden beaches. The island boasts one of the best organized trail networks in Europe, unfolding through small and large paths, connecting at points, and allowing you to experience every corner in the old, authentic way: by walking.
It’s worth getting a trail map from local stores or joining a guided hiking tour with an experienced guide to learn about the island’s history and traditions through its trails.
Many places in Sifnos are only accessible on foot. Ai Sostis with its ancient gold mines, the ancient acropolis of Ai Nikitas, Prophet Elias Apsilos, Panagia to Toso Nero, the 76 ancient towers scattered throughout the island, and of course, some of the most beautiful beaches of Sifnos are destinations you can only discover by following the trails.
Certificate of Excellence for Sifnos Trails
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Download for free the file that contains basic useful information on the marked paths of Sifnos.
See more information on the marked trails of the island here
Trails with modern signage and global recognition
In 2015, in collaboration with Paths of Greece, the Municipality of Sifnos installed modern signage on 19 trails, providing hikers with all necessary information: direction, route duration, connections with other trails, and bus stop locations. Sifnos thus became one of the best-marked trail networks in Greece, attracting visitors who come specifically to explore them.
This initiative was recognized internationally, and in 2016, "Sifnos Trails" was twinned with the famous Jeju Olle Trail on Jeju Island, South Korea, which receives 2 million hikers annually! For the first time, a Greek trail network became part of an international initiative promoting hiking and sustainable tourism development.
How to hike safely on the trails
The trails are well-marked, and you are unlikely to get lost, but it's a good idea to carry a map or hire a professional guide if you want to learn more about the island’s history.
To fully enjoy your hike without any issues, follow these basic tips:
- Always carry enough water and a snack
- Wear comfortable shoes and light clothing
- Protect yourself with a hat and sunscreen
- Ensure your phone has sufficient battery
- Avoid walking during peak heat hours (ideally, hike in the morning or late afternoon)
- If hiking alone, inform someone about your route
Explore the Sifnos trails digitally via Google Street View!
Over 100 kilometers of trails were mapped using Google Trekker.
Signage
In addition to the hiking map with routes, you will find informational signs with maps and details about nearby trails in the villages. Additionally, at the beginning of the trails, at intersections, and at other key locations, there are designated signposts. At the top of these posts, you will see a red and white stripe, along with essential information about each trail (trail number, destination, duration, and length). Finally, throughout the trails, there is international red and white paint marking to indicate that you are following the correct route.
Trails worth exploring
There are many trails to explore on the island, depending on your hiking experience and what you want to see. Here is a small sample of them.
Ai Nikolas – Ai Philippos (Cheronissos)
A picturesque trail in northern Sifnos, where low Cycladic vegetation dominates, and in spring, it is filled with colorful wildflowers. As you ascend, the view of the Vroulidia bay is stunning. At the highest point, you will see an ancient tower, part of the ancient beacon system used for communication with fire signals. The trail ends at one of the most beautiful chapels in Sifnos, Ai Nikolas of Cheronissos, with a breathtaking view of the Aegean.
Toward Vathi
Starting from Agia Marina tou Kade, you can follow the trail towards Vathi. Along the way, you will pass by Agios Ioannis tou Mavrou Choriou, a region named after a great fire in ancient times, and Agios Nikolaos t’ Aerina, before beginning the descent to Vathi, where one of the most beautiful and tranquil beaches of Sifnos awaits you.
Prophet Elias the High
If you want to reach the highest peak of Sifnos (682 m), you can follow the trail that starts from the Monastery of Fyrogia. The hike takes about 2.5 hours, is demanding, but rewards you with a unique panoramic view of the island. There, visit the monastery’s catacombs, one of the most unique spots in Sifnos.
Artemonas – Kastro – Faros
In the Agios Minas area, on the road to Cheronissos, you can follow the trail leading to the Monastery of Agios Sostis, located near the ancient gold mines.
In antiquity, they mined ore here and crafted the golden eggs sent annually to the Oracle of Delphi, where the famous "Treasury of the Siphnians" is located. The view of the Aegean from the monastery is breathtaking!
Artemonas - Kastro - Faros
This is a route that combines nature and culture. Starting from Artemonas, you head towards Panagia Poulati, a chapel perched on rugged cliffs with wild beauty. From there, continue towards Kastro, the medieval settlement of Sifnos, where you can wander through the narrow alleys and feel history surrounding you. If you wish, you can continue to Faros, the old port of Sifnos, and walk along the sea towards Chrysopigi, the most iconic spot on the island.
