The wonderful island of Sifnos is yet another Cycladic beauty of the Aegean Sea. It is known for its beautiful beaches such as Chrysopogi, Platis Gialos, Faros, and Cherronisos among others. It is also renowned for its pottery and traditional architecture as can be seen in its stunning Chrysopigi Monastery, as well as in the villages like Vathi and Kamares.
It is a relatively quiet island that attracts a lot of travelers who wish to bask in the sun and enjoy crystal-clear waters.
You could easily explore the island in two to three days, but you could also stay longer to chill and enjoy everything with no rush. The best months to visit Sifnos are July to August when the weather is most pleasant, perfect for swimming. However, keep in mind it might get crowded during this period. Alternatively, head to Sifnos in early June or September, when it’s quieter.
Here’s all you need to know on how to get from Athens to Sifnos:
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. This means that should you click on certain links, and then subsequently purchase a product, I will receive a small commission.
How to get to Sifnos Island
1. Take the ferry to Sifnos
The most convenient way to reach Sifnos is by ferry. Sifnos is situated 76 nautical miles away from Athens. The ferry route from the port of Piraeus in Athens to Sifnos normally takes anywhere between 2.5h and 5h. The ticket price starts at 38 Euros and goes up to 69 Euros depending on the season, availability, and seat options.
You can find at least two daily crossings throughout the year, and even 4 daily during summertime. The route is mostly operated by Seajets, Aegean Speed Lines, and Zante Ferries. The earliest ferry usually departs at 07.00 and arrives at around 09:30. The last scheduled ferry trip is at 17.00.
You can also catch a ferry to Sifnos from the port of Rafina in Athens. During summertime, you can find daily crossings. The ferry trip lasts approximately 5 hours.
You can book your tickets beforehand in 4 simple steps via Ferryhopper and be prepared or you can simply purchase them at the port right before the trip.
Tip: If you want to visit Sifnos during the high season, book your tickets way ahead of time to avoid unpleasant surprises.
Click here for the ferry schedule and to book your tickets directly.
or enter your destination below:
Private Transfer from the airport to the port
Eleftherios Venizelos, also known as ATH International Airport is approximately 43 km away from the Port of Piraeus, and commuting there might not always be a viable option in terms of time and convenience.
There are taxis everywhere, right outside the airport and in various hubs in the center of Athens, but the most effortless solution is to book your private transfer via Welcome Pickups.
Their airport pick-up services include English-speaking drivers, a flat fee equivalent to a taxi but pre-paid, as well as flight monitoring to arrive on time and avoid delays.
Find more information here and book your private transfer.
2. Fly to Milos and hop on a ferry to Sifnos
If you want to go on an island-hopping experience and Milos island is also on your list, you could also fly to Milos from the Athens International Airport, see the island, and then catch a crossing to Sifnos by ferry. This will reduce your travel time significantly. The ferry route from Milos to Sifnos lasts only about an hour and there are 5 daily crossings with Aegean Speed Lines.
There are also frequent ferry connections with other islands as well, including Santorini, Folegandros, and Serifos.
Click here for the ferry schedule and to book your tickets directly.
How to get around Sifnos
Sifnos is a relatively small island but you will need transportation to get to amazing beaches and picturesque villages nonetheless.
I recommend booking a car through rentalcars.com where you can compare all rental car agencies’ prices, and you can cancel or modify your booking for free. They also guarantee the best price. Click here for more information and to check the latest prices.
Hire a Car/Motorcycle
A simple solution is to consider renting a car or a motorcycle to move around Sifnos. You can find many agencies that offer vehicles there starting from low prices.
Hop on the Local Bus
Luckily, the public transportation in Sifnos is very organized, with local buses (KTEL) running routes all over the beautiful island. You can find the detailed bus schedule and its updates here. Ticket prices start from 1.80 Euros.
You can always ask for further details here: info@portal.gr, Tel (+30) 22840 33661
Rent an ATV or Scooter
You can also rent a scooter to get to places easily and quickly. Prices are affordable and can start as low as 25 Euros per day.
Grab a Taxi
There are currently 10 taxis operating in Sifnos. Find useful information and phone numbers here.
Planning a trip to Sifnos? Check out my guides:
The best things to do in Sifnos
Best beaches in Sifnos
FAQ About your Trip from Athens to Sifnos
Sifnos is not particularly windy for a Cycladic Island but has very humid months.
You would normally need two to three days in Sifnos to explore the island and admire its beauty. You can visit its villages, discover its pottery tradition, and swim at majestic beaches.
Sifnos has a lot of options on where to stay. For a first-time visitor, it’s best to stay in Apollonia, but if you’re on a tight budget, Kamares would work better. For quieter accommodation, opt for the fishing village of Faros, and for magnificent views choose Kastro.
Sifnos does not have an airport, so the ferry is the only option to cross from Sifnos to Santorini. The fastest ferry from Sifnos to Santorini takes around 3 hours. The typical ferry can take up to 6 hours depending on the weather. You can find crossings operated by Seajets or Zante Ferries daily or weekly.