Fairytale Greek island as pretty as Crete or Corfu – but less tourism | Europe | Travel
The island is considered somewhat ‘under the radar’ (Image: Getty)
When people plan a holiday in Greece, most look for two things: beautiful scenery and somewhere that won’t be overcrowded. Popular islands like Crete, Corfu and Santorini attract millions of visitors every year, and for many travellers the huge crowds can take away from the experience. Even in the off-season, beaches and towns on the busiest islands can feel packed.
But Greece still has some quieter places that offer the same views and charm without the stress. Some islands are considered “under the radar” and attract far fewer tourists. One of those is a small Cycladic island that many visitors say feels like something out of a “fairytale”.
READ MORE: Greek island where you can get free accommodation and breakfast – with a catch
READ MORE: Wizz Air launches new £45 route to iconic island less than 4 hours from UK
Sifnos sits in the Aegean Sea between Serifos and Milos (Image: Getty)
That island is Sifnos. Sifnos sits in the Aegean Sea between Serifos and Milos, and is slowly becoming famous for its calm atmosphere, traditional villages and food culture.
It has no airport and no large cruise ship terminal, which means far fewer visitors than Crete or Corfu.
Even in peak summer, the island is noticeably quieter and easier to explore, according to those who have visited.
One person wrote on TripAdvisor: “Been to a few Greek islands over the years and Sifnos was our favorite. You’d be forgiven to think that you’ve landed in a fairytale.”
Another added “We liked Sifnos and the main reason for it was that it was much more relaxing than other places in the summer. You have space for yourself and don’t have to fight with other tourists for it constantly.”
Like many other Greek islands, Sifnos has whitewashed villages (Image: Getty)
Sifnos is home to plenty of beaches with clear and calm water (Image: Getty)
A third tourist commented: “Sifnos has this charming beauty that many islands don’t have. We think it may be even prettier than Crete or Corfu.”
Like many other Greek islands, Sifnos has whitewashed villages, scenic walking routes and beautiful beaches.
Apollonia, the island’s capital, has narrow alleys filled with tavernas and small shops. Kastro, a medieval village on the hilltop, is one of the most photographed spots on the island.
Food is also a big part of Sifnos’s appeal. Travel experts at Condé Nast Traveller say: “The Greek island of Sifnos has a sizzling food scene and some of the most romantic hotels in Greece. Life on this small Cycladic island is slow, sweet, and blissfully simple.”
Visitors also come for hiking, swimming and day trips to nearby beaches and churches.
The walk to Chrissopigi Monastery is one of the island’s highlights (Image: Getty)
Faros Beach is popular for its clear water, and the walk to Chrissopigi Monastery is one of the island’s highlights.
Many people choose to rent a car to see more of the island, and three nights is usually recommended to explore properly.
Getting to Sifnos is simple. There is no airport, so most people travel by ferry. Boats leave from the port of Piraeus in Athens, with journey times ranging from 2 hours 30 minutes to around 5 hours 40 minutes depending on the ferry.
There are also ferries to other Cycladic islands, including Milos, Serifos and Santorini.
