What if your next trip was to Sifnos?

What if your next trip was to Sifnos? Here you can find some reasons why you should say YES! to a possibility like that.

Beaches

Sifnos has several beautiful beaches with clear waters. You can enjoy your bathing in some of them, enjoying peace, especially in the early months of summer, when tourists are fewer. Those who will be disappointed are lovers of wild beauty, steep rocks, different colors and landscapes. The beaches do not differ from each other as they are almost all sandy or small pebbles and quiet waters, with no wild landscapes and easy access.

Platis Gialos is a very large beach, classified as one of the largest in the Cyclades. It is located in the southern part of the island, where we meet the homonymous settlement. At the golden sandy beach you can enjoy hours of relaxation. The waters of Platis Gialos are tranquil and crystal clear. Along the beach you will find many coffee shops, beverages and food.
Heronissos is a small closed bay with golden sand and quiet waters in the northern part of Sifnos. It is the ideal place for those who want to enjoy their swim in quiet, without voices and fuss. On the beach there are picturesque fish taverns where you can enjoy fresh fish.

The beach of Faros is located in the homonymous village near Apollonia. Swim in crystal clear waters and enjoy the sunbathing lying on the golden sands. Access to the beach is easy (by road).

The village of Vathi grows along the beach in the southwestern part of the island. You can enjoy swimming in the turquoise waters and stroll in the fine sand. It is an ideal place for children as the waters are quiet and shallow. There are many picturesque taverns serving local delicacies and fresh fish, as well as a small coffee house in the shade of which you can relax.

The unique Cycladic Gastronomy Festival in all Cyclades

Every year, at the beginning of September, Artemonas hosts the "Nikolaos Tselementes" Cycladic Gastronomy Festival. It is a three-day festival, which has become an institution and is internationally recognized. Representatives from the Cyclades islands along with representatives from one honored guest Aegean island meet in Sifnos to present their unique gastronomic and cultural traditions. Every island has its own booth at the central square of Artemonas, where amateur and professional cooks and chefs prepare and present recipes from their islands of origin. Visitors can taste those recipes, visiting the islands' booths.

At a specially formed corner of the square, the "Little Tselementedes" (6 to 12 year old kids), wearing aprons and colorful cook hats, participate in cooking games and contests that are specially created for their age.

The festival opens its doors for the public every day at 18.00, while at the end of each day, at 21.30, there are music and dance events with traditional tunes of Sifnos and the other islands.

The entrance to the festival is free and the food that is offered is for free too.

Parallel events:

Presentations of traditional customs, such as pottery and mat making, the representation of a traditional wedding etc.

A small bazaar with products and treats from the participating islands (at the central alley of Artemonas)

The "Giannis Atsonios" exhibition of folklore items (at the central alley of Artemonas, right opposite to the church of the Virgin Mary of Balis)

Exhibitions of photos, paintings etc. (at the primary school of Artemonas)

Exhibitions of photos, paintings etc. ("Marianthi Simou" cultural center)

Seaside cooking: During the three day festival, every morning under the responsibility of local associations, Sifnian recipes are being presented, at the seaside villages.

Theme Parks

Due to the wild beauty and uniqueness of the species, western Sifnos has been included in the NATURA 2000 network of the European Union. The total area of the region is about 20 square kilometers, and spreads over on the western side of the island, on the top of Profitis Elias and on its slopes.

According to the Ministerial Decree of 1976, the landscape has been characterized of outstanding natural beauty. The harmony of limited human intervention in combination with nature is really unique. Stone benches (stone walls), churches, threshing floors, ancient towers, the Acropolis of Agios Andreas complement the natural landscape.

The Natura area of the island hosts several rare, protected and important plant and animal species with more than 35 species of birds to have been recorded in the area. Also, in the protected species belongs a kind of small cedar that dominates throughout the region.

The Natura area of ​​Sifnos, apart from the important land wealth of the island, includes also part of the sea world since the seabed hosts colonies of the known marine plant poseidonia (poseidonia oceanica).

Sifnos 100 Years Traditional House welcomes you in Cyclades! BOOK NOW!

Beautiful idealic traditional cycladic house of 19th century, unique of its style in Sifnos island. Builted in 1920 and recently renovated. Made with thick stone walls, beamed ceiling and wooden floors, combines the authenticity of tradition with the comfort of a modern house. Located in a quiet neighborhood, but with easy access by car and close to bus stop and supermarket. It is 15 minutes away from idyllic beaches. The house has three bedrooms and small one with bulk beds, two large living rooms, a kitchen, a kitchenette, two bathrooms, two fireplaces, two terraces, one veranda with fantastic view and a small garden. It is fully equipped. There is a traditional builted oven in one of the terraces area.

Arrival instructions

During the summer time, Sifnos is connected by coastal navigation with Piraeus and with the islands of the line of Milos daily by speedboats and with conventional car ferries. The duration of the trip (from Piraeus) by a conventional car ferry is five hours and by speedboats about three hours. It is also connected by coastal navigation with many islands of Cyclades (Paros, Syros, Santorini, Andros, Folegandros etc), as well as with Crete by Milos. During the rest of the year, the frequency of the sea transportation is formed according to the season.

Mykonos: Synonymous to wild parties and lively atmosphere!

Mykonos is synonymous to wild parties and lively atmosphere and has the unique privilege to organize a set of exciting events including open-air concerts, theatrical performances and various art exhibitions. Artists from all around the world take part in the famous Mykonos Summer Festival. The annual Gay Festival is a special event in Mykonos, where thousands of gay visitors arrive from every part of the world. On the windy island of Mykonos, in the middle of September, you will have the chance to enjoy the Harvest Festival, which is held annually at the Agricultural Museum.

Mykonos has beaches suitable for all tastes!

Paradise (Kalamopodi) is a large sandy beach with thick sand, in the southern part of the island.

Super Paradise (Plintri) is the most famous beach of the island. It features wild parties. After the 1980s, it has established itself as the premier meeting place for 'VIPS'.

Agios Ioannis features a privileged view of Delos, the cape of Aleomandra and the canal between Mykonos and Delos. It is a sandy beach with taverns.

Agios Stefanos is one of the most popular beaches of Mykonos on the west coast of the island, with a unique view of Delos and Rhenia.

Agrari is an isolated beach, for those who do not love crowds.

Elia is one of the most beautiful beaches of the island, with fine sand and easy access. It is characterized as “Gay Friendly”.

Kalafatis and Agia Anna have crystal clear waters and fine sand. Agia Anna features a 'Diving Center', where you can take diving lessons or participate in exploratory excursions for beginners and advanced explorers.

Kapari is a small sandy beach next to Agios Ioannis.

Korfos is surely a paradise for windsurf enthusiasts because there is a lot of air in constant direction and at the same time its shallow bottom favors the creation of waves, especially for endless jumps and wave riding!

Megali Ammos is suitable for windsurfing for underwater fishing and for horseback riding by a riding school, just ten minutes’ walk from the center of Chora.

Ornos is one of the most crowded and "family" beaches of the island located in the southwestern part of the island.

Agios Sostis is a great, sandy beach - one of the most beautiful of Mykonos - in the northern part of the island.

Panormos is mainly preferred by the permanent residents of Mykonos.

Paraga is a small beach with beautiful scenery (Cape Drepanos).

Platis Gialos is the most crowded beach of Mykonos, suitable for families.

Psarou is one of the most beautiful and cosmopolitan beaches of the island, with sand and emerald waters.

Traditional Food of Mykonos

One of the most interesting of the many Greek preserved meat products is the highly aromatic louza of Mykonos. Another famous product of Mykonos is ‘Kopanisti’ which is a type of soft cheese with a peppery, spicy flavor. Resulting from the early stages of ‘Kopanisti’ treatment, after draining, ‘Tyrovolia’, is a soft white cheese used in most traditional pies of Mykonos. It is fresh but not spicy as ‘Kopanisti’. Furthermore, Mykonos sausages are considered the finest in Greece, as they have a large content of meat, and a significantly smaller amount of fat. Finally, the well-known amygdalota, which can be found in all Cyclades, are sweats made of almond. Very popular are also the handmade jewelry in the gift shops of Mykonos and the traditional textiles made of the local women. The textile tradition dates from the medieval times and continues till today.

BOOK NOW LITTLE PARADISE HOUSE MYKONOS for a fine stay!

Little Paradise Mykonos House is a gem of the traditional Cycladic architecture.
Located just a few meters away from the beach offers from its outdoor dining area exceptional sea view.

As you enter the property you can see the beautiful, sand coloured living room and dining room. There is a two-seated couch with coffee table from where you can enjoy directly the seaview. At the same room there is a wooden dining table suitable for 6 persons. Walking through the living room on your left hand you can see the well decorated kitchen with blue elements. The kithcen is fully equipped with all the amenities.
The property has 3 bedrooms and a chamber that can comfordably accomodate up to 7 persons.
You can reach the chamber by a small staircase from the living room, there you can find a sofa bed that can be turned into two beds.
The rest of the bedrooms are located downstairs. The one bedroom has a single bed and a couch, the second one has two single beds and the third has also two single beds and an en-suite bathroom with shower.
The second bathroom has also shower and the third one has a buthtub.

At the exterior part of the house you can find chairs and beach- chairs to enjoy the greek sun and also a dining table suitabe for 5 persons. From the outdoor dining area you can take advantage of the stunning sea view.

Arrival Instructions

Mykonos has two ports: the old one and the new one. The old port is used only for trips to the island of ancient Delos. The new port is located just a few meters away from the town. Within the last decade the number of ships calling at the port of Mykonos is doubled. Between May and September arrive daily 10-12 ferries. During the summer season there are 2-3 cruise arrivals daily and weekends from 6 to 7. Should you require more information from the Port Authority for departures and arrivals to and from the port of Mykonos you can call at +30 22890 - 22218 & +30 22890 - 23922. The port authority is located in Mykonos Beach.

The arrival in Mykonos Island is very easy since the island is connected by air with the rest of the country. The frequency of service and the ticket’s price depend on the season.

Pilion, Residence of the Centaurs and a place of unique natural beauty!

According to the Greek mythology, the mountains of Pelion have hosted gods, demigods, heroes and anthropomorphic entities. Among the most famous myths, there is one, according to which Pelion was considered to be the homeland of the Centaurs. They were peculiar creatures, half anthropomorphic (above the waist, they had the form of a man) and half animals (below the waist, they had the form of a horse). The Centaurs were famous for being warlike creatures, which lived by the rivers.

Chiron was the most famous Centaur, since he was the teacher and mentor of legendary heroes such as Hercules, Jason and Achilles.

Other mythological sources indicate that Mount Pelion was the summer resort of the Olympian Gods, the battleground between Giants and Gods and the residence of nymphs and dryads. Furthermore, in the mountainous villages of Pelion, various events such as the famous wedding of Peleus and Thetis were celebrated as well as, the first beauty contest between the Goddesses Aphrodite, Hera and Athena took place.

Archaeological Sites

To the east of Almyros, between the foothills of Othryos and the Pagassetic Gulf, in a narrow strip of land is the Hellenistic town of Alos. It was built around the end of the 4th century B.C. There are remnants of fortifications, houses and cemeteries.

The ancient city of Demetriada (Volos), built in the strategic position of Pagassetic Gulf, was named after its founder, Demetrios Besieger. It is inhabited and flourished from the Neolithic to the Early Christian period. (Iolkos, Dimitriada, Pagasse, Mognita, Volos).

Goritsa Hill is located in the depth of the Pagassetic Gulf, east of Volos, and has full control of the sea. A strong city was built on this hill, possibly by Philip II.

Two ancient Mycenaean vaulted tombs have been found in the area, the smallest one is called "Lamiospito" and it is located 300m west of the hill with the ruins of the Neolithic settlement and the other one which is very imposing, known as "Toumba", is located on the western edge of the same hill. The Mycenaean Palace Dimini is the most important Mycenaean monument of Thessaly.

Neolithic Age Mansion & "Kerameas" House of Sesklo, was built in the Neolithic period at the highest point of Kastraki hill. The building of the ceramic workshop is located on the top of the hill, next to the central mega-edifice.

New Anchialos (Fthiotides Thives) is inhabited since the Late Roman period and early Christian times until the 7th c. The most important monuments of the archaeological site are: Basilica of St. Demetrius, the same archaeological site includes two baths and an ancient boulevard with shops, Peter the Archbishop Basilica, Martyrdom Basilica, Cemetery Basilica, Episcopal Mansion, Cosmic Building, Basilica II of Helpidius Episcope, Ferai (Velestino): Outdoor spaces and Trikeri's Castle.

Caves

Of particular interest is Magnisia's speleological wealth, with approximately 300 recorded caves attracting visitors from Greece and abroad. Approximately 200 caves are mapped and studied and they are estimated to be 200 to 100 million years old, based on their rocks.

The Society of Speleological Research of Thessaly ("Chiron") organizes excursions at regular intervals, focusing on the caves of Magnesia, 15 of which are called caves of Centaurs Chiron. These caves span from the area of southern Pelion and Milina to Tsagarada and Mouresi.

The deepest cavernous cave in Magnesia is located in the area of Keramidi, has a vertical depth that reaches 250 meters and is one of the deepest in Greece.

The caves of Magnesia can be visited by organized tours with the assistance of a specialized tourist guide and connected with the alternative activities and the walking tours that take place in Pelion.

Traditional Food

Many succulent local products can be found in Pelion, including virgin olive oil, local wine, vinegar, golden thyme honey, fruit liqueurs, an incredible variety of herbs and teas and many sweets and jams.

The most famous fruit of Pelion is fyriki, a type of small apple that is largely cultivated in the villages of Pelion and that makes a nice delicacy. Many women cooperatives have established to make these delicacies and jams and to gather herbs in order to sell them in open markets.

The traditional specialities of Pelion include white been soup, cheese-bread called tyropsomo, excellent meat as many inhabitants deal with cattle breeding and spetsofai, a spicy dish with peppers and sausage.

The pies filled with mushrooms, mountain vegetables and local meat.

In the local taverns, you have to drink tsipouro and ouzo served usually with seafood dishes and fish, while very popular are karavidomakaronades, especially in the villages of South Pelion.

The famous Pelion sweets, herbs, honey, jams & tsipouro are some of the local products worthy to take with you.

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Mulberry Mansion is a traditional 18th century house situated in the heart of Makrinitsa: one of Mount Pelion’s most charming and magnificently preserved villages. The building itself is of great historic importance and has features of exceptional beauty, as evidenced by the Greek Ministry of Culture, which gave the building protected status and designated it officially as a work of art. Mulberry Mansion also boasts stunning views of the surrounding mountain landscape as well as the Pagasetic Gulf, the islands of Evia and Trikeri, and the nearby city of Volos whose glittering city lights make for a spectacular view at night time.

Much like the surrounding area, Mulberry Mansion is an ideal place for a relaxing holiday with friends and family or for a romantic retreat. Given the spaciousness of the house, it can cater for both privacy and sociability as suited to your needs. Combining traditional architecture with modern facilities and impressive views, Mulberry Mansion offers the unique experience of staying in one of Mount Pelion’s most carefully preserved traditional mansions, while you explore the beautiful countryside and local colour.

Arrival Instructions

There are many ways of getting to the Pelion Peninsula. The Pelion region is located in Thessaly, which is closely half way between the capital of Athens, and the northern Greek city of Thessaloniki.

- By Air: There isn’t an airport in Pelion but one can arrive at the airports of Volos or Skiathos Island. The airport of Nea Anchialos is located 26 km from Volos and many buses operate from/to Pelion. Skiathos is the closest island to Pelion and the transfer is not easy as a boat must be taken and then a bus. However, it’s a fact that Skiathos, as the most touristic island of the “Sporades” Islands, serves many charter flights from most of the European cities.

- By Road:

1. From Athens via the National Road Athens-Lamia. The distance is 324 km, and it is covered by regular timetables of the KTEL buses (4 hours). You may also choose EXPRESS timetables (which do not stop at Almiro and Nea Anchialo).

2. From Thessaloniki, (216 kms), KTEL transports you to the city of Volos in 2 hours and 30 minutes.

3. There is also a connection with KTEL from Patra, Ioannina, Igoumenitsa, Kozani and Larissa.

- By Train: The trains (from Athens to Thessaloniki) stop in Larissa. There you will have to board another train to Volos. Generally, the travel from and to Volos, with train is not very comfortable.

Athens: The city that never sleeps!

With a recorded history of 3,000 years, Athens is the capital of Greece and among the most interesting places in the world. Actually Athens is the best destination for a city break as it has amazing sightseeing to visit, including the world-famous Acropolis with the Temple of Parthenon, the New Acropolis Museum, the Theatre of Herodes Atticus, the Ancient Agora, the Roman Agora and others. After a full day walking around Athens city, do not miss a drink at night in the many hot spots. Located in a central spot in Greece, the city is also very convenient for day trips to archaeological sites in the mainland and close islands in the Aegean Sea.

History

Taking its name after its protector, goddess Athena, Athens is famous because here democracy, sciences, theater and philosophy were born. The most important monument of Athens city is of course the Acropolis. There are several other important ancient sites and monuments that can be found mainly around the lovely neighborhoods of Plaka, Monastiraki, Thissio and in the vicinity of the Acropolis. They include ancient temples, ancient theaters and stadiums, public buildings and interesting museums. Athens is the capital of Greece and the most important Greek city. It has many beautiful quarters. The historical centre (Syntagma-Monastiraki-Plaka) is a gem for history lovers, as it includes monuments from all periods of time, from the Classical and Roman times to the Byzantine and Neoclassical period. Do not miss a visit to important sights, including the Parthenon and the temple of Olympian Zeus, theatres, such as the Herodes Atticus, and public buildings, such as the Agora. However, the city is not only about sightseeing and lovely restaurants. Athens holidays may also include swim in nice beaches. There are many beach resorts to enjoy a relaxing swim in the hot summer days in the peninsula of Attica. The beaches from Glyfada to the south till Cape Sounion are mostly organized and get very popular, especially in summer weekends. The present guide of Athens offers all the necessary information about a visit to this wonderful city, the birth place of the Greek history and also the seat of the modern Government. 

Do not miss!

Due to the many monuments dating from all historical periods, Athens is the best place for sightseeing. The easiest and quickest way to see all the sights in the city is to take a bus tour. Athens sightseeing tours are many and take place all year round. A bus tour in Athens takes place in modern, air-conditioned coach with all modern comforts and it is usually accompanied by a guide. This guide will explain visitors the history of the monuments and will lead a guided tour in important museums, like the new Acropolis Museum. The most popular Athens tours are the sightseeing bus tours and walking tours around the city centre. Very popular are also the day and half-day bus tours to important archaeological sites and interesting towns, like Cape Sounion, Ancient Corinth, Delphi, Epidaurus, Nafplion, Olympia and Meteora. Some multi-day tours are also arranged to northern Greece or important classical sites. These tours are great to see something from the Greek mainland before heading to the Greek islands for total relaxation.

Things to do

Although it is mostly famous as a sightseeing place, visitors can also practise many other Things to do in Athens. The city centre of Athens has many shopping streets and districts that regularly have offers. Ermou Street is the most famous shopping street in Athens, while the district of Kolonaki has shops of international brands. Over the last years, the coasts of Attica are developing as tourist places for foreigners, not only for Athenians who have holiday homes there. This is how many sports centres have made their appearance, from water sports and windsurfing centres to horse riding, diving centres and paintball.

The Greek Festival (Athens & Epidaurus Festival) takes place in various places of Athens (Herodes Atticus Theatre and other theatres or cultural venues) and also in the Ancient Theatre of Epidaurus and the Little Theatre of Epidaurus. It offers a large range of performances: modern and ancient theatre, ballet, opera, jazz and classical music, dances, symphonic music and great singers and many other special events. The festival takes place from early June to late August.

Traditional Dancing Performances: Every year, from May to October, the Theatre of Dora Stratou presents performances of traditional Greek dances.

Beaches

Although the coastlines of Athens are not much developed with foreign tourists, it will be a surprise to discover that the beach places of the Attica peninsula offer many interesting activities, such as scuba diving. In fact, many Athens diving centers have their base at beaches close to the city, offering PADI courses for all ages, and interesting diving trips for beginners or experts. Important Athens diving spots around the Attica peninsula are the Kalypso Reef and the Symos Wreck in Saronida, the Car Wrecks in Legrena, and the ship wrecks SS Portugal and Apollonia II in Makronissos island.

Arrival Instructions

From Athens International Airport (Eleftherios Venizelos):

By taxi with an average cost of 45 euros (time needed approx. 35 minutes)

By bus Χ97 departing every hour to Elliniko metro station with an average cost of 6 euros per person (time needed approx. 40 minutes)

By metro direction to Syntagma departing every 30 minutes with an average cost of 10 euros per person (time needed approx. 25 minutes).

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The Artist's Apartment is a wonderful 70 sq.m. ground floor apartment. It is very bright and it is located at a central spot of Nea Smirni, near the Tram Station. It is fully renovated, high ceilings, has an artisticly decorated, vintage living room whith a sofa bed for the fourth person., dining room suitable for 4 persons, kitchen with electrical appliances and vintage elements, two bedrooms, wardrobes, one bathroom with bathtub, safety glazing, located near Nea Smirni Park. All the decoration of the house is inspired by its owner who is an artist.