We will pick you up from your hotel and immediately begin our tour in Sifnos heading East, in order to visit the historic village of Kastro, the most picturesque area of Sifnos. Kastro was the capital of the island until 1836 and it is a typical Aegean fortified medieval settlement, with the walls of the houses being part of the perimeter fortification. The entrance to Kastro, which has been continuously inhabited since the 3rd millennium BC, it is done, even nowadays, from the loggias, the old entrance-porticos that were once protected by defensive towers. The settlement owes its name to the “castle” (castle means “Kastro” in Greece) formed by its buildings, which has an ellipsoidal shape, following the morphology of the terrain, and stands out for its defensive character. Ιts centuries-old history is evidenced by the ruins of the ancient Αcropolis at the top of the hill, the ancient columns that are built into newer buildings, the Roman sarcophagi, the loggias (a total of 6 portals-porticoes from which the entrance to Kastro is taking place) as well as the 16th-17th century churches. The Archaeological Museum of Sifnos operates in the center of the settlement, while at its highest point of the village you will find the building that once housed the Catholic cathedral. At the south part of the hill Seralia, the ancient port of Sifnos, is located. During our time in Kastro, we will walk through the beautiful alleys of the village and visit the Archaeological Museum, which includes exhibits from the 1st to the 6th century BC.
We continue οur tour, by visiting the traditional village of Artemonas, at the top of which two windmills are still preserved in good condition. As we walk, we will explore the old aristocratic neighborhood and admire the neoclassical mansions, built more than 200 years ago, painted in traditional Cycladic colors, while some of the most important sights of the village include the house where the poet Ioannis Griparis was born, Panagia Kogxi, Panagia Ammou (or Samou), where there is the Virgin Mary the Nun, a rare depiction of the Virgin Mary without the divine infant, Panagia of Bali – patron saint of Artemonas – and Saint Spyridon.
Ending our exploration in tour, we will find ourselves in the most important archaeological site of Sifnos, the Mycenaean Acropolis. The Acropolis, located at the top of the hill of the “Castle of Ai-Drias“, is the best-preserved Mycenaean fortified location in the entire Cyclades complex. The excavations brought to light a large part of the Mycenaean wall of the 12th century BC. Inside it there are the ruins of five houses, while the findings prove the continuous habitation of the settlement from the Mycenaeans to the Hellenistic times. Inside the Museum are housed the findings discovered during the excavations. Near the archaeological site is the beautiful church of Saint Andreas, built in 1701, offering a magnificent view of the Aegean and the surrounding settlements of Sifnos.
The last stop of our tour is taking place in Apollonia, a traditional settlement and capital of the island. It is built amphitheatrically on three gently sloping hills with a beautiful, traditional architecture. The simple decoration offers a set of unique aesthetic value. On the central picturesque path of Apollonia that leads to Katavati (also known as “to steno”) there are many churches – such as the Holy Cross Church, Saint Sostis & Saint Spyridon – shops, restaurants & bars, while the central square of Apollonia (Heroes square) houses the Folklore Museum of Sifnos. In Rabagas square, on the central path, there is the bust of Sifnos publisher, journalist and satirical poet Kleanthis Triantafyllos.
We will return to the hotel and we are sure that the sounds of the past and the present in combination with the images of Sifnos will be etched in your memory and you will definitely visit us again.
Included: Greek / English speaking guide, transfers from / to hotel, tickets to the Archaeological site / museums, small bottle of water, Sifnian traditional candy, map, taxes, liability insurance. Not included: Additional Meals, Drinks
* Notes: The schedule can be modified without omissions.
Α visit to Chrysopigi monastery will replace the visit in the archaeological site of Mycenean Acropolis in case the archaeological site is closed or in case the participants prefer to visit the monastery over the Mycenean Acropolis.
A visit to a traditional pottery workshop can replace the visit in Artemonas, in case the participants prefer so.
Duration: 4 hours
Difficulty Level: Easy (all vehicles are used for clients’ transportation from one village to the other, visits to the villages take place by feet)
Τhe Archaeological Museum in Kastro and the Mycenaean Acropolis are open daily (except Tuesdays) from 08:30-15:30.
Additional 2 hours waiting time for swimming or lunch / dinner in Platys Gialos or Vathi bay at the end of the tour can be provided with extra charge upon availability.
Clients can enjoy this tour at the day and time of their choice.
