Sifnos has mach to attract the interest of the visitor, like traditional villages, castles, churches, monasteries, beautiful beaches and of course the archeological sites. The whole island has about 227 monasteries and small or bigger churches, and about 55 ancient towers, some of them built in the 6th and 3rd century B.C., but most of them in ruins. The exception is the White Tower in Platy Yalos which is in an accessible area and in good condition.
Construction of the tower started during the invasion of the Samians and according to Thucydides it was used for sending warning signals to other islands about pirate attack or other dangers. This system of communication developed and expanded over the whole island. In the following years these towers were used to protect women and children from enemy attacks.

The villages in Sifnos, apart from Kastro, are all concentrated in the middle part of the island and so close to each other that they give the impression of one big village and make it  almost impossible to distinguish one from the other. 
Characteristic of these villages is the cubic Cycladic architecture with the whitewashed houses and churches, and the stone paved streets. An old fashioned path starts from Artemona and goes all the way down to Katavati, passing through the villages of Ano Petali and Apollonia, and another connects Aghio Louka with Exambela, Kato Petali and Kastro.
On almost all the coasts of the island we find villages. The first buildings in these villages were pottery shops with ovens because being close to the sea gave them easy access to the boats that transferred the products to all the known markets of the world. In Sifnos the traditional farm houses usually have one common room, a pigeon loft, are full of thyme bushes and have outbuildings used as cellars, stable, threshing floor or wine press.

KAMARES
The first thing that the visitor sees when arriving in Sifnos is its port, called Kamares. It was first constructed in 1907 and expanded in 1950, but the village developed at the end of the 19th century. Kamares means “arcs” and comes from the numerous caves that existed in the rocks on the south coast of the bay, where today we find houses, shops and underground shelters for keeping the boats in the winter time.

Kamares is the biggest coastal village on the island and offers the visitor a calm day at the beach and clubs and restaurants for the evening. The central part of the village is situated on the right of the coast where we find the port, travel agencies, grocery and pottery shops and the beautiful church of Aghia Anna. Kamares has a long sandy beach awarded the Blue Flag for its clear waters and clean beach.  On the west of the village, on the hillside are the houses of the rich and eminent Sifnians. Some of the oldest buildings in Kamares are the church of Aghios Georgios (St. George) & Aghia Varvara (St. Barbara), built in 1785 and renovated in 1906, the Fanari in 1896, the old Mill and the ruins of the old pottery ovens and the ore’s scale loader from 1883.

On the right of the dock and uphill we find a square named after a known doctor and Member of Parliament, G. Koulouris. Opposite and towards the foot of the mountain Agios Simeon, we see the community of Aghia Marina or Pera Banda where we find restaurants, café and accommodation. From the beautiful church of Aghia Marina the visitor can enjoy a magnificent sunset. At the beautiful long beach of Kamares and Aghia Marina it is possible to rent wind surfing equipment.

VATHI
Vathi is a small quiet community of about 60 inhabitants that with its windless bay and the beautiful sandy beach, is becoming one of the most attractive destinations of Sifnos. It is important to mention that Vathi is the oldest community of potters on the island. From here  the famous Sifnian pottery was exported to the markets of the other Cycladic islands, Crete, Cyprus and Alexandria of Egypt.  
It is situated on the southeast part of Sifnos, 10km from Apollonia and 16km from Kamares. The name Vathi is due to the fact that the bay where it is located is in a lower position than the surrounding area. Another explanation is that the waters used to be very deep, even close to the shore. Yet the beach right in front of the village has shallow waters, making the area ideal for families with children.
The recent construction of a paved street and a dock made Vathi reachable from the land and the sea. The road comes from Katavati in the inner part of the island and on the way to Vathi we see the monastery of Fyrogenon and a bit further the church of Aghios Andreas built on the local pre-historic acropolis in 1701. Ancient findings in the wider area prove life on the island during the Mycenaean and till the Hellenistic period.  
On our way to Vathi we see the monastery of Taxiarchi of Mersine from 1738 which celebrates 3 times per year with big festivities. At the right end of the beach we see the double supported church of Taxiarches and Evaggelistrias, dating back to the 17th century. Two more monasteries are above the village, Aghios Nicolas Aerina and the Aghios Ioannis in Black Village.

PLATY YALOS
The best known and busiest beach of the island, also considered to be one of the longest sandy beaches of the Cyclades is Platy Yalos. This area is one of the most popular with  young people for wind surfing at the beach and for its nightlife. The village of Platy Yalos is situated 10km from Apollonia and has a variety of accommodation, organized camping, restaurants and pottery workshops.
On the north side, on the hill, the monastery of Panagia of the mountain is to be seen.  It was built in 1813 and has inside the unique icon of Panagia Macherousa. From its grounds the visitor can enjoy an absolutely beautiful view. Celebrations take place on the 25th of March and on the 21st of November.
On the northeast side we find the ruins of the White Castle, the best known of all the castles of the island, and for centuries the observation station for pirate attacks.
South of the cape of Platy Yalos, the archeologist Chr. Tsountas, discovered a pre-historic cemetery. At the southeast entrance to the bay we see the private, but uninhabited island of Kitriani with the small church of Kypriani on it, built in 1732 and the oldest church monument in Sifnos.  Around this island is the best known fishing area.

PHAROS – CHRYSOPIGI
Pharos is located in the southeast part of the island, about 8-9km away from Apollonia and took its name from the lighthouse, in Greek “pharos”. The lighthouse was at the entrance of the safest port, which until 1883 was the main port of the island. The lighthouse is placed on the right of the port, next to the monastery of the Cross (tou Stavrou) with a magical view. The small community of Pharos is a fishing village with small restaurants, shops and accommodation, with various beautiful beaches like Fasolou, Pharos and Glyfou.  On the west side of the bay we see the ruins of the facilities, where ore was loaded to the boats to be transferred to Lavrio. On the edge of the bay and on the west of the beach of Pharos are the foundations of ancient Fryktoria.
From here begins the path that leads to the small bay of Apokoftou and to Chrysopigi.

At the entrance to the gulf of Chrysopigi we see a long islet looking detached from land, called the “rocky schooner of Chrysopigi”. On top of this islet is the monastery of Chrysopigi, the patron saint of the island.  It was built in 1650. It is a beautiful monastery, standing alone on a rock and surrounded by many steps down to the crystal clear sea water. According to tradition fishermen found the icon of Zhoodocho Pigi inside the waters. The picture of this monastery decorates so many paintings that it has become a landmark of Sifnos.  You can stay overnight in the monastery in one of the cells provided for tourists in case of emergency.

KASTRO (CASTLE)
Kastro (castle) is situated on the east side of the island, built on the summit of a hill and 3,5km away from Apollonia. It is the oldest community of Sifnos and an excellent sample of Venetian architecture with an absolutely magnificent view to the Aegean Sea. According to Herodotus it is built on the ruins of the ancient town Asty and it was the capital of the island until 1836 and the See of the Archbishopric in Sifnos. The area is like an open museum. The visitor enters the castle from tube shaped entrances called “lozies” that used to be secured by the towers. Inside the castle the houses are on two or three levels, the lower being for the poor people and the higher level was where aristocrats lived, to be safer from pirate attacks. Due to the limited space available, streets and even squares go upon the roof of the houses.
Inside the castle with its arcs, is the archaeological museum in the catholic church of Antonio of Padova. There we find sculptures, column capitals, pots from the geometric period up to Byzantine times.
The Church of Panagia Eleousa was renovated in 1635 A.D. and was the metropolis of the village until 1852.  It was carved wooden screen, which is remarkable, and an impressive collection of ecclesiastical objects.
The church of Theoskepastis, Panagias Kimisis dates back to 1593.  It has traditional style floors and an ancient altar.
The church of Agios Nikolaos (1566), Ag. Ioannis Theologos (1617), the picturesque chapel “Eftamartiras” (Seven sins) which is situated on the pavement.  In Seladi 10 windmills were in working order until 1950.  At the top of the acropolis was the metropolitan residence.
Today you can see the Temple Fragantonis built in 1460.  At the entrance to the village was the well-known school of Ag. Tafos, also known as the Institution of the Archipelago.   You can also see Kastro cemetery and the temples of Ag. Stafanos and Ag. Ioannis (1629).

Another sight worth visiting is the Seralia (palaces) situated on the bay under the hill of Kastro. It flourished during the Turkish domination and it was for some time the main port of the island. At that period there were magnificent buildings and therefore the area was named Seralia. Today we find accommodation, fish restaurants and a beautiful beach.
Last but not least is the monastery of Panagia Poulati, dating back to 1871 and is in 20 minutes walking distance from Seralia. Close to it you will find the beach of the same place.

CHERRONISOS
Herronissos is a very small community at the northern end of the island, about 15km away from Apollonia. The name is a paraphrase of the word hersonissos (peninsula), which means infertile isle. This peninsula is easily reachable either by car passing through the communities of Troullaki and Diavroucha, or by small excursion boats from Kamares, but only during the summer season.
Herronisos belongs to the wider area of Artemona and it is a quiet fishing village, for relaxing with a beautiful small beach with clear blue waters.  Development hasn’t yet reached Herronisos so there are only a few accommodation units and some small restaurants (taverns). Years ago Herronisos was a center for pottery, but today only a small traditional workshop remains.

ARTEMONAS
Artemonas is located on the east side of Sifnos and about 2km away from Apollonia. It is one of the most beautiful villages with a mixture of neoclassic and Cycladic architecture. White painted houses and mansions with flower gardens give a magnificent picture to the visitor. On the top of the hill we see the remains of a row of traditional windmills, of which only two are in good condition.  From this spot we can see Kastro, Kamares and other villages lying to our feet and in the background on a clear day the neighboring islands.
From Artemona comes the national hero of Sifnos, Nicolaos Chrysogelos. Inside the village we can find the house of the local poet Ioanni Grypari and the church of Aghios Constantine from 1462, where religious rhetorical teaching was developed.
Architecturally significant is the church of Panagia of Konchis with its unique temple. According to tradition the icon of the Virgin Mary (Panagia) was found in a konchi (narrow round hole) in the street.  On the last Sunday of the Carnival the famous celebration of Kyr Voria takes place in the church’s yard.    
Artemonas itself did not develop much and kept its traditional character. Inside, the village has many old traditional bakeries and pastry shops, a few restaurants and pottery workshops and various accommodation units. The closest beach is Poulati.

The Church of Panagias Ammou was renovated and extended in 1788.  You can also see an icon, Panagias Monaxis, which respresents the Virgin Mary without the baby.   The church of Panagia Bali has its feast day on 21st November and is the patron of Artemona.  It is also worth visiting Ano Petali and Ag. Anna to enjoy the magnificent view.

ANO PETALI
Ano Petali is a small community south of Artemona with a beautiful view to the east. It used to be the southernmost part of the community of Artemona and the name Petali means a small rocky knoll.   
Remarkable is the church of Aghios Antypas (1636) for its history and architectural style. This church was the school that Nicolaos Chrysogelos established in 1821 and put his student George Psaravtis as teacher.
In Ano Petali we find small accommodation units, restaurants and the famous traditional café of Phellos.

AGHIOS LOUKAS (Saint Lucas)
Aghios Loukas is the second of the three villages forming the old community of Artemonas and its name comes from the parish church of the same name.

Saint Lucas was one of the three villages which made up the community of Artemonas.  It is named after the church of Ag. Loukas.  Alexandros Vernikos, the well known shipowner, comes from Ag. Loukas, as does the president of the Evgenidi Institution, Nikolaos Vernikos – Evgenidi.
It is worth seeing the church of Panagias in Gournia and of Ag. Nikolaos because of the remarkable wall paintings by the religious painter Agapios from Sifnos.
“Gournia” owes its name to the small “gournes”, marble basins next to the river where women used to wash clothes.
Other churches of interest are the church of Ag. Georgios Afenti with famous icons from 1645 and the church of Ag. Konstantinos with its special architecture and a bust of N. Chrysogelou in the square of the same name.  There are restaurants, a traditional confectionary and a bakery.

APOLLONIA
Apollonia is located on the east side of the island and is built like an amphitheatre on three hills, 6 km away from Kamares, the main port of Sifnos. According to tradition the name Apollonia indicates that the town was probably dedicated to the God Apollo, but it was also known by the name Stavri (Cross), because the houses form a cross.
It became the capital of Sifnos from 1936 until 1914 and it is the administrative and commercial center of the island. The visitor finds a variety of travel agencies, accommodation units, shops, restaurants, cafés and traditional pastries that make Apollonia a lively place without loosing its Cycladic character and beauty. Walking through the streets, the visitor apart from admiring the panoramic view, is also surrounded by white houses with tiny gardens full of colorful bougainvillea and the blue domes of the town’s churches with their bell towers.
In the central square of Hero, in Apollonia, you can visit the Museum of Folklore Art and see beautiful handmade traditional dresses, hand woven and embroidery or ceramic pots, all useful objects in a Sifnian’s everyday life.

Here is the old school of Ag. Artemis, the church of Ag. Spiridonas (also the metropolis of the village), the church of Panagias Mparou which used to belong to Simonopetra monastery on Agios Oros.  The churches of Ag. Athanasios, Ag. Sostis, Metamorfosis Sotiros, the church of the Cross, Ag. Artemiou and Panagias Ouranoforos all have impressive wall paintings and artistic screens.  On the northwest side of the village and within a distance of 1,5 km, is located the monastery of Ag. Ioannis the Mouggos.

On the southwest side of Apollonia and on the top of the hill we see the monastery the Prophet Elias.  It is a Byzantine monastery with impressive marble columns from the 10th century.

KATO PETALI
Kato Petali is located on a hill east of Apollonia and in its small center we find some accommodation units, restaurants and shops, but its main attraction is the church of Zhoodochou Pighi (1894) with its interesting paved yard. For its maintenance every year the inhabitants sing the New Year Carols in order to collect money. The school of music is also situated in Kato Petali.  East of the village we find the monastery of Aghios Ioannis, where according to tradition the very first school of Sifnos operated and later the school of the Holy Sepulchre, known then as the “Greek Museum Of Sifnos”, before it was finally transferred to Aghios Artemios.
South of Kato Petali in between the olive trees, we see the traditional little church of Panagia Koukkia or Myrtidiotissa, dating back to 1614.

EXAMBELA
The name Exambela is the combination of two words and means dry, unfertile wine yards. The village is located on the eastern side of Sifnos, about 2km from Apollonia. It is extremely exposed to the winds.  Therefore at the entrance to the village, we see a row of old windmills, called Aerides (Winds), some very well preserved and others totally abandoned.

Due to its fertile earth Exambela has a tradition in agriculture.  The poet and Academic Aristomenis Proveleggios (1850-1936) was born in Exambela and so was the Nikolaos Tselementes (1878-1958) the most famous Greek cook.  Many other distinguished men were also born here.
In the old church of Ag. Nikolaos is the tomb of Proveleggio.  In the cemetery of the Panaidaki monastery of Exambela you will find the tomb of the great teacher and national fighter Nikolaos Chrysogelos (1780-1857) who was also minister of Education in Kapodistrian’s time.   It is worth visiting the newer churches of Ag. Nikolaos, Ag. Athanasios and Panagias. 
On the southeastern side of the village near the church of Ag. Demetrios are the remains of an ancient tower.
Leaving the village by the road leading to Faro and before getting to Plati Gialo you will find the monastery of Panagia Vrysiani, dating back to 1642.
Situated in Perama, the monastery is decorated with wall paintings and a carved wooden screen dating back to 1850.  It also has a museum of ecclesiastic art with many impressive exhibits.

KATAVATI
This beautiful community is located in the center of the island, higher up, south of Apollonia. The distance is more or less half a kilometer and walking distance along a downhill road, hence the name katavati which means downhill. The village was a refuge from the pirates and in the winter a retreat for the monks of the monastery of Prophet Elias of Chamilou. This monastery is maybe the most important Byzantine monument of the island, located south  of the village and throughout history it has been one of the most secluded and inaccessible shelters of Sifnos. 
South of the village of Katavati is the church of Aghios Andreas, dating back to 1890 and after the monastery of Fyrogion from 16th century.

This is the village where the well known theologian and philosopher Apostolos Makrakis (1830-1905) was born.  You will find a statue of him at the entrance to the central square.  His tomb is in the grounds of his family church of Evaggelistria.
The church of Ag. Ioannis Eleimonas, which is situated in the northern part of the village, is remarkable.  The churches of Ag. Georgios, Panagias Aggelohtisti and Christou are also worth seeing.

The village houses has been build along the main road and here and there are rooms to rent, grocery stores, restaurants and gift shops.