Two weeks starting and ending in Syros.
Σίφνος lies approximately in the middle of the triangle formed by Milos, Serifos and Paros. The north and north-west of the island are occupied by barren ranges of hills, the east and south by gentler uplands. The coast is much indented and lined by cliffs for much of its length.
Agriculture (particular onion-growing) on the island’s fertile soil, the manufacture of pottery of traditional type and weaving bring the inhabitants a modest degree of prosperity.
The principal port on Sifnos is Kamares, which is well sheltered, and where you can rent bikes or scooters to reach Apollonia, the island’s capital. From there roads leads to the must-see places along the coasts and indeed these also proof beautiful anchorages and should really if possible visited by boat.
The medieval village of Kastro – with remnants of its ancient walls – but also the bays of Faros, Vathi and Platis Gialos are absolutely worth exploring: translucent turquoise water, combined with good tavernas. However, the best restaurants (notably To Liotrivi) can be found in Apollonia.
Κύθνος lies south-east of Kea and is a rocky and barren island of karstic limestone, that is usually covered in an abundance of colourful flowers in the early months of the sailing season.
The coast is much indented – with many beautiful anchorages and ports – and for the most part falls steeply down to the sea. The inhabitants live by farming and fishing. In antiquity iron was mined on the island.
The two main ports are Mericha and Loutra. Mericha – only minutes sailing away from the oddly shaped Sandbar Bay – is the smaller of the two. Loutra on the north-east nowadays even has a new harbour with new moles providing the best protection from the Meltemi on the island. The mineral baths after which the port took its name, are unfortunately no longer in use. The mineral springs were already frequented in Roman times and can still be seen as (covered) streams that flow towards the port.
