Greece - Korina Miller [357]
There is one petrol station on Kimolos; it’s about 200 metres to the north of Psathi.
Getting There & Away
Kimilos shares much the same regular ferry schedules as Milos. For details Island Hopping. A car ferry goes daily to and from Pollonia on Milos, departing from Kimolos at 8am, 10am, 1.15pm, 5.30pm and 10pm (€2, 20 minutes).
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SIFNOS ΣΙΦΝΟΣ
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Sifnos (see-fnoss) captivates the visitor with its hidden charms. It seems a barren place of heavy hills as you approach by sea, until the port of Kamares appears, as if by magic. Beyond the port and between the flanking slopes of rugged mountains lies an abundant landscape of terraced olive groves and almond trees, of oleanders and juniper and aromatic herbs covering the softer hillsides. The main settlement of Apollonia and the scenic village of Kastro have great appeal, and plenty of unspoiled paths link the island villages. Walking on Sifnos is particularly satisfying. The Anavasi map series Topo 25/10.25 Aegean Cyclades/Sifnos is useful for footpath details.
During the Archaic period (from about the 8th century BC) the island was very wealthy because of its gold and silver resources, but by the 5th century BC the mines were exhausted and Sifnos’ fortunes were reversed. The island has a tradition of pottery making, basket weaving and cooking.
Getting There & Away
Sifnos is on the Piraeus–western-Cyclades ferry route and has good summer connections south to Serifos, Milos and Folegandros and with Santorini and Amorgos. For details Island Hopping.
Getting Around
Frequent buses link the island’s main town, Apollonia, with Kamares (€1.20), with some services continuing on to Artemonas (€1.20), Kastro (€1.20), Vathy (€1.70), Faros (€1.30) and Platys Gialos (€1.70).
Taxis ( 22840 31347) hover around the port and Apollonia’s main square. Fares from Kamares are €6 to Apollonia, €8 to Platys Gialos and €9 to Vathy. Cars can be hired from Stavros Hotel ( 22840 31641) in Kamares, and from Apollo Rent a Car ( 22840 32237) in Apollonia, for €30 to €55.
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KAMARES ΚΑΜΑΡΕΣ
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The port of Kamares (kah-mah-rez) always seems to have a holiday atmosphere, not least because of its large beach and the narrow, bustling beachside road with its waterfront cafes and tavernas and colourful mix of shops. The bus stop is by the tamarisk trees just past the inland end of the ferry quay.
Information
There are toilets near the tourist office, plus an ATM booth.
Municipal tourist office ( 22840 31977/31975; www.sifnos.gr) Opposite the bus stop is this very helpful and well-organised office. Opening times vary depending on boat arrivals. It sells ferry tickets and can find accommodation anywhere on the island. There’s luggage storage (per item €1) and you can buy useful information sheets about the island as well as bus and boat timetables.
Sleeping & Eating
Domatia owners rarely meet boats and in high season it’s best to book ahead.
Camping Makis ( 22840 32366, 6945946339; www.makiscamping.gr; camp sites per adult/child/tent €7/4/4, r from €55; Apr-Nov; ) This pleasant camping ground is just behind the beach. It has an outdoor cafe, a barbecue area, minimarket, a laundry, shaded sites and friendly owners.
Simeon ( 22840 31652; studios_simeon@hotmail.com; s/d/tr €50/70/80, apt €100-140; Apr-Oct; ) From their little balconies, the small front rooms have stunning views down across the port and along the beach to soaring mountains beyond. Other rooms are not so blessed, but are bigger. You get here by going up steepish steps from the waterfront.
Stavros Hotel ( 22840 31641/33383; www.sifnostravel.com; s/d/tr €55/70/75; ) Main street’s Stavros has bright and comfy rooms of good size. Attached to the hotel is an information office that can arrange car hire and has a book exchange. The same family owns Hotel Kamari ( 22840 33383) on the outskirts of Kamares, on the road to Apollonia – rooms here are €40/50/55 per single/double/triple.
Hotel Afroditi