Sifnos is one of those places that instantly makes you exhale, there’s a calm here that you feel straight away. The kind that makes you want to slow down, breathe deeply and just be. The scent of wild herbs and sea salt lingers in the air, the villages are peaceful without feeling sleepy and the food is quietly, consistently excellent. You know a place is truly special when the local Greeks themselves holiday here regularly - and on Sifnos, they do.

The first time I came to Sifnos, I didn’t really know what to expect. I’d heard whispers that it was a favourite among chefs and food lovers, that it hadn’t been taken over by big hotels or tourist crowds, and that it had a kind of quiet charm that stayed with you. That was enough for me to book a ferry and see for myself. Within days, I was hooked. I’ve been back three years in a row now and every time I step off the boat, it feels like a coming home to a place that holds a little piece of me.

It’s also the island where my daughter got married, which makes it even more special to me. The ceremony was held in Chrissopigi, a beautiful monastery overlooking the water, with the cliffs behind us and the deep blue of the Aegean stretching out in front. It was the most magical day, not just because of the occasion but because of how Sifnos held it all - the light, the stillness, the warmth of the people. There was something sacred about it. We danced under the stars, ate the most beautiful meal and celebrated with friends and family who traveled from the other side of the world for this special day and night. That memory has become part of how I feel about this island. It gave us something we’ll never forget.

Sifnos is known for its food and that’s no coincidence. It’s the birthplace of Nikos Tselementes, one of the most influential figures in Greek cooking and his legacy still shapes how people cook not only in Greece but the whole Greek diaspora.Whether you’re eating chickpeas slow-cooked overnight in a clay pot or delicate octopus served beachside, there’s care and history in every bite.

This island is so much more than just beautiful meals. The villages feel like something out of a storybook, each with its own quiet rhythm. Whitewashed houses with soft corners, bright blue doors left slightly ajar and bougainvillea spilling from every balcony - it’s everything you hope a Greek island will be. The beaches are some of the clearest I’ve ever swum in. And the people proud, kind and open - make you feel like you belong, even if it’s your first time.

This guide is my version of Sifnos. I’ve shared the places I love, the memories I keep coming back to and the little moments that made me pause. But part of the island’s magic is in what you’ll find on your own. A quiet church tucked into a hillside. A tiny taverna you wander into by chance that ends up being your favourite meal of the trip. A stretch of beach where it’s just you, the water and time slowing right down. Sifnos has a way of rewarding curiosity. I hope this guide helps you feel grounded when you arrive, but I also hope you leave space to wander, get a little lost and discover your own special corners too.

Με αγάπη,
Hx