Secret Sifnos: Greece’s hidden gem

Where to eat, drink, sleep and relax on this Cycladic island of dreams

Sifnos has one of the most captivating landscapes of the Cyclades, peppered with pebble stone beaches, blue-domed churches and wild terraced hills that teem with goats, olive trees and donkeys. But it also has a sizzling food scene, sparkling turquoise waters and some of the most romantic hotels in Greece.

Although Sifnos is easily accessible from Athens (it’s only a 2 hour ferry ride from Piraeus), it’s retained all of its rustic charm and relaxed, down-to-earth vibe. It doesn’t thrum with loud-mouthed tourists, the locals aren’t jaded and it has none of the grand, glitzy pretensions of neighbouring Mykonos and Paros. Life is blissfully slow on Sifnos, making it the perfect spot for a well-earned dose of rest and relaxation.

As requested by my lovely followers on Instagram, I’ve rounded up all my favourite spots to eat, drink, sleep and visit across the island. There aren’t many places I dream of going back to again and again, but this is one of them.

Enjoy!

Lucy x

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WHERE TO STAY

Elies Resorts

This luxury hotel is as quintessentially Greek-looking as it gets. Think whitewashed villas, blooming bougainvillea and flag-stoned paths that wind down to the sea. Set back from Vathi beach on the southwest of the island, Elies features a huge salt-water pool, an outdoor bar serving lunch and cocktails, a private beach area and pared-back rooms with gorgeous views. The tennis court, gym and play area will keep both kids and teens happy too. As will Vathi beach, which has a string of lovely authentic tavernas where we enjoyed laid-back lunches, feet in sand. Oh, one more thing. Elies offers a buffet breakfast like I’ve never seen before. I’m talking pancakes, champagne, eggs-any-way, the most divine Greek yoghurt…

Nos

You’d be hard pressed to find a hotel with more spectacular views than Nos, which is perched on a craggy hill just a five-minute stroll from the fishing village of Faros. In addition to the unblemished views across sparkling turquoise waters, it boasts a heavenly infinity pool, an open-air gym and one of the best restaurants on the island. Order the lamb before tucking into the heavenly speculoos cheesecake.

Me at Nos in June 2023

The light, airy rooms are decorated in a soothing neutral palette with sleek wooden furniture and generous terrace balconies. The vibe is calm and peaceful here, making it best suited to a grown-up getaway centred on rest and relaxation.

WHAT TO PACK

I spent much of the week in a flimsy shirt dress similar to this white H&M one, a pair of Greek-style sandals and my trusty one-piece swimsuit (above) made from recycled ocean plastic. Complement the look with this Loewe basket bag and this pair of Ray-Ban shades. Just don’t forget the SPF, this travel bottle of hair conditioning mist (the saltwater birdsnest was real!) and this summer’s hottest beach read.

WHAT TO SEE & DO