Sifnos

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Revision as of 14:38, 8 December 2009

Sifnos

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	36°59.5′N, 24°40.4′E
	Photo gallery
	Local chartlet

A Potter in Sifnos
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Sifnos (Σίφνος) is windy and hilly island with an area of 74 km² and about 2000 inhabitants. Its highest peak, Profitis Ilias, is 678 m (2225 ft.) above sea level. Its west coast is barren but the east coast is greener and cultivated. The island is well known for its Cycladic architecture, it pottery, and it chefs. Several wealthy shipowner families come from Sifnos and maintain here beautiful houses.

In antiquity, Sifnos known as Meropia, was famous for its wealth from its gold and silver mines. This mines go back to the 3rd millennium BC and are the oldest mines discovered in Europe. The earliest inhabitants appear to have been Phoenicians who were replaced by Minoans who founded Minoa near the modern town of Apollonia, the island's capital. The Minoans were replaced by Ionian Greeks who lived near Ayios Andreas. The Meripians were not only very wealthy but were also greedy. They were discovered to have cheated the Oracle of Delphi by contributing instead of pure gold, lead eggs just gilded with gold. This discovery gave a good excuse, the anger of Apollo, to Polycrates of Samos to invade and plunder the island. After this the island declined.

In the middle ages most of the population lived near Kastro and were dominated by the Venetians who were succeeded by the Ottomans in 1617 AD. In the 17th century the Ottomans attempted to reopen the mines but were thwarted by French pirates supposedly hired by the islanders. After the Greek War of Independence Sifnos joined Greece and a French interest reopened the mines and operated them until 1925.

Charts

Map of Sifnos
Click for larger view

BA

1037 Nisís Falkonera to Nísos Ios

Imray-Tetra

G33 Southern Cyclades

Greek

41 Cavos Maleas to Cavos Kimis

415 Ydra to Sikinos

Radio Nets

Also see Cruiser's Nets

• Coast Guard - VHF channel 12, Tel. +30 2840 31 617
• Olympia Radio- VHF channel 03

Weather

See Aegean Sea.

Approach and Navigation

Approaches to the island are straightforward without navigational dangers, but

Warning: There can be very strong gusts when the meltemi blows, especially when entering Kamares. Reduce sail.

Check-in facilities

None.

Ports and Popular Stops

There is only one port, Kamares, but there are many attractive anchorages.

Ports

Kamares

Chart of Kamares - Chartlet
Click for larger view

36°59.5′N, 24°40.4′E
Kamares (Καμάρες) is the only harbor in Sifnos. While it provides good shelter from the meltemi, it seems to have a constant swell, this swell is very uncomfortable and at times can be dangerous. At other times conditions are good, although a seabreeze sets into the inlet during the day and a land breeze out of it at night, so set your anchor accordingly. Go stern-to the quay, where there is space for around 6-8 yachts. The bottom is sand and weed and sometimes the holding is not too good. Use plenty of spring lines. Alternatively anchor off in 3-5 metres. If the swell becomes too strong it is best to go to Port Vathi about 4 nM south.

Caution: Do not enter the bay under sail. The gust are very strong and can be dangerous.

Last Visited & Details Checked (and updated here)

Date of member's visit to this Port/Stop & this page's details validated:

• June 1994 --Istioploos
• May 2009 --Athene of Lymington

Anchorages

Port Vathi

36°55.7′N, 24°41.2′E Port Vathi (Βαθύ) is definitely the safest anchorage in Sifnos, if gusty in the meltemi. I have been comfortable here while a force 8 gale raged for days. It is a pleasant setting, if somewhat remote from the rest of the island, with a nice sandy beach. Anchor off anywhere in 3-4 m, or do an anchor moor to the small mole at the N of the cove, where there is space for three yachts in depths of 2.5-3.0 meters (but limited mooring rings). The bottom is sand and provides good holding. A choice of good tavernas ashore and a very mini-market. Last Visited & Details Checked (and updated here) Date of member's visit to this Port/Stop & this page's details validated: May 2001 --Istioploos May 2009 --Athene of Lymington

Chart of Port Vathi - Chartlet Click for larger view

Ayi Georgis

37°02′N, 24°38.6′E
Ayi Georgis or Ayios Georgis is near the NW tip of the island. It is a very narrow inlet which provides excellent shelter from the meltemi. Also here is good place to buy ceramic ware directly from the shop. Unfortunately there is room for only one or two yachts. Anchor fore and aft at 8-10 m or take line to the little mole.

Last Visited & Details Checked (and updated here)

Date of member's visit to this Port/Stop & this page's details validated:

• June 1994 --Istioploos

Fikiadha

36°54.4′N, 24°42.25′E Fikiadha is pleasant and deserted inlet near the SW tip of the island. It offers good shelter for winds N through E to S. It is only open to the W. The bottom is sand and mud but it does not hold well uniformly. Last Visited & Details Checked (and updated here) Date of member's visit to this Port/Stop & this page's details validated: September 2000 --Istioploos

Chart of Fikiadha - Chartlet Click for larger view

The one and only House at Fikiada
Click for larger view

Platis Yialos

Chart of Platis Yialos - Chartlet
Click for larger view

36°55.8′N, 24°43.7′E
Platis Yialos (Πλατύς Γιαλός) is a bay at SE coast with a number of restaurants and hotels. It provides good shelter from the meltemi but it is subject to very strong gusts. Anchor near the NE corner in 5-7 m. The bottom is sand and rock but the holding is not good everywhere.

Last Visited & Details Checked (and updated here)

Date of member's visit to this Port/Stop & this page's details validated:

• September 2000 --Istioploos

Faros

36°56.5′N, 24°45′E - Chartlet
Faros or Pharos is a bay on the SE side of Sifnos which provides good shelter from the meltemi. You can anchor either to the S of Cape Petalos or off the village.

Kastro

36°58.5′N, 24°44.8′E - Chartlet
Kastro is open cove on the E side of the island. It suitable for anchorage only in calm weather and is exposed to the meltemi.

Marinas & Yacht Clubs

None.

Yacht Services and Repairs

Marine Stores

None.

Yacht Services/Repairs/Yards

None.

Fuel, Water, & Electricity

Fuel

Arrangements can be made for a delivery at Kamares by calling Mr. Stefanos Komis at 31 347 or 31 777

Water

Limited water at the quay at Kamares

Electricity

N/A (Not Available)

Offshore Islands

• Serifos
• Milos

Tourism and Things to do Ashore

A Dovecote Click for larger view

A Chapel in Sifnos

Churches in Sifnos

Tourism

The capital of the island, Apollonia (Απολλονία), is most definitely worth visiting. It is lovely Cycladic town built on a cliff with lime-washed white houses and colorful bougainvillea on their walls. There is a Museum of Popular Arts and Folklore (opens at 10 AM) which houses some old photographs, some books, embroideries, costumes, and cooking artifacts from the 19th century. The most interesting is an exhibit of special Easter breads, all in very fanciful shapes. There is regular bus service from Kamares and Port Vathi.

About a mile from Apollonia is the town of Artemonas with many neo-classical villas belonging to the rich shipowners. The church of Kochi occupies the site of the ancient temple to Artemis. Next to it is the little 17th century church of Ayios Georgios tou Aféndi with some fine icons.

Near Kamares there is the Cavern of the Nymphs which was used as a place of worship around the end of 6th century BC.

At Ayios Andreas there is the excavated 12 century BC Mycenean Acropolis.

The Venetian town of Kastro with its still standing Byzantine walls is definitely worth a visit. Nearby are the ruins of the Classical acropolis. There is also here an Archaelogical Museum, housed in the old Venetian church of St. Anthony of Padua.

Near the islands's peak is the 8th century Monastery of Profitis Ilias, with thick walls and a network of catacombs. The most famous monastery of the island, however, is Panayia Chrissopigi, built in 1650 AD on a rocky slope. There is a charming story associated with the monastery. Two lovely damsels were surprised by pirates while napping with the church. They ran away, the pirates pursuing. While running they prayed to the Virgin to protect them. The cape split into two thus cutting off the pirates.

Grocery & Supply Stores

Several good stores in Kamares

Eateries

Sifnian food is renowned throughout Greece.

• There are many restaurants in Kamares
• There is an excellent spread of mezedes (appetizers) at Margarita in Apollonia, also at night the Argo is highly recommended
• At Port Vathi the Tjikali has very good food
• Near Panayia Chrissopigi the Lembesi restaurant serves good food

Internet/WiFi

In Internet cafés.

Laundry

?

Motorbike & Car Rentals

?

Garbage Disposal

There are bins around the harbor and in several anchorages.

Transportation

In the summer there are daily ferries to Rafina and Piraeus.

Taxis in the island can be arranged by calling Mr. Stefanos Komis at +30 2840 31 347 or +30 2840 31 777.

Routes/Passages To/From

• Passages between Athens Region and Rhodes - Marmaris
• Cruising the Cyclades Islands

Cruiser's Friends

Contact details of "Cruiser's Friends" that can be contacted for local information or assistance.

Forum Discussions

List links to discussion threads on the Cruiser Log Forum

External Links

• Sifnos (Wikipedia)

References & Publications

See Greece.

Last Visited & Details Checked (and updated here)

See individual ports in this page.

Personal Notes

Personal experiences?

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