Sifnos

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Sifnos

Map of Sifnos
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Background

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

BA 1037 Nisís Falkonera to Nísos Ios

Iray-Tetra G33 Southern Cyclades

NIMA 41 Cavos Maleas to Cavos Kimis

Greek 415 Ydra to Sikinos

Radio Nets

Also see Cruiser's Nets

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Approach and Navigation

Details?

Check-in facilities

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Ports and Popular Stops

Marinas & Yacht Clubs

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Anchorages

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Routes/Passages To/From

Popular passages/routes, timing, etc.

Tourism & things to do ashore

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Fuel, Water, & Electricity

Laundry

Grocery Stores

Eateries

Motorbike & Car Rentals

Marine Stores & Facilities

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Repairs

Transportation

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References & Publications

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Cruiser's Friends

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Forum Discussions

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External Links

Personal Notes

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