The small special corner in the Cyclades Islands
Many greek islands stand out for some special characteristics they have or for an element of their history. Like, for example, a small Greek island that stands out for the number of churches and monasteries it has. It is Sifnos island which has a total number of 235 churches. It is one of the most beautiful and characteristic islands of the Cyclades Complex. The great history of Sifnos and its beauty, place it in the first choices of tourists every year.
If you love the Cyclades Islands, then you can’t miss visiting Sifnos once. There, you will see mountain settlements decorated with whitewashed houses, of traditional Cycladic architecture. A barren nature that looks sown with golden leaves under the summer sun. And of course the beaches. Wide, sandy, with quiet and shallow waters and the world spreading in little or no organized at all places, and also small bays, with the pebbles shining under each wave. What makes Sifnos special, of course, is its many churches.
It has a total of 235 churches (some say there are more) scattered everywhere on the island. Like the churches, the monasteries are closely linked to the history and tradition of Greece. Some of the churches and monasteries of Sifnos that have been designated as historical monuments are Panagia Angeloktisti in Katavati, Monastery of the Prophet Elias Psilos, Monastery of Chrysostomos in Kato Petali, Panagia of Gournias in Ano Petali, Agios Antipas in Ano Petali, Agios Konstantinos in Artemonas, Panagia of Ammos and Panagia Kogchi in Artemonas, Panagia Eleousa in Kastro , Monastery of Panagia Poulati, Panagia of The Mountain, Monastery of Panagia Chrysopigi.
Sifnos, an island full of history
As for the history of the island, Kastro is the area that mainly attracts the eyes, as it was Sifnos’ capital during ancient times. Its walls are still visible from many parts of the island.
If you find yourself there this afternoon, the Cycladic beauty will fascinate you. You will walk along the labyrinthine cobblestones and enjoy a unique view of the sunset. What will surprise you, too, on this small Greek island, apart from the churches, are the many ancient towers that are scattered around. These were built from the 6th to the 3rd century BC for communication purposes of the ancient acropolises.
Of those, in better condition is the WhiteTower, which you will see heading towards the settlement of Platis Gialos. You should also definitely make a stop in the settlement of Artemonas. The area is famous for old mansions with stone fences and impressive flowerbeds and is worth visiting for a walk in the narrow cobblestones. The largest windmill of the island is also there, which is still exceptionally maintained, and from which you can enjoy wonderful views of the Aegean Sea.
Sifnos is the island of alternative vacations that offer you the peace you want without missing anything in beauty and amenities…
