1. Kastro to Poulati (easy, 45 min round trip)
The classic warm-up. Down the marble steps from Kastro, along the cliff edge, to the bright-blue-domed Poulati monastery. Swim off the rocks below, then walk back up.
2. Apollonia to Kastro (easy, 1h 15)
Mostly flat, on old donkey paths between dry-stone walls. Start at Apollonia's main square, follow the red waymarks east. You'll pass three chapels and arrive in Kastro for lunch.
3. Vathi to Platis Gialos (moderate, 2h)
A coastal traverse over the south-western headland. Some scrambly sections, no shade, but huge views the whole way. Take water and start before 10am in summer.
4. Artemonas to Cherronisos (moderate, 2h 30)
Cross the spine of the island to the remote northern fishing hamlet of Cherronisos. Lunch on grilled fish, then take the bus back.
5. Kamares to Profitis Ilias (hard, 3h)
Up to the highest point on Sifnos (680m) and its hilltop monastery. Steep, exposed, and worth every metre — you can see Milos, Serifos, and Paros from the top.
6. The Chrysopigi loop (easy, 1h)
A flat coastal stroll from Faros, around the headland to Chrysopigi monastery, and back via Apokofto beach. Time it for sunset.
7. Kastro to Vathi traverse (hard, 5–6h)
The full island traverse, north-east to south-west, on linked monopatia. Real hiking — proper boots, plenty of water, an early start. Best done in April or October.
Practical tips
Trails are colour-coded and numbered. The Anavasi 1:25,000 Sifnos map is the only one worth buying. Hiking season is October–May; July–August is too hot for anything over an hour. Wear actual shoes — the marble steps are slick after rain.
