Kamares is the kind of port that makes you stop scrolling your phone and simply stare. Nestled into a deep natural bay on the western coast of Sifnos — one of the quieter, more soulful Cycladic islands — this pretty fishing harbour is the gateway to a destination that rewards curious, slow-travelling cruise passengers with remarkable food, medieval villages, and landscapes that feel genuinely unspoiled.
Arriving by Ship
Kamares is a tender port, which means your cruise ship will anchor in the bay and ferry passengers ashore by small boat. The process is usually smooth and well-organised, and the short tender ride across the glittering water is a lovely introduction to the island’s character. Once ashore, you step onto a compact waterfront lined with cafés, tavernas, and a handful of shops — there’s no industrial terminal to push through, just the immediate charm of a working Greek harbour.
The village of Kamares itself is small but genuinely lovely, hugging the hillside around the bay with whitewashed houses and bright bougainvillea. From here, frequent local buses connect you to the island’s main attractions, including the capital Apollonia, the medieval hilltop village of Kastro, and the pottery town of Artemonas. Taxis are also available at the port, though you may want to book ahead during peak summer months. The island is compact enough that you can explore a surprising amount even with a half-day ashore.
Things to Do
Sifnos punches well above its weight when it comes to things to see and experience. The hilltop village of Kastro is the island’s crown jewel — a 13th-century fortified settlement perched dramatically above the Aegean, with narrow cobblestone lanes, ancient churches, and sweeping sea views. It’s about a 20-minute bus ride from Kamares and absolutely worth every minute.
Apollonia, the island’s capital, is another must-visit: a cheerful maze of pedestrian streets lined with boutiques, ceramics shops, and excellent restaurants. The village of Artemonas sits just next door and is famous for its neoclassical mansions and laid-back atmosphere — perfect for a quiet wander.
If you’re drawn to the sea rather than the hills, the surrounding waters of Sifnos and the broader Cyclades are home to nesting loggerhead sea turtles, known locally as caretta-caretta. A dedicated boat trip lets you observe these ancient creatures in their natural habitat — an unforgettable experience for families and wildlife lovers alike. 🎟 Book: Caretta – Caretta Turtle Trip (Boat Trip) For those who want to explore the island’s northern coastline and rich history at their own pace, a self-guided driving tour is a wonderfully flexible option. 🎟 Book: Self Guided Sifnos North Side History Driving Tour
Local Food
Sifnos has one of the most celebrated food traditions in all of Greece, and eating here is genuinely one of the best reasons to visit. The island’s culinary reputation is so strong that it’s often credited with giving Greece its first celebrity chef — the legendary Nikolaos Tselementes was born here in the late 19th century.
On the waterfront in Kamares, you’ll find tavernas serving revithada — slow-baked chickpea soup cooked overnight in ceramic pots — which is the island’s most iconic dish. Don’t miss mastelo, a lamb or goat dish braised with red wine and dill, or pitarakia, small cheese-filled pastries that make a perfect snack. Local honey, thyme-scented and intensely flavoured, is another Sifnian specialty worth seeking out. Pair any meal with a carafe of chilled local wine and you’ll understand why food lovers make Sifnos a pilgrimage destination.
Shopping
Sifnos has a long and respected tradition of ceramics, and shopping here means picking up something genuinely meaningful rather than mass-produced tourist tat. The island’s potters have been working the local clay for centuries, producing hand-painted plates, bowls, and the distinctive one-handled cooking pots (skepastaria) still used in traditional cooking today.
In Kamares itself, you’ll find a small selection of shops selling ceramics, local honey, and artisan products near the waterfront. For a wider selection, head into Apollonia where independent boutiques offer everything from handmade jewellery to organic olive oil and locally produced cosmetics. If you’re serious about ceramics, the village of Artemonas and the surrounding area has workshops where you can sometimes watch potters at work before buying directly from the source.
Practical Tips
- Currency: Greece uses the euro. There are ATMs in Kamares and Apollonia, but it’s wise to carry some cash as smaller tavernas and shops may not accept cards.
- Getting around: The bus service is reliable and inexpensive — a great way to reach Apollonia and Kastro. Taxis are available but limited in number; agree on a price before you travel.
- Weather: Sifnos is sunny and warm from May through October. Summers can be hot, so bring sunscreen, a hat, and water, especially if you’re planning to walk between villages.
- Tender timings: Check your ship’s schedule carefully. Tender queues can build up in the afternoon, so plan to return to the dock with time to spare.
- Connectivity: Wi-Fi is available in most cafés along the waterfront if you need to check maps or plan your day on the go.
Kamares may be small, but Sifnos is one of those rare Greek islands that feels both unhurried and deeply alive — a place where outstanding food, centuries of craft tradition, and genuinely beautiful scenery come together in a single, sun-drenched package. Give it the time it deserves, and it will give you memories that last.
🎟️ Things to Book in Advance
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