Sifnos has a devoted following: walkers come for its network of old footpaths, food lovers for its tavernas, and everyone for the whitewashed villages strung along the ridge above the sea. Getting there from Paros is a neat way to link the central Cyclades with the western chain without going back to Athens.
You sail from Parikia, the capital and main harbour of Paros, where the old town and its waterfront cafés are right behind the quay. You arrive in Kamares, the port village on the west coast of Sifnos. The main villages, Apollonia and Artemonas, are up in the hills a short drive inland.
This hop works well for travellers who have spent time on Paros or Naxos and want a quieter second half to their trip. From Sifnos you can easily continue to Serifos or Milos, then sail back to Piraeus from the west, making a satisfying loop through two quite different parts of the Cyclades.
Before booking, be clear about which boat you are on. The fast Seajets sailing is quick but pricey and carries no cars. Blue Star is extremely cheap, carries vehicles and runs all year, but only two or three days a week and it takes much longer. Some Seajets sailings in last year's data took 5 hr 5 min to 5 hr 20 min, so always check the duration before you pay.
