Premium Cultural Hiking & Walking Tours in Sifnos

We walk along old and new paths and talk about the island as we go.

Sifnos has a network of more than 100 km of signed footpaths and many more paths that locals have been using for thousands of years. Some are stone-paved, some are narrow and rocky, and some cross the protected Natura area of the island, far away from villages.

The tours below are chosen from many possible routes because of their strong cultural interest. They are for guests who would love to listen to stories and learn about Sifnos while enjoying the landscape at the same time.

It is not only about arriving safely at the other end. It is about walking with a local friend and letting the island be introduced to you step by step.

Picture of a trekking group at Agios Sostis

The four premium cultural routes

All tours last about 2.5 hours and are suitable for small or larger groups who enjoy walking and listening to stories. You can choose one route, or combine more during your stay.

1. Artemonas Square – Poulati – Kastro

We meet at Artemonas square and start walking to find a dirt path with beautiful views to the east. On the way we pass one of the very beautiful churches of the island, smell herbs, see dry stone walls, old bee hives and farm houses, and talk about old water stories.

Then we arrive at Kastro, the oldest village of Sifnos, which feels like an open museum. We walk inside the village, following the same layout as in Venetian times, and we admire the church of the Seven Martyrs from a distance, when we reach the back side of the village. The tour ends in Kastro.

2. Ancient Acropolis – Fyrogia

We meet at the beginning of the ancient path to the Acropolis of Saint Andrew, on the way to Vathi. We walk up steps to the top of the hill and visit the church, which offers one of the best balconies of the island.

There is a guided visit in the archaeological site and the small museum. Afterwards, we walk down the other side of the hill through a dirt path in the protected area of Sifnos (Natura) until we reach the asphalt road at the area of Fyrogia. The tour ends at Fyrogia.

3. Platy Gialos – Fykiada – back by boat

We meet at Platy Gialos and go together to the beginning of the dirt path. We hike through a green and quiet part of the island, very close to the sea, with ancient olive trees and a ruined farmhouse on the way.

Our destination is the secluded beach of Fykiada and the small church of Saint George. After a short time there, a boat comes to take us back to Platy Gialos. The boat ride takes about 10–15 minutes, and the tour ends back at Platy Gialos.

4. Central Villages Route

We meet at one end of the central villages, in Exambela. We walk along the stone-paved path that connects the seven central villages and used to be the main road of the island in the past.

On the way we talk about the lesser-known story of Sifnian cooks and the great tradition of Exambela. We pass through Apollonia, Pano Petali, Agios Loukas and Artemonas and talk about architecture, local life, traditions and culture, spiritual people and education, unique chimneys, capers and home gardens. The tour ends in Artemonas.

Who these tours are for & difficulty

These walks are for guests who enjoy being outside, who like to listen to stories and who are comfortable walking on uneven ground.

Most routes include:

Stone-paved paths
Rocky, narrow or dirt sections
Some steps up and down

Tours 1, 2 and 3 require proper walking or hiking shoes. Tour 4 (Central Villages) is gentler and can be done with almost any comfortable shoes, sandals or even flip flops, as long as they stay securely on your feet.

Guests should always bring water with them. A hat and sunscreen are also very useful, especially for morning tours.

Start times, weather & logistics

All tours have a duration of about 2.5 hours and can run in the morning or in the afternoon:

Morning tours: start at 08:00
Afternoon tours: start between 17:00 and 18:00, depending on the season

Most routes start and finish at different spots. This means that transfers to and/or from the meeting and ending points need to be arranged. If you have a rental car, you can use it either for the meeting point or for the end of the tour. In other cases, we can discuss simple solutions together.

Trekking tours are subject to weather conditions and may be cancelled or rescheduled because of high temperatures or rain. Strong winds are very common in Sifnos and are not a reason to cancel trekking.

Please note that the entrance fee for the archaeological site of Saint Andrew (currently 5 euros per person) is not included, unless we agree otherwise in advance.

Practical details

Location: Selected paths and villages across Sifnos
Type of experience: Premium cultural hiking / walking with a local guide
Guide: Experienced English-speaking local guide on all tours
Group audio: For larger groups I use a small portable speaker and microphone so everyone can hear comfortably.
Walking sticks: Up to 6 walking sticks are available free of charge on request. They are not really needed for these specific routes, but some guests like to have them.
Duration: About 2.5 hours per tour
Group size: 1–25 participants
Shoes: Walking/hiking shoes for tours 1, 2 & 3; any stable shoes or sandals for tour 4
Weather: May be cancelled for rain or very high temperatures; strong winds are fine
Transfers: Transfers to and from the meeting and ending points can be arranged on request at an extra cost.

To ask about dates, which route fits you best and how to arrange your transfers, please send me a request with your preferred tour number, day, time (morning or afternoon), the number of people and any special needs or limitations you think I should know.

How difficult are the premium cultural hiking tours in Sifnos?

The tours are designed for guests who are comfortable walking on uneven ground for about 2.5 hours. There are stone-paved sections, dirt paths, some rocky parts and steps up and down. None of the routes is an extreme hike, but they are proper walks, not flat strolls on asphalt. If you have specific mobility issues, please tell me in advance so we can choose the most suitable route.
What kind of shoes and equipment do I need?

For tours 1, 2 and 3 you need proper walking or hiking shoes with a good sole and closed toes. For tour 4 (Central Villages) any stable shoes or sandals, and even flip flops that stay securely on your feet, are usually fine. In all cases, you should bring water with you, and a hat and sunscreen are very useful for daytime walks.
How long do the tours last and how many people can join?

Each tour lasts about 2.5 hours. The minimum number of participants is one person – you can also come alone – and the maximum is around 25 people. The atmosphere is different with a couple, a family or a larger group, but the idea is the same: we walk, we talk and we look at the island together.
Where do the tours start and finish? Do I need a car?

Most tours start and finish at different places. For example, some routes end in Kastro, others in Fyrogia or back in Platy Gialos. This means you need to arrange transport to and/or from the meeting and ending points. If you have a rental car, you can use it either at the start or at the end. If not, please tell me and we will discuss simple options for taxis or other solutions.
What happens if the weather is too hot or rainy?

Trekking tours are subject to weather conditions. We may cancel or reschedule if there is rain or very high temperature, because this makes the walk unpleasant or unsafe. Strong winds are very common in Sifnos and are not a reason to cancel. If we need to change plans because of the weather, we will discuss the best alternative for you.
Is there an extra fee for the archaeological site of Saint Andrew?

Yes. The entrance fee for the archaeological site and the small museum of Saint Andrew (currently 5 euros per person) is not included in the tour, unless we arrange something different in advance. You can pay it directly at the entrance of the site.
Can children join the cultural hiking tours?

Children who are used to walking and enjoy being outside are welcome, especially on the Central Villages route, which is slightly easier underfoot. For younger children or for kids who are not used to walking, please tell me their ages and we will decide together which route is realistic and enjoyable for them.
How can I book a premium cultural hiking tour in Sifnos?

To book, please send me a request through the contact page with the tour number you are interested in (1, 2, 3 or 4), your preferred date, whether you want a morning or afternoon walk, the number of people and any information about your walking experience or limitations. I will answer personally with availability, meeting point and all practical details.