6 : Sifnos Insiders

This is the longest, and perhaps the richest trail of Sifnos in terms of natural variety and cultural sites. Starting in Apollonia, it will soon leave the village behind it, strolling through small creeks, olive groves and terraced slopes, until it approaches the church of Theologos Mongou, which was a none’s monastery. A leveled but stable uphill will lead you to a panoramic spot, at the church of Agios Lefteris. You have reached the “highlands” now! The natural path that moves around the hill, at about 450 meters of altitude offers breathtaking views and an absolute sense of freedom! The trail will bring you to a small pass, right after the “aerial passage” above Kamares port.

The view now opens toward the west, and it is endless. In clear winter days, you even get to see the Taygete, the holy mountain of Sparta from there! A steep descent awaits you now, which reveals a totally new side of Sifnos, wilder, harsh, and also very inspiring. The descent ends in the remote church of Panagia Toso Nero. This is an ideal place to rest. Don’t forget to enter the church and to see the colorful wooden retable. From Panagia Toso Nero, the trail will continue uphill this time, among short junipers. You will pass through spectacular view points, old fields, olive groves and abandoned huts. The small chapel of Agios Konsantinos is the only building still preserved. After a last steep uphill, you will reach the junction leading to Agia Marina church. It is worth a visit, especially for its balcony, as well as an interesting icon of the Virgin inside.

Leaving Agia Marina behind, the trail will eventually arrive on a dirt road. The road leads to a new junction and trail 6 meets trail 5, heading now back to Apollonia. On the way down, you will pass through the hidden valley of Skafi, where it is strongly suggested that you visit the monastery of Taxiarchis (it is way-marked). The large trail will come to an end, on the main road. You cross the road carefully, following the signs, and soon will enter in the settlement of Katavati, pass next to the Angeloktisti church (translated “built by Angels”), and arrive in Apollonia. The last part of the trail passes through Apollonia, on the famous “steno”, the main narrow street of the village. It is considered to be one of the most cosmopolitan streets in Sifnos, full of shops, cafes and taverns. This will be the end of the trail.

Those who walked it, will certainly feel that walking trail 6 feels like discovering the most well kept secrets of Sifnos. It feels like you have conquered the island. In reality, the island will have conquered you!