APOLLONIA (HORA)

Apollonia, the capital of Sifnos, is built in the centre of the island. During antiquity, it was the place for worshipping Apollo, to whom the name Apollonia is attributed. The snow-white traditional houses and mansions are amphitheatrically built between narrow pebbled streets which give the city its unique beauty. Among those, small traditional chapels stand out which are typical examples of the Cycladic architecture, like the one of Panagia Geranioforos, Agios Georgios (1767), Sotiras (the Saviour) and Agios Spyridon. In Apollonia, also, is a remarkable Folklore Museum. From Apollonia, one can visit the region of Agios Andreas's church, where the ruins of a pre-historic settlement and wall have been found, as well as the Monastery of Chrysostomos, which was built in 1550 and has precious old icons.

FAROS

The seaside settlement of Faros lies 7 km south-east of Apollonia. It is a small picturesque fishing village which has attracted many tourists in recent years because of its lovely beach. From Faros, one can visit the 17th century monastery of Panagia Hrissopigi.

KAMARES

Kamares, harbour of Sifnos, lies 6 km north-west of Apollonia. Its picturesque houses are built along the leeward waterfront where caiques and ships drop anchor. The island's shops sell crockery made at local traditional workshops. From Kamares, one can visit the churches of Agia Marina and Agios Symeon as well as the ruinous monastery of "Panagia's Tosso Nero" (Our Lady of So Much Water).

KASTRO

The fortified settlement of Kastro (Castle) lies 4 km east of Apollonia. Ancient ruins of an 8th-7th century BC settlement and a 6th century BC fortification wall on its north-west side indicate that the area was already settled from prehistoric times. Up until 1836, it was the island's capital and served as a castle against pirate raids. Its houses and imposing mansions remind one of its glorious history and transport one to the medieval and Venetian rule eras. Inside the settlement, there are notable churches, like the 17th century Agia Eleoussa with its valuable icons and a noteworthy collection of ecclesiastical relics, the 16th century Agios Nicholas, Agia Catherine, Theoskepasti, Agii Saranta, and Agios Dimitrios. Lastly, in the Catholic church of St Anthony, there is a small but interesting archaeological collection.

VATHI

The quiet little village of Vathi lies south of Apollonia, inaccessible by road transport. It is nestled among olive groves and garden produce, in the cove of a tranquil bay. Its shops sell pretty ceramics made at local traditional workshops. From Vathi, one can visit the notable 16th century monastery of the Archangels.