Sifnos Kastro

General information

Kastro is a lovely cliff-top village situated 3 kilometers east of Apollonia, the island's capital. Built atop a rock overlooking the eastern coast of the island, it offers a magnificent panoramic view of the Aegean Sea and is afforded a wonderfully serene atmosphere. The settlement has been inhabited since the prehistoric period, as testify the many findings from the archaeological excavations that have been conducted there. Kastro is the Greek word for "castle", witnessing that the name of the village originates from the fortress-like castle formed by its buildings.

Kastro has been built in the ruins of the ancient capital of Sifnos and is the only village on the island with a strong medieval character. A big part of its boundary walls survives as well as the features of a Venetian fortress. Narrow streets, old entrances called the lozies, beautiful two-story houses, superb old mansions, and 16th and 17th-century churches with ornamental floors compose the incredible beauty of the village. Venetian coats of arms and ancient wall fragments can still be seen on most of the houses.

Hotels in Kastro

We have made a selection of the best hotels in Kastro.
Recommended by Greeka

Aegean Eye

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Apartments Rooms 

Featuring a terrace with panoramic views of the Aegean Sea, Aegean Eye Apartments offers authentic Cycladic accommodation in a serene and peaceful setting in Kastro. The hotel has a traditional Cycladic style and its minimally decorated rooms have a home-like atmosphere.

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Things to See & Do in Kastro

Check out the things to see & do in Kastro during your stay and explore what the area has to offer.

Activities & Entertainment

Kastro Map

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More about Kastro

Just above the entrance to the village lies the small Church of Seven Martyrs. This quaint structure features a white exterior and a blue dome and is one of the most emblematic churches on the island. This is one of the most photographed spots in all of Sifnos, popular among travelers for its idyllic location. The ruins of an ancient acropolis can also be seen atop the hill, dated to the 6th century BC. Those interested in delving deeper into the rich history of the island can visit the Archaeological Museum housed in a two-story mansion. There, you will see a collection of exhibits from the island’s past, showcasing its rich and multi-layered history.

In the early 17th century, Kastro established the first known school on the island and later opened the famous School of Agios Tafos, also known as the Seminary of the Archipelago. Where the seminary once stood now lie the churches of Agios Stefanos and Agios Ioannis Kalyvitis. The old Elementary School of Kastro can still be spotted near the entrance, but it no longer operates as a school. However, it often hosts various exhibitions that attract countless visitors, from photography and painting galleries to exhibitions of items from museums from other parts of the country.

Visitors will be able to find some rooms to rent, most of them traditional houses that have been fitted with some modern amenities. Taverns, bars, and cafes can be found along the rustic streets of Kastro, offering authentic Mediterranean meals and refreshing drinks amidst some beautiful environments. The village is well-connected with the rest of Sifnos via public buses, with frequent itineraries from Apollonia, as well as other popular villages and beaches, making stops at Kastro.

Reviews

4/5.0
2 Reviews
  • sosal 08 Oct 2010
    Would be nice for weddings
    Very nice church at the entrance of Kastro, the loveliest village in Sifnos. This small chapel is built on a rock in the sea. Surprising that the strong wind and the waves haven't damaged it! I think this is a very nice place for weddings, but I don't think it is open very frequently. I asked a shop owner in Kastro and he told me that the church rarely opens, only in religious holidays sometimes. Too pity! This small church usully appears on postcards and guide books about Sifnos, and obviously it has become the symbol of the island!
  • payne 27 Sep 2007
    Relaxing in Kastro
    We stayed in a small town called Kastro and loved it. The restaurants were great, there were good bus connections to other towns and the swimming was fine. Though it was a walk to get to the beaches or rocks, they were clean and relatively quiet. As for the restaurants, they were really good. Fresh octopus at Captain George was a highlight. Kastro hasn't got much in the way of shops or supermarket but Apollonia is not far and has plenty of shops and some nice restaurants too. The best beach was Peralia - we did not really go anywhere else!
    At this point I'd like to tell the authorities: Make sure the buses run according to schedule! Better information on arrival in the port of Kamares. We had no idea how to get transport to Kastro and every taxi was booked. No-one was able to provide us with bus schedules either!
    My recommendation to future vitors: Have someone pick you up at the port and if you want to see the island, hire a scooter or a car. We were happy to stay local but not everyone would have been.

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