The Washington Post Includes Sifnos in Top 10 Fall Destinations

The Washington Post has included the Greek island of Sifnos on its list of top ten off-season beach destinations for fall.

The newspaper emphasized Sifnos’ allure as an off-the-beaten-path gem nestled within the Cyclades, a group of Greek islands in the Aegean Sea. Alessandra Motola, a luxury travel expert with Blue Parallel, specifically highlights Sifnos for its accessibility from Athens by a scenic three-hour ferry ride, and its enchanting, almost otherworldly ambiance. The island boasts a plethora of exhilarating outdoor activities, awe-inspiring natural landscapes, and a culinary scene that promises unforgettable gastronomic adventures.

#Kastro village of #Sifnos island. Narrow little streets, old entrances called the lozies, beautiful two-storey houses, superb old mansions, and 16th – and 17th-century churches with ornamental floors compose the incredible beauty of Kastro.
📷 katie_vel pic.twitter.com/bPs6drXRxr

— Greece Ελλάς Grecia (@GreekPictures) September 23, 2023

Additionally, Motola also champions Crete, praising its rugged mountainous terrain and rich historical significance. As the newspaper highlighted, despite its status as the largest Greek island, Crete often remains underexplored by American travelers.

Motola’s recommendations include indulging in a memorable hiking expedition along ancient Minoan trails, which traverse a picturesque gorge that culminates in a stunning beach. She also suggests spending a day renting a boat to meander through the turquoise waters of Elounda or venturing out to the uninhabited islet of Spinalonga, both promising unforgettable experiences for visitors.

Other fall destinations included on The Washington Post’s list were
Fuseta in Portugal, St. Lucia in the Eastern Caribbean, Hawaii, the South Carolina barrier islands, the Seychelles, Tahiti, Bali, Aruba, and the Sunny Isles Beach near Miami. Thus, the Greek island of Sifnos has become one of only two European destinations on the list.

Sifnos, a Destination for Natural Beauty and Greek Traditions

The majestic island of Sifnos is a unique pearl of the Aegean Sea, offering Greek traditions, natural beauty, and historical sites. As proof of its beauty, the National Geographic once included Sifnos on its list of the ten most charming and exotic islands in the world.

The island is home to 237 churches and has long been revered as the epicenter of ceramic art in the Cyclades, maintaining its famous traditions for centuries. The historic cliffside settlement of Kastro offers a fascinating open-air museum and is distinguished by its charming houses, ancient columns, and picturesque courtyards. The Church of the Seven Martyrs, located near Kastro, beckons with its classic Cycladic style and panoramic cliff views, attracting couples from all over the world to its unforgettable ceremonies.

Sifnos has a rich history of mining precious metals such as gold, silver, and lead. This has fostered a vibrant pottery culture, visible in the island’s numerous pottery workshops which offer a range of traditional ceramics and tableware.

Sifnos also boasts stunning beaches such as Platis Gialos, famous for its golden sand, crystal clear waters, and shaded areas as a result of surrounding trees. Ideal for families and water sports enthusiasts, the beach offers sun loungers, umbrellas, and a variety of beach bars and restaurants for a well-rounded seaside vacation.