Kamares is the port of Sifnos, and because the island has no airport, it is where every visitor arrives. It is a pretty little harbour village on the west coast, set around a sheltered, U shaped bay with a long sandy beach right beside the ferry quay. From Kamares a winding road climbs about 5 km to Apollonia, the island’s capital, and on to Artemonas, Kastro, Platis Gialos and the other villages and beaches. This guide covers Kamares port, the buses and taxis from the port, the ferries to and from Sifnos and a few tips for a smooth arrival.
Sifnos port at a glance
Kamares is the only ferry port on Sifnos, about 5 km and 10 minutes by road from Apollonia, with buses and a small taxi rank waiting at the quay.
- Location: Kamares, on the west coast of Sifnos
- Bus: 2.20 to 3.50 euros, paid in cash to the driver, up to 13 buses a day to Apollonia and Artemonas
- Taxi to Apollonia: about 12 to 15 euros, but there are only around 10 taxis on the island
- Ferries: Piraeus, Serifos, Milos, Kimolos, Folegandros, Paros and more
- Airport: Sifnos has none, so everyone arrives by sea
Where Is Sifnos Port?
The port is in Kamares, on the west coast of Sifnos. The village wraps around a deep bay, with the ferry quay on one side and a sandy Blue Flag beach curving along the waterfront. Its name comes from the caves that once lined the bay, as kamares means arches in Greek. Kamares has the widest choice of cafés, tavernas and shops on the Sifnos coast, and it has long been linked with the island’s pottery tradition, with working ceramic workshops still found along the road to Apollonia.
Kamares Port to Apollonia and the Beaches
KTEL bus
- Cash to the driver
- Up to 13 a day to Apollonia
- Some go on to Platis Gialos
- Best on a budget
Taxi
- Only about 10 taxis
- Small rank at the port
- Always book ahead
- Best if pre booked
Hire car or scooter
- Collect at the port
- Book ahead in summer
- Winding hill roads
- Best for exploring
Walk
- Hotels in Kamares
- Beach next to the quay
- Flat waterfront
- Best for Kamares stays
Bus From Kamares Port
KTEL Sifnos runs the buses, and fares range from 2.20 to 3.50 euros, paid in cash to the driver. The busiest line runs from Kamares up to Apollonia and Artemonas, with up to 13 buses a day in the late summer timetable, and many of these carry on to Chrysopigi and Platis Gialos. The timetable changes several times a year and drops to just 2 or 3 buses a day in winter, so check our Sifnos bus timetable before you travel.
Taxis at Sifnos Port
Sifnos has only around 10 taxis for the whole island. A few wait at the small rank in Kamares when a ferry arrives, but they fill up in minutes, so booking ahead is essential in summer. Our Sifnos taxi guide lists the drivers’ phone numbers.
| From Kamares port to | Bus | Taxi |
|---|---|---|
| Apollonia | Direct, about 10 minutes | About 12 to 15 euros |
| Artemonas | Direct via Apollonia | A little more than Apollonia |
| Platis Gialos | Some buses direct, or change in Apollonia | About 20 to 25 euros |
| Kastro | Change in Apollonia | About 8 to 12 euros from Apollonia |
| Vathi | Change in Apollonia | About 25 to 30 euros |
Ferries From Sifnos Port
Sifnos is well connected with Athens and the western Cyclades all year, with more routes to the central Cyclades in summer. Seajets, Fast Ferries and Aegean Sea Lines run most of the sailings.
| Sifnos to | Fastest ferry | Slower ferry |
|---|---|---|
| Serifos | About 20 minutes | 25 to 40 minutes |
| Kimolos | About 35 minutes | About 50 minutes |
| Milos | About 40 minutes | About 1 hour 35 minutes |
| Paros | About 55 minutes | Varies, with stops |
| Folegandros | About 1 hour 50 minutes | About 2 hours 10 minutes |
| Mykonos | About 1 hour 50 minutes | About 2 hours |
| Ios | About 2 hours 20 minutes | About 3 hours 50 minutes |
| Santorini | About 2 hours 45 minutes | About 4 hours |
| Piraeus (Athens) | About 2 hours 30 minutes | 4 hours 30 minutes to 5 hours |
See our Athens to Sifnos ferry guide and how to get to Sifnos for more detail on the journey from Athens.
Facilities at Kamares Port
| Facility | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Ticket offices | Ferry and travel agency offices on the waterfront |
| Food and drink | Cafés, patisseries and tavernas along the harbour, the biggest choice on the island |
| Money | ATMs in Kamares and Apollonia |
| Car and scooter hire | Offices in Kamares, with delivery to the ferry |
| Beach | A sandy Blue Flag beach right next to the port, ideal while you wait |
Tips for Using Sifnos Port
- Book a taxi or hire car before you arrive. With only about 10 taxis, this matters more on Sifnos than almost anywhere.
- Carry cash for the bus. Fares are paid to the driver.
- Check the bus timetable for your dates. It changes several times a year and is very thin in winter.
- Arrive 30 to 45 minutes before your ferry. Kamares is small and easy, but boats can arrive early and leave promptly.
- Enjoy the waiting time. With a beach and tavernas beside the quay, Kamares is one of the nicest ports in the Cyclades to wait for a ferry.
Frequently Asked Questions About Sifnos Port
What is the port of Sifnos called?
The port of Sifnos is Kamares, on the west coast of the island. It is the only ferry port on Sifnos, and the island has no airport.
How far is Kamares port from Apollonia?
Apollonia, the capital of Sifnos, is about 5 km from Kamares, around 10 minutes by car, taxi or bus.
Is there a bus from Sifnos port to Apollonia?
Yes. KTEL Sifnos buses run from Kamares to Apollonia and Artemonas, with up to 13 buses a day in the late summer timetable. Fares are 2.20 to 3.50 euros, paid in cash to the driver.
Is there a bus from Sifnos port to Platis Gialos?
Yes. Many buses from Kamares carry on beyond Apollonia to Chrysopigi and Platis Gialos. Otherwise, change in Apollonia.
How much is a taxi from Sifnos port?
A taxi from Kamares to Apollonia costs about 12 to 15 euros, to Platis Gialos about 20 to 25 euros and to Vathi about 25 to 30 euros.
How many taxis are there on Sifnos?
There are only around 10 taxis on Sifnos, so it is important to book ahead, especially when arriving on a ferry in summer.
Does Sifnos have an airport?
No. Sifnos has no airport, so everyone arrives by ferry at Kamares. The nearest airport is on Milos, a short ferry ride away.
How long is the ferry from Athens to Sifnos?
High speed ferries from Piraeus take about 2 hours 30 minutes, and conventional ferries about 4 hours 30 minutes to 5 hours.
How long is the ferry from Sifnos to Milos?
High speed ferries take about 40 minutes and conventional ferries up to about 1 hour 35 minutes.
How long is the ferry from Sifnos to Serifos?
The fastest ferries take about 20 minutes and conventional ferries 25 to 40 minutes.
Is there a beach at Kamares port?
Yes. Kamares has a long sandy Blue Flag beach right next to the ferry quay, with tavernas along the waterfront.
Final Thoughts
Kamares is a gentle introduction to Sifnos, with a sandy beach, good tavernas and buses up to Apollonia waiting beside the quay. Carry cash for the bus, check the timetable for your dates and book your taxi or hire car before you sail, as there are very few taxis on the island. Before you travel, take a look at our guide to the Sifnos weather and our guide to getting from Athens to the Cyclades.
