Sifnos Practical info


General Info
CLIMATE
Sifnos has an excellent climate, admired and mentioned by most historians and travelers. The summer months are splendid and sunny, while the winter is mild with few rainfalls and rare snowfalls. Northern winds are common, while during the month of August the famous “meltemia” create a divine summer breeze.

TELEPHONE
The area code for Sifno is (0030) 22840, which is then followed by a 5 digit number (e.g. 22840 xxxxx). To call abroad the country’s national prefix (i.e. UK is 0044, GER is 049) must be dialed first followed by with the area code and number.

CURRENCY

Euro €
Euro Coins: 1 and 2 euro coins (gold and silver color) 10, 20 and 50 cents (gold color) 1, 2 and 5 cents (copper color) 1 euro = 100 cents/centimes
Euro Bank Notes: come in 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200 and 500. It is not always easy to receive change from 200 and 500 euro notes.

Getting there

BY BOAT


There is only one port in the island of Sifnos located in islands capital; Kamares.
As there is no civil airport in Sifnos, travelers can only access the island by boat and/or by helicopter as there is a helipad on site.
During the summer (April-October),, there are daily itineraries of both high speed and conventional boats. However, during the winter (November-March),, only conventional boats connect Sifnos with Piraeus. Additionally, mostly during the high season, several boats connect Sifnos to other Cycladic islands such as Serifos, Folegandros, Kythnos, Milos, Ios, Santorini and Crete.    
The high speed boat takes about 3-3.5 hours to reach Sifnos from Piraeus, while the conventional boat takes about 5 hours.  
Hellenic Speedways (high speed boats): For accurate timetables and tickets visit the Hellenic Seaways website at www.hellenicseaways.gr.
Aegean Speedlines (high speed boats): For accurate timetables and tickets costs visit the Aegean Speedlines website at www.aegeanspeedlines.gr
Zante Ferries (conventional boats): For accurate timetables and tickets costs visit the website of Zante Ferries at www.zanteferries.gr
Ventouris Sea Lines (conventional boats): For accurate timetables and tickets visit the Ventouris Sea Lines website at www.ventouris.gr.


Local Transportation

LOCAL BUSES

The island’s 12 villages are regularly interconnected during the summer months with 4 public buses.
 
KTEL Sifnos: +30 22840 31925

TAXI SERVICE

The are 10 cabs offered on the island. As there is no headquarter or central location, all cabs can be reached via phone (see below). It is recommended to discuss the fare beforehand thus avoiding any ‘unpleasant surprises’. Please note: while cabs can be hailed, the driver has the right to not stop if he has received a call.

Anapliotis:      +30 22840 31656 & 6944 696409
Chrysogelos:     +30 22840 33570 & 6944 900972
Depastas:     +30 22840 31295 & 6932 403485
Diaremes:     +30 22840 31719 & 6944 642680
Gerontopoulos: +30 22840 31626 & 6944 444904
Kalogirou:    +30 22840 31661 & 6944 742652
Karavis:     +30 22840 31173 & 6944 936111
Koulouris:     +30 22840 31473 & 6973 209720
Komis:         +30 22840 31777 & 6944 761210
Mytilineos:    +30 2284031216
 
RENT A CAR OR A SCOOTER

There are many car rental agencies on the island, mainly located in Apollonia (Kamares port), but also in Artemida. It is recommended to book ahead especially, during the months of July and August (high season) or during popular holidays like Ash Monday, Easter and around the 28th of October.  

It is essential drivers are 21+ years old and hold a valid driving license. Insurance is optional. Make sure to check the condition of the car beforehand before signing and ensure the vehicle is returned in the same condition with the initial amount of gas otherwise there will be a damage charge.
Be careful. No agency should withhold your driving license or ID card. These can only be photocopied, if necessary, and then delivered back to you. You should carry them at all times.

The road network in Sifnos is decent there are, some small dangerous and steep cliffs and with abrupt turns. Along with the dangerous roads, some roads are often crossed by animals and/or pedestrians in the middle of nowhere. Additionally, there are few narrow streets, where only one car can fit, so you need to be extra careful, patient and anticipate surprises. Reminder: Do not violate the speed limits.

Same rules apply in case you are interested in renting a motorcycle or a scooter. Only in this case you need to be extra careful and always wear a helmet.

Car rental agencies
F & S – Apollonia:             +30 22840 31795
Apollo – Apollonia:             +30 22840 33333
Elmar – Kamares:             +30 22840 31040
1ο Moto car rental – Kamares:         +30 22840 33791
Podotas Group – Kamares:        +30 22840 33081 – 22840 33973
Thriftys – Kamares:             +30 22840 33383
Niki Plus- Kamares:             +30 22840 33993
Sifano – Kamares:             +30 22840 33044
Tomaso – Apollonia:             +30 22840 31900
Chrisopigi Travel – Platys Gyalos:     +30 22840 71523
 
Moto rental agencies
Apollo – Apollonia:             +30 22840 33333
Sifano – Kamares:            +30 22840 33044
Giannis – Apollonia:            +30 22840 31155
1o Moto car rental – Kamares:        +30 22840 33791
Podotas group – Kamares:         +30 22840 33081 – 22840 33973
Νίκη plus- Kamares:            +30 22840 33993

Local Services
BANKS & ATMs

The following banks are located in Apollonia:

•    Alpha Bank            +30 22840 33913
•    National Bank of Greece    +30 22840 31317
•    Piraeus Bank            +30 2284033799

Opening hours: Monday to Friday 08.00-14.00

MONEY EXCHANGE
 
Banks exchange all major currencies, traveler’s cheques or Eurocheques; the commission is always lower for cash. Post offices exchange cash, but not traveler’s cheques, and usually charge lower commissions than banks. Travel agencies and larger hotels exchange cash and traveler’s cheques but usually charge a higher commission. Banknote exchange machines can be found in most tourist areas.

POST OFFICE

The Greek post is called ELTA. Post Boxes in Greece are YELLOW and usually divided into international and domestic. RED Post Boxes are rarer and are used for URGENT mail. REGISTERED mail is handled by an employee and the customer should always be given a receipt.
Post office in Sifnos: +30 22840 31329

POLICE STATION
In case of an unfortunate incident happens to you or someone else while on the island, do not hesitate to file a report to the local police station. Additionally, if you have any problem with your accommodation you can also report it to the police.

Tel.: +30 22840 31210

MUNICIPALITY OF SIFNOS

Tel.: +30 22840 31345 – 22840 33880

Useful Numbers
•    Municipality of Sifnos Tourism Information: +30 22840 31977
•    Tourist Police: +30 22840 31210
•    Port authority: +30 22840 33617
•    Weather Forecast: www.meteo.gr

EMERGENCY NUMBERS
•    Police: 100
•    Fire Department: 199
•    Ambulance: 166

HEALTH

•    Clinic: +30 22840 31315
•    Dentist’s Office - Makarona: +30 22840 & Papaggeletou: +30 22840 32004

PHARMACIES

•    Fotiadis Ioakeim: +30 22840 33033 (Apollonia)
•    Vavritsas Konstantinos: +30 22840 33541 (Apollonia)


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