We plan to leave Paros on the 8th June and to arrive in Athens on the 11th. Can anyone recommend an island en route with a direct ferry link from Paros that is “ on the way “ to Athens that we can stop at for a couple of days. We’re a retired couple so not looking for parties. Thanks
Posted by
France Southwest
1810 posts
As I advised you in another topic, the best choice is to go to Sifnos.
Not only Sifnos is a splendid and authentic island but also because geographically and in terms of travel time it is pretty much the best possible choice.
There is a Seajets fast ferry that makes this 55 minute Paros - Sifnos journey daily (early evening).
There may be conventional ferries on certains days (Blue Star Ferries, or Hellenic Seaways) but they haven't released their June schedules yet.
On Sunday 11, from Sifnos you can reach the port of Piraeus in 2h30 with a daily Seajets or in just over 5 hours with Zante Ferries
Sifnos has an excellent bus network, even if you don't rent a car you can easily enjoy the island during these few days.
The port "Kamares" is nice but I recommend you to look for accommodation in the capital Apollonia which is a charming typical Greek village with a large choice of accommodation. There are also small villages in the south of the island with sandy beaches, taverns and all kinds of accommodation.
To the south-east the ancient capital "Kastro" will make you understand how there are places in my opinion that deserve more to be visited than Santorini.
Some photos:
https://photos.app.goo.gl/zszLBdFPTMxXnudL7
I have a few accommodation addressses in self catering (I very rarely go to hotels), but check with the travel agency Thesaurus Travel, I have known them for more than 30 years, they are based in Sifnos, are very competent , friendly and efficient and they have a good address book.
Another website with a very complete list of accommodation (from €40 in june) if you are looking for accommodation yourself:
As well as other useful information about the island.
Posted by
Philadelphia, PA, USA
3320 posts
debbi, I totally agree with JOlui ... about Sifnos AND staying up in the hill villages. There's a good bus network so you can easily visit 2 fine beaches - Platy Gialos and Vathy - and the nightlife/dining is interesting in Appollonia. the 3 villages of Artemonas- Ano Petali - Appollonia are essentially one, along the hillside. I accidentallly stopped in this place about 14 years ago and just kept going back... the patio looks down a bluff over a valley & out to sea... you see white houses strung along hills like a pearl necklace. Here's the website for Nikoleta Geronti -- https://gerontisifnos.gr/en/home/ -- she has a 2 unit place with vine-covered patio, and one longer pension of 6 units with looong porch. Tell Nikoleta that Janet from Philadelphia sent you & you want Janet's room... the one shown on website first page.
Posted by
OP
11 posts
Thank you ! It looks as if Sifinos it will be !
Posted by
Philadelphia, PA, USA
3320 posts
JOLui, what fine photos ... that's what it's like in early June in Sifnos ... Where are the mobs of package tourists? Where are the mega-monsterCruise ships? Not in Sifnos. Long may it be so. Glad you caught a photo of the guy with the mule on the pathway.... when one walks down those flagstoned paths, it's easy to think, how nice for the tourists ... we forget (or didn't know) that, until after WW II, there were almost literally NO roads on Sifnos. People either walked or rode mules on those pathways, or used boats to go from village to village on the coastline.
Posted by
France Southwest
1810 posts
Nikoleta Geronti that Janet has recommended to you is one of those places that make you discover the real Greek Hospitality.
Where you are considered more as a guest than a customer.
Where the owner will bring you fruits, vegetables from the garden, homemade pastries, and will not hesitate to come and sit with you on "your" terrace for a coffee.
And I don't even talk about the price.
It makes me think of a habit that we have when we go on a trip abroad
We always carry with us some specialties from our region (mainly things that can be eaten or drink) to offer them at the end of the stay to our hosts. When we run out of gift, we go to the local florist and offer flowers or plants.
So if Sifnos is confirmed, here is another link with some interesting information about the history of Sifnos (in the introduction section) as well as for some easy hikes: