Journey

Getting there

Flights

Booking your flight to Athens early will give you the widest range of options and prices. When thinking about travel dates, keep in mind that you will have to take a ferry from Athens to Sifnos. This usually involves spending a night in Athens on your way to and from the island. It is possible - though exhausting - to take the boat on the same day as your flight; talk to us if you think you need to.

If you are somewhat flexible with your dates, Kayak and Google Flights can help you comparison shop. Searching in private/incognito mode will prevent your searches from driving prices up.

Anyone traveling from the United States will need a passport - make sure yours isn't expiring. Currently, US citizens do not need a visa, though this may change in June. Check here for the latest.

Ferries

Ferries of varying speeds will take you from the port of Pireaus, Athens, to the port of Kamares, Sifnos. The journey takes between 2.5 and 4.5 hours, with a few boats leaving throughout the day.

The summer ferry schedules will not be finalized until May. Once available, you can book tickets online. Tickets can also be bought in person at the port, however if leaving Athens on a Friday or returning on a Sunday it is wise to book ahead in case they sell out.

Itineraries

Because of the length of the flight and jet lag, we recommend spending at least one week in Greece. We have welcome events planned on Friday September 1st and Saturday September 2nd; everyone is invited! See the Wedding page for details.

Here are some potential itineraries:

Eva & Io's 20 day itinerary (3 weekends)

Wed Aug 23 fly to Athens, arrive Aug 24 → Wed Aug 30 sail to Sifnos → Wed Sep 6 return to Athens → Mon Sep 11 return home.

11 day itinerary (2 weekends)

Sat Aug 26 fly to Athens, arrive Aug 27 → Wed Aug 30 sail to Sifnos → Mon Sep 4 return to Athens → Tue Sep 5 return home.

7 day itinerary (1 weekend)

Tue Aug 29 fly to Athens, arrive Aug 30 → Wed Aug 30 or Thu Aug 31 sail to Sifnos → Mon Sep 4 return to Athens → Tue Sep 5 return home.

Travel Assistance

If you would like assistance with:

transport from/to the Athens airport (though there is a metro and cabs)
a car rental in Athens or on Sifnos
purchasing boat tickets
transport from/to Sifnos' port (though there are regular buses)

We recommend Gina of Miles Away Travel who can assist for a fee (mention Annitella Porges-Kiriakou). +30 210 5151090, +30 6977 663303, sales@milesaway.gr

Getting around

Getting around Sifnos

At 15 miles long and 7 miles wide, Sifnos has a lot to offer! There are a few different ways to get around. Make sure to stop at the tourism office at the port in Kamares to pick up maps and more:

The bus system on the island is efficient, easy to use, and will get you to all but the most remote areas. The schedule is available at the tourism office at the port of Kamares. For people on the 7am ferries, at 10:30am there is a bus from the port to Plati Gialos, where the hotels and events are.
There are 10 taxis on the island (phone numbers, also available at the port). There is no Uber or other taxi app.
Rental cars are available starting at around 35 Euros/day. It is best to arrange them in advance. Expect a manual transmission unless you specifically arrange for automatic. Cars may also be rented in Athens and brought to the island via ferry. http://sifnos.e-sifnos.com/plan-trip-to-sifnos/sifnos-rent-car-bike.php
Scooter Rental http://www.protomotocar.gr/; http://automotoapollo.gr/EN/index.html

We have arranged shuttles for transportation to the ceremony, reception, and back to Plati Gialos.

What to bring / Things to know

Two bathing suits. Zero stress.

Sifnos will be between 65°F and 85°F, with a sea breeze, so bring a light sweater or jacket for evenings. A hat and loose, light clothing is the best protection from the sun. The white buildings make sunglasses a must. There are many places worth walking to, so bring comfortable (open toed) walking shoes, a water-bottle you can carry, and a flashlight for night. On the islands, beachwear is appropriate most places during the day.

Athens will be between 70°F and 95°F. Bring something stylish for evenings out.

Your lodging may not have the toiletries you are used to (e.g. shampoo, conditioner). Bring some or plan on buying some in town. The towels provided are not typically for the beach.

Credit cards are not accepted at many restaurants, so carry cash. A 10% tip indicates good service.

On the mainland, tap water is good to drink. On the islands we recommend drinking bottled water. Tap water is shipped in tanks and sometimes mixed with salty/brackish groundwater.

Drivers are aggressive. Pedestrians do NOT have the right of way.

Many streets are cobblestone. A backpack may be easier than a wheeled suitcase.

Greece uses 220V plugs with two round pins. An adapter is required. Most phone/laptop chargers can receive 220V, but if yours cannot you will need a transformer.

Cellular internet on the island may be unreliable, so you may want to save an offline map of the island.

Many people speak English, especially those under 30. Install Google Translate on your phone to take photos and translate signs and menus.

There are lots more suggestions online.