Greece Travel Guide logo

Kastro

The town of Kastro has been inhabited for over 3000 years and was at one time the capital of the island. To get to Kastro you can take a bus there or by car or motorbike. There is also an old footpath from below Artemona which is a beautiful walking trip due to the abundance of wildflowers and interesting plants and the fact that it is entirely downhill.
The town is rich in antiquities and besides having an archaeological museum, there are artifacts scattered throughout the village. This is an ancient sarcaphagus, one of several in Kastro. 

The white-washed village sits upon a domed rock that towers above the sea. To protect the town from pirates there were only five entrances in the massive walls which enclosed it. These could be locked by iron gates. When you enter the town you go through tunnels and passageways into a labrynth of tiny streets wide enough for only two or three people to walk abreast. There are cafes, restaurants and several interesting old churches. 
If you follow the main street to the left you will eventually come out at the sea with a stunning view of the coast. As you continue to walk around the village with the Aegean below you, the ancient walls and the ruins of the Venetian fortress are above you.


On the sea side of the village are two small beautiful churches. The Church of the Seven Martyrs on the left sits above one of the finest spots for snorkling on the island. Many people think this is the church from the wedding scene in Mamma Mia. It may as well be.


From the tiny church of Saint Nicholas you can see Folegandros, Sikinos, Antiparos and Paros.
In the valley and the hills around Kastro there are several churches and the remains of ancient columns scattered around. These twin churches are a popular subject for the many artists who visit the village.


The beach is great for swimming and snorkling, especially when it is rough in Kamares. That generally means it will be calm in Kastro on the other side of the island.


The port of Kastro is known as Saralia and  has a couple fish taverns.

There are rooms for rent in Kastro which are available through Aegean Thesaurus.

Want to know more?
Return to Matt's Sifnos Page Index