HOW TO SPEND AN EVENING IN THE KASTRO VILLAGE ON GREECE’S SIFNOS ISLAND
On the east side of the small Greek island of Sifnos, is a small ancient village called Kastro. During my trip to Sifnos this summer, I based myself in Kastro, and I absolutely fell in love with it. Not only is it perfect during the day, but most people will spend at least one evening in the village, as the energy during sunset into the night is so magical.
If you only have an evening to visit Kastro, or if you are just looking for a way to waste some time while on the island, spend a few hours exploring the village and all that it has to offer-you will not regret it. This is the best way to go about your evening-trust me, I spent many days perfecting my routine.
THIS POST MAY CONTAIN AFFILIATE LINKS TO TOURS, HOTELS, PRODUCTS, ETC. THESE HELP ME EARN A SMALL COMMISSION AT NO ADDITIONAL CHARGE TO YOU. XOXOXO
EXPLORE THE VILLAGE STREETS & THE ANCIENT WALL
When you arrive, start by wandering through the small streets around the castle, up to the ancient wall and settlement. The easiest, best, and most popular thing to do in Kastro is to just wander around the village.
Up on the top of the hill that Kastro is built on, the ancient ruins of a settlement where people would look out for pirates out in the distance lays looking over the blue Mediterranean water below, and islands way out where the sky meets the sea.
Walking down the small cobblestone streets along the bright white painted homes, you can really feel all of the years and history around you. Especially because of the 20+ churches in the village being hundreds of years old, ancient ruins hiding in the street corners, and Roman sarcophagi just casually outside of the small churches.
It won’t take you long to walk around Kastro, it probably won’t even take you an hour, but if you pay extra attention to your surroundings (and the kindest Greek residents around you), you’ll find Kastro x10 more special than it seems to be on the surface.
VISIT THE CHURCH OF THE SEVEN MARTYRS
After taking in all of the history and the picturesque castle streets, walk along the cliffs for the end of sunset down to the Church of The Seven Martyrs.
One of my favorite sports in Kastro, whether it was for laying in the sun, looking out over the Mediterranean and swimming off of the rocks below, or laying out under the stars at night, the Church of The Seven Martyrs never got old. And the energy was crazy.
Easily Kastro’s most photographable and visited spot at any time of the day, it is still so peaceful to sit and appreciate your surroundings with little to no people around you. Especially at sunset.
GRAB A DRINK AT LOGGIA WINE BAR
From there head to Loggia Wine Bar for a drink over looking the sea. The vibe is so lovely and it is great for a bit of appetizers (though pricey, still worth it.)
Located on the cliff beside the Kavos Sunrise bar, at Κάστρο 840 03, Greece
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE TO READ: Visiting Kastro Village On Sifnos Island, Greece: A Full Travel Guide
DINNER AT ONE OF THE BEAUTIFUL RESTAURANTS IN KASTRO
After a glass of wine, choose between the few restaurants in Kastro and get a bite to eat as the evening goes on.
I suggest walking down the steps to the pebble beach below the village on the water, where there are three beautiful little restaurants: Cantina, Captain Sifakis, and Captain George.
Being right on the water, all of the seafood is is brought in fresh from the boat that day and put on the menu, paired with a beautiful view with your meal.
After a glass of wine, choose between the few restaurants in Kastro and get a bite to eat as the evening goes on.
I suggest walking down the steps to the pebble beach below the village on the water, where there are three beautiful little restaurants: Cantina, Captain Sifakis, and Captain George. All of them being right on the water, all of the seafood is is brought in fresh from the boat that day and put on the menu, paired with a beautiful view with your meal.
Cantina $$$
Made with the day’s fresh seafood brought in from the sea below, and fresh ingredients grown on the island, Cantina is a ‘zero waste’ restaurant in the most beautiful setting on Seralia Beach below the village.
Cantina is open seasonally, and reservations are required. Each dinner is booked for 2 and a half hour dinner sessions to go through each course in the meal, with each plate meant to be shared.
Captain Sifaki’s $$
Next to Cantina on Seralia Beach is a small seafood restaurant on a beautiful deck over the water below. The day’s menu also depends on what Captain Sifaki brings in from his boat in the morning for his family to cook, whether it be grilled octopus, lobster, calamari, squid, and so much more. Along with the fresh seafood, Captain Sifaki’s also offers Mediterranean dishes and lovely desserts.
Captain George $$
Also right next to Cantina and Captain Sifaki’s, Captain George’s is another fresh little seafood tavern that is a bit more unassuming and low-key. When you picture this little tavern, picture the most authentic little Greek island restaurant directly on the water. With the kindest staff and atmosphere, this spot is perfect for a late lunch or dinner.
Astro $$
Up on the hill in the castle streets, Astro is a small restaurant with some tables out on the narrow street, and seating up in their building overlooking Sifnos’ hills and the twinkling lights in the distance. The staff is so kind, the food is fabulous, and it is pretty easy to get a table without a reservation.
My favorites were Cantina, Captain Sifakis, and Astro.
Astro Restaurant, Kastro
VISIT THE KAVOS SUNRISE CUBAN BAR
After dinner, head to Kavos Sunrise Cuban Bar for a €5 Cuba Libre or Mojito on the cliffs as the moon rises.
Definitely the most unique and unexpected place on Sifnos, and one of my favorites, Kavos Sunrise Bear is most likely not what you are expecting to find in a small village on a Greek island.
Tucked in a small building on the edge of the cliffs, Kavos is a Cuban bar with an…authentic feel…serving either beer or rum cocktails. Inside, you will find yourself surrounded by old Cuban flags, photos of Fidel Castro, revolution memorabilia, handwritten letters and a crazy amount of empty rum bottles.
The owner of Kavos is just as unique as his bar, an older man who shows up every evening to serve customers himself, pouring both you and him a shot with every drink ordered.
STARGAZING FROM THE CHURCHES & ANCIENT SETTLEMENT
Being in the middle of the Aegean Sea away from the city lights makes for an unbelievable summer night sky, which was one of my favorite parts. Every single night I would end my day by laying outside of one of the small churches hidden away in the cliffs underneath the starry sky.
The beauty of the Greek islands is the mix of being able to spend your nights out at a club until 6am on some islands, and being able to spend your night alone in silence under the clear shooting stars on other islands.
FINISH YOUR NIGHT WITH FRESH LOUKOUMADES FROM KRYPTI
One of the greatest Greek desserts ever invented, loukoumades, is a perfect way to end a perfect night. Loukoumades are fried dough balls covered in honey and cinnamon, and the little cafe hidden in the cobblestone streets knocks them out of the park for real. The girl working there was the best.
Eating loukoumades under the moon and stars above the water is something that I can only dream of experiencing every summer for the rest of my life.
BONUS POINTS IF YOU HEAD BACK TO THE CHURCH OF THE SEVEN MARTYRS AGAIN AFTER DARK
Though definitely a bit spooky being out there all alone, the energy is crazy and it is a so peaceful. Like so peaceful that it is too peaceful. You can feel it. Still worth a visit especially if you want to stargaze.
I will remember these evenings and the feeling of being in this little village under the sunset and moon until I die. Such beautiful and perfect memories, I need to get back to Sifnos as soon as I can. I hope that you can experience this one day as well.
THINKING OF TRAVELING TO SIFNOS? DO IT.
HERE ARE ALL OF THE RESOURCES I USE TO PLAN MY TRIPS:
FLIGHTS AND ACCOMMODATION: BOOKING.COM IS WHAT I WILL ALWAYS USE TO BOOK FLIGHTS AND STAYS. NEVER DONE ME WRONG.
TOURS, DRIVERS, AND ALL THAT FUN STUFF: VIATOR IS MY GO-TO.
TRAVEL INSURANCE: SAFETYWING HAS ALWAYS BEEN FABULOUS. THE BEST EVER.
RENTAL CARS: WHEN BOOKING ANY TRIP THAT YOU DECIDE TO RENT A CAR FOR, BOOKING.COM IS FABULOUS LIKE ALWAYS.
