Sifnos Week 2 Highlights

Greek island time almost stands still (in the best way). Each day feels like a week - with the heat in the afternoon, we have gotten into the habit of soaking up the sun and beach until around 1, finding refuge in our rooms with AC until around 5, and then exploring and eating our body weight in delicious food until around 10pm. I am sure that this combined with the fact that there is no school, no work or other obligations, for once in a long while, puts time on our side.

This week we had a car to be able to explore the more remote parts of the island. To recap every moment would be impossible, so once again we will highlight the adventures, delicious eats, and standout little moments.

ADVENTURES

Vathi is located on the southwest side of Sifnos. Similar to Platis Gialos, it has a long stretch of sandy beach that made it perfect for a full day of fun in the sun. We met a family from San Francisco earlier in the week and met up at Vathi which the kids (and us) loved! Vathi is a bit less commercialized than Platis Gialos (in a good way) so it felt really nice to step away from the crowds and buzz that is being to form at Platis Gialos while still having the incredible beach, local tavernas and trees for shade.

Cheronissos is the northernmost bay of the island and driving there you quickly realize that and feel like you have been transported back into the '60's (assuming that it what it felt like ;) ). As you drive past Artemonas, the number of homes become fewer and farther between. One of the really cool things on the way was seeing the 2 windmills that help provide electricity for the island. We have never seen one up close and especially seeing it surrounded only by the ocean and open land was pretty remarkable. Cheronissos Bay was lovely and so quaint. Perfect for a later afternoon stint. 

Kastro is a beautiful cliff-top village on the east side of the island. We hiked along one of the many trails in Sifnos admiring the cliffside views and once again the vastness of the sea around us. Back in the village, we were in awe of the winding white-washed alleyways - many times getting lost and walking in circles until finding our way out. While we enjoyed Kastro, it wasn't our favorite but I don't think we fully did it right. Next time (oh yes, there will be a next time!) we will be sure to make our way to local beach here and find a few more off the beaten path spots to truly appreciate the uniqueness and beauty.

Fikiada Beach you were well worth it! On our second attempt, we finally made it to Fikiada and man, was it worth it! We left our hotel by 7:15am to ensure that we beat the heat of the sun - well, kind of beat it. It was brutal on the hike back but our hike there and our time at the little beach was amazing. If you haven't picked up on it, we are suckers for coastal hikes and remote areas and Fikiada checked all of those boxes plus more. Towards the end of the hike before you reach the beach, you walk through a few ruins of what we assumed were once homes or a little town and it was amazing to imagine what life was like here. Now those homes are occupied by wild goats that don't do the best job cleaning up after themselves. Arriving at the bay, we had it all to ourselves. And Zane was over the moon because he found 37 pieces of sea glass (Kyle's mother has instilled the love of sea glass in him and he could not have been more proud of himself). 

Church overlooking Platis Gialos - one morning Maki asked us if we'd like to join him a 20-min up and 20-min back hike to a church with views overlooking Platis Gialos. Hike + views + hanging with Maki - um, yes, we are in. I think Maki, and us quickly realized, that with the kiddos 20 mins was a pipe dream but we made the most of our slower ascent up the mountain and it was well worth it! Hearing about the history and knowing that the path we were walking was once the road used on the island was fascinating and once again made you feel like you were transported back in time.

DELICIOUS EATS

The kids have referred to Sifnos as Sweet Town because the desserts here are endless. There is homemade ice cream everywhere you turn and pastries that should be illegal because they are so good! Bakery Fournie (which is a 30 sec walk from our place - dangerous!) is simply divine. The spinach pies, chocolate croissants, and almond cookies are things I will forever dream about. Or the homemade yogurt ice cream at the local mini market, Vostalo.

THE LITTLE MOMENTS

Walking out of the bedroom during what should have been quiet time to find all of the toys on each of their beds, Zaylee in her swimmies, and Z with his goggles on his head. All I could do was bust out laughing.

I'd be lying if I said that there haven't been hard moments because man there have been. Moments when I question if the kids really get it. Do they like this? Do they truly appreciate what this is?

To then be reminded that they get in their own way. Like when Zaylee looks at me and says "this is the best day" or Zane writes a thank you note to Maki and Martha for "introdoosing him to all of the inturesting restoorants and placis". And that I'm taking it in my own way - like this moment right now, with Zaylee asleep next to me and Zane reading away on his kindle. All of us, being able to just be - with nothing else to worry or think about other than being together.