The Walking Paths of Sifnos Island

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Our discovery of the walking paths was borne of necessity, the only means of transportation that was available to us. However, once we went beyond the concept of commuting we started to experience the pathways of Artemonas, Apollonia and Kastro.



Within these few kilometres there was a great diversity of pathways. My favourite was a path from the Windmill through small farms to Apollonia. The stone path wound down the hillside and eventually joined up with a pathway leading into the village.



Along this path there were the expected donkeys, goats, cats, birds, chooks and cattle. An unexpected find was an out of the way pottery kiln and an older Greek man. The scenery ranged from beautiful traditional white houses, hay stacks, a ruins, an enclosure for animals, older houses and a magnificent little chapel. The people who owned this chapel were there painting and were happy to chat and invite us in to see inside of the chapel.



The pathway to Kastro was undefined. We started by path and then attempted to join up with the road. However, the road stopped abruptly, at the edge of valleys and we needed to go back and find the pathways. Eventually we found our way down the hillside to a magnificent, isolated chapel on the cliff. We then travelled beside the ocean for several kilometres into the village of Kastro. The scenery along this path was stunning and along the way we met some very interesting travellers.



To travel between Artemonas and Apollonia one can either choose the road or the pedestrian laneways through the centre of the villages. Either choice involves a steep climb and winding roads or laneways. The road provides a refreshing ocean breeze as it winds around the edge of the village and has a breathtaking vista of farms, villages, chapels, the Aegean Sea and islands. Along the way there are cafes, pottery shops, appliance stores, supermarkets and pharmacies. However they are not as we would expect to find them with bright signs and large spaces. Rather they are tucked alongside houses and in small corners with a discreet sign on the doorway or window. They are there to be discovered by the pedestrian travelling this path.



The pedestrian path was a narrow stone cobbled laneway with occasional splashes of marble. It wound up and down stairways between beautiful white stone house and the titillating smells of freshly brewed coffee, bread and pizza aromas from the bakeries and cafes intermingled along the way. There were many merging paths and short lanes leading to interesting doorways, pottery shops and art galleries along the way. Even in autumn there were splashing arrays of bright colored flowers and lush greenery contrasting against the white paths and buildings. Sometimes weary, hot and foot sore, I always felt a thrill and excitement as I explored these laneways.

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Photos

Church on the Path to Kastro
Sitting proudly on the cliff face this church can be viewed from the surrounding hilltops. It is a steep climb down to view this beautiful chapel.

The pathway to Apollonia
The rural twists and turn on the pathway from Windmill Bella Vista down to the village of Apollonia make this a delightful morning outing.

The Family Chapel on the Path to Apollonia
From any perspective it is possible to look up to the hilltops or down through the valleys and see several beautiful little chapels. The family who owned this little chapel were busy painting and maintaining their sanctuary. They invited us in to see the chapel.

Hilltop above the Chapel on the Path to Apollonia
Looking back on the terraced path we had travelled to this point, the village above is the typical white structure with several chapels forming part of the landscape.

Comments

[Sylvia Backer]

walks
oh wow....just a little bit different scenery to walking along the Rockingham foreshore. Sounds like an absolutely fabulous spot. Your blog just makes it all come alive. Keep living the dream you two. Xxx

[Swannie52]

Hello from Milos
Thanks, Sylvia - it is fun trying to capture some of the memories. We have one week left - 3 more nights on Milos, 2 nights in Sifnos, 3 nights in Athens and then back to Perth.

[Caitlin E]

Loving that pic of you resting on the narrow streets and the one in front of the church on the path to Kastro! The blues and whites are just stunning. You guys look like you're having a blast, can't wait to read some more :) xx

[Ben]

Looks great!
I love just hanging out in new places, it's so much more fun and rewarding than flying around visiting all the tourist hot spots.