Margado

Margado sits on a hillside above Kamares, the main port village of Sifnos, giving it an elevated vantage point over the bay and arriving ferries. With a 4.8 rating across 119 Google reviews, it is one of the most consistently well-regarded places to stay on the island, and its position — close enough to walk to the port but high enough to catch the sunset light — makes it a practical and comfortable base for exploring Sifnos.

The property is run by a team that describes itself as seasoned accommodation professionals, and that experience shows in the range of amenities on offer: a swimming pool surrounded by greenery and flowers, a snack bar, a buffet breakfast served poolside every morning, and a free port transfer service. For an island where getting around can require planning, having the ferry terminal within easy reach on foot — and a pickup service from the dock — removes one of the most common logistical headaches of Greek island travel.

Kamares itself is the arrival and departure point for Sifnos, served by regular ferries from Piraeus, Milos, Serifos, and other Cycladic islands. Staying here means you are never far from the water, the fishing boats, or the waterfront tavernas that line the harbour. The village is quieter and more low-key than Apollonia, the hilltop capital, but it has its own character: bakeries, a beach, and the particular energy of a working port.

What to Expect

Margado offers both standard and superior rooms, though the research bundle does not specify exact room counts or individual room configurations. What the property does highlight is the communal experience: the pool area is clearly the centrepiece, with sunbeds arranged among potted plants and flowering shrubs, and soft background music setting a relaxed tone during the day.

Breakfast is served each morning at the poolside and described as a buffet of freshly cooked Greek food. On Sundays, the kitchen prepares traditional chickpea soup — revithada — cooked overnight in a wood-fired oven. This is a genuinely Sifnian dish; the island has a centuries-old reputation for it, tied to the practice of leaving ceramic pots in the residual heat of bread ovens. Having it on the breakfast menu is a specific point of local character rather than a generic hotel touch.

The snack bar operates for guests who want to stay on the property through the day, serving savouries and drinks alongside wine. Free Wi-Fi covers both rooms and common areas. At sunset, the elevation and westward orientation of the property mean the pool terrace catches the full colour of the light over the bay — a practical reason to be back at the hotel in the early evening rather than elsewhere on the island.

Port transfers are available, which is particularly useful if you are arriving by ferry with luggage or departing early on a morning boat.

How to Get There

Kamares is the port where all ferries to Sifnos dock, so if you are arriving by boat you are already in the right village. Margado is on an elevation above the port, which means a short uphill walk from the waterfront — manageable with a small bag, but the hotel's transfer service is worth using if you have heavy luggage or are arriving in the midday heat.

By car or scooter from Apollonia, the island's hilltop capital, Kamares is approximately 5–6 kilometres down a winding road that descends from the ridge. Taxis operate on Sifnos and can be arranged in Apollonia or at the port. If you are renting a vehicle, parking is available in and around Kamares, though the village can get congested during July and August peak ferry arrivals.

For those arriving by ferry and not renting a vehicle, Kamares is one of the more walkable bases on Sifnos; the beach, supermarkets, and waterfront restaurants are all on flat ground below the hotel.

Best Time to Visit

Sifnos has a long tourist season running roughly from late April through October. Kamares is busiest in July and August when ferries from Athens arrive full and the waterfront fills quickly in the evenings. Margado's elevated position means it sits slightly above the port noise, which is a minor but real advantage during peak season.

For a quieter stay with full services still operating, late May to mid-June and September to early October are the most comfortable periods. Temperatures are lower, the pool is still pleasant, and ferries run reliably. The shoulder season also means you are more likely to have the breakfast terrace and pool area to yourself in the morning.

Windy days are common across the Cyclades from mid-June onward due to the Meltemi — the north winds that can affect ferry schedules and make exposed beaches choppy. A property with a sheltered pool becomes noticeably more appealing on those days.

Tips for Visiting

• Book the port transfer in advance. Contact the hotel directly at +30 2284 031927 before your arrival date to arrange a pickup from the ferry dock, especially if you are arriving in the evening or with heavy bags.
• Try the Sunday breakfast. The chickpea soup served on Sunday mornings is a specific Sifnian tradition and not something found on every hotel breakfast table in Greece. It is worth timing your arrival to catch at least one Sunday morning at the property.
• Check the ferry schedule before finalising dates. Ferry frequency to Sifnos varies by season; Kamares can have multiple arrivals per day in summer and far fewer in October. Build in buffer time around your departure.
• Bring a beach bag for Kamares beach. The sandy beach at the southern end of the bay is a short walk downhill from the hotel and suitable for a morning swim before the ferry crowd arrives.
• Use the snack bar for a midday break. Rather than returning to the village every time you want a drink or something to eat, the on-site snack bar is a practical option during a long pool day.
• Ask the staff for local recommendations. The team at Margado has positioned itself as a source of local knowledge about Sifnos. Asking them for their current favourite taverna or beach is more likely to yield useful, up-to-date advice than a review site.
• Pack a light layer for evenings. Even in summer, the elevation and breeze at Margado's terrace can make evenings cooler than the waterfront. A linen shirt or light cardigan is useful for the sunset cocktail hour.
• Confirm room type at booking. The property offers both standard and superior rooms; it is worth clarifying what each category includes in terms of size, view, and terrace access before you arrive.

Facilities and Location

Margado's confirmed facilities include a swimming pool with sunbeds, a snack bar, free Wi-Fi throughout the property, a buffet breakfast service, and a port transfer arrangement. The property is on Kamares, the port village on the western coast of Sifnos, at coordinates 36.9874°N, 24.6738°E — placing it on the hillside north of the main waterfront road.

Kamares village has its own beach, waterfront seafood restaurants, a small supermarket, a bakery, and several cafes. Apollonia, the island's capital and commercial centre, is approximately 10 minutes by car up the hill and offers a wider range of shops, restaurants, and the main bus route that connects the island's villages. The bus from Kamares to Apollonia and onward to Platis Gialos and Faros runs regularly in season and is the most practical option for guests without a rental vehicle.

The hotel website is www.margado-sifnos.gr. The Instagram account (@margado.sifnos) posts regularly and gives a current visual sense of the pool area, rooms, and seasonal conditions.