Zamarias

Zamarias is a supermarket in Apollonia, the hilltop capital of Sifnos, stocking the everyday groceries, household supplies, and drinks that self-catering visitors and locals rely on throughout the season. With long opening hours seven days a week, it's one of the more practical stops in a village that otherwise rewards slow exploration rather than errand-running.

Apolloonia sits at the center of the island, well connected by the main road to Kamares port, Artemonas, and the southern villages of Platis Gialos and Faros. If you're renting a house or apartment almost anywhere on Sifnos, a run to Apollonia for supplies is a natural part of settling in.

The store carries a mix of packaged goods, fresh and chilled products, cleaning supplies, and a range of wines, spirits, and soft drinks — a useful combination given its classification as both a grocery store and a liquor outlet. For nine days on the island, as many visitors plan, a shop here covers the basics without needing to rely on the smaller convenience stores scattered through the villages.

What to Expect

Zamarias operates as a full-service supermarket by island standards, which means a wider selection than the kiosk-style mini-markets you'll find in smaller Sifnos settlements like Kastro or Cheronissos. The product range covers dry goods, dairy, bread, chilled items, fresh produce, and a selection of alcohol including local and mainland Greek wines.

The Apollonia location puts it within easy reach of the island's busiest pedestrian area, though the store itself is accessible by road, so arriving by car or scooter and loading up is straightforward. The narrow lanes of Apollonia proper are best left to foot traffic, but Zamarias sits close enough to the main road artery connecting the island's central villages to allow for a quick stop.

With a Google rating of 4.2 from 26 reviews, the store earns solid marks by the practical measure of island shoppers — reliability and stock availability matter more here than ambiance. Expect a compact but functional layout typical of supermarkets in Greek island capitals of this size.

For those staying in Kamares, the port village about 5 kilometers west, Apollonia is the natural destination for a broader grocery run. Kamares has its own small food shops, but Zamarias offers a more complete range for stocking a kitchen.

How to Get There

Apolloonia is the hub of Sifnos's road network, and reaching Zamarias is straightforward from any part of the island. From Kamares port, drive east on the main island road for approximately 5 kilometers; the trip takes around ten minutes by car or scooter.

The island's bus service connects Kamares with Apollonia regularly during summer months, with departures timed to ferry arrivals. The bus stop in Apollonia is central, and Zamarias is within walking distance. Check the KTEL Sifnos schedule for current timetables, as frequencies increase during peak summer season.

Parking in Apollonia can be tight in July and August. A small parking area sits near the main road at the edge of the village; arriving early in the day or after 7 PM tends to be easier. On scooter or motorbike, maneuvering through the approach roads is considerably simpler.

Walking to Zamarias from within Apollonia takes only a few minutes from any part of the village. From Artemonas, the adjacent village to the north, the walk along the connecting path takes around ten to fifteen minutes.

Best Time to Visit

Sifnos draws the bulk of its visitors between late June and early September, and Apollonia — as the island's capital and commercial center — reflects that pattern. Zamarias will be busiest in the late morning and early evening during peak summer, when self-catering visitors plan meals and households restock after a day at the beach.

If you want to shop without crowds, mid-morning on weekdays (around 9–11 AM) tends to be quieter than the afternoon rush. Sunday mornings are also manageable, despite the slightly later 9 AM opening time.

The long daily hours — 8:30 AM to 9:30 PM Monday through Saturday, 9 AM to 9:30 PM Sunday — mean you can fit a grocery run around almost any itinerary. The late closing time is particularly useful after a full beach day when you'd rather not rush back for supplies.

Sifnos is visited year-round by Greek travelers, and Apollonia remains active outside the main tourist season. Availability and opening hours may vary slightly off-season; calling ahead in shoulder months (October–April) is worthwhile.

Tips for Visiting

• Call ahead if visiting off-season. The phone number is +30 2284 031204. Hours listed here reflect peak-season operation and may differ in October through April.
• Bring a bag. Single-use plastic bags are subject to a fee in Greek supermarkets; a reusable tote saves the small charge and the fumbling at the checkout.
• Stock up on arrival. If your ferry docks at Kamares in the afternoon, a stop in Apollonia on the way to your accommodation lets you arrive with a full fridge rather than scrambling later.
• Check for local products. Sifnos has a strong food tradition, and local supermarkets often carry island-produced honey, chickpea-based products, and preserved goods that make practical souvenirs as well as pantry staples.
• Wine and spirits are well stocked. The store's dual role as a liquor outlet means you won't need a separate trip to a wine shop — look for Greek regional wines alongside the usual international options.
• Plan for parking in August. Apollonia parking fills up quickly on peak-season afternoons. Either park further out and walk in, or time your visit for early morning.
• The bus is a viable option. If you're staying in Kamares without a vehicle, the Kamares–Apollonia bus makes a grocery run practical; the bus stop is close to the central part of Apollonia.
• Combine with other errands. Apollonia has the island's main pharmacy, a post office, and several banks with ATMs. A single trip can cover multiple tasks.

Practical Information

Address: Apollonia 840 03, Sifnos, Greece

Phone: +30 2284 031204

Opening Hours:

• Monday–Saturday: 8:30 AM – 9:30 PM
• Sunday: 9:00 AM – 9:30 PM

What it sells: Groceries, fresh and packaged food, dairy, bread, cleaning and household products, wine, beer, and spirits.

Payment: Cash is always advisable as a backup on Greek islands; card acceptance at island supermarkets is common but not universal. No confirmation of card facilities was available at time of writing — carry euros as a precaution.

Accessibility: The store is on the main road approach to Apollonia rather than inside the pedestrian-only lanes, which improves access for those who cannot manage the stepped paths of the village center. Specific accessibility features are not confirmed in available sources.

Nearest landmarks: Apollonia's central square (Iroon Square) is the reference point for the village; Zamarias sits within the Apollonia administrative area accessible from the main island road.