Sifnos is a wonderful escape to a natural paradise, The lavender farm "Lavanda Aloni" provides a sense of peace, beauty and amazing smells of lavender, rose geranium and herbs though out the year. The main harvest of lavender takes place in June and July, but there is always something going on throughout the year on the farm. The ferry timetable is out NOW For boat times go to the "OpenSeas" web s
ite. You can book a seat on the Aegeanspeedlines web site. The SLOW BOAT is more reliable in very windy weather, PLEASE NOTE YOU CAN NOT ALWAYS BOOK THE SLOW BOATS ON LINE but you can buy a ticket in a kiosk next to the boat on Gate 9 in Piraeus, from 2 hours before it leaves. KORAIS leaves Piraeus to Sifnos and Santorini on Mondays, Wednesdays and Friday. KORAIS leaves Santorini to Sifnos and Piraeus on Tuesdays, Thursday and Sunday. If you are thinking of island hopping, Sifnos is on the main ferry route from Pireaus to Serrifos, Sifnos, Milos and Santorini. Milos is half an hour away and is a hub for other ferry routes to other islands. The Spitaki is renovated traditional Greek stone farm building, one of three that make up the farm, "Lavanda Aloni" is located high above Apollonia, the capital of Sifnos. The farm has panoramic sea and mountain views. It offers an unique rural retreat on a working organic lavender farm. Accommodation includes one very small bedroom/sitting room, a detached bathroom and a detached kitchen with a bread oven, courtyard and separate garden overlooking the lavender fields. Lavender Aloni farm buildings are on different levels of the property providing privacy and seclusion. The Spitaki is ideal for a couple or a single person wishing a place to stay on their own. If you are a group of friends or a large family I recommend you book the Farm House and Spitaki as well. THE BEACHES
The nearest beaches at Poulati and Seralia at Kastro takes about 15 mins by car or if you are fit you can do a 35 min walk down. But obviously longer back as the farm is high up and inland So it depends on how fit you are in the heat. But that is not the right question to ask. There are many beautiful small beaches on the island which are easily reachable by car, motorbike or bus from the farm. The real question is "which way is the wind blowing?" and which beach provides the most shelter on the day? The island is a windy island. Plus each beach has it's own taverna or is very quiet and private, Some beaches are sandy and very family friendly, others are rocky, with more dynamic seas and good snorkelling. So it is up to you which you prefer, Sifnos has so much to see one beach will not be enough. There are 19 different beaches in total and all of them are easily accessible from Lavanda Aloni. All the beaches on Sifnos are near by and are accessible by bus or by car/motorbike. The beaches vary, from family friendly easy access sandy beaches to isolated private rocky beaches. If you have a question please ask? Guest Access
The farm has wifi but there is no TV on Lavanda Aloni, just bees and butterflies. Guests are welcome to explore the farm. Interaction with Guests
As "Lavanda Aloni" is a working farm, guests are welcome if they choose, to participate in the daily workings of the farm from planting, harvesting to distilling lavender essential oil. Some guests prefer to just relax in their own private space. The Neighborhood
Sifnos is a hidden jewel with a population that ranges from 3,000 in the winter to over 4,000 in the peak of the August summer season. Sifnos is a family friendly island, with welcoming locals and has a very diverse international population, It is an island renowned for it’s Cycladic architecture, local cuisine, ceramics, green fertile valleys and small sandy beaches surrounded by the deep blue and turquoise Aegean sea. Getting around
ARRIVAL TO LAVANDA ALONI
On arrival at Kamares the main port, guests are asked to take a taxi to Hotel Petali carpark In Apollonia, the capital. It will cost about €10. Lulu or Elizabeth or Mary her mother will be holding a bunch of lavender to greet you. All guests will be shown the way up to the farm, you wouldn't find it otherwise. The farm is a four minute walk up traditional Greek stone steps and then a flat path. Sifnos is easy to get around. The property is high up, in the centre of the island with access to local shops, cafes, bars and restaurants, The farm is approached via a 20 minute walk up steps from the centre of Apollonia or a four minute walk from the nearest car park. It takes 10 minutes to walk down from the farm to the centre of town. There is an excellent bus service which takes you all over the island day and night in the holiday season. If you want more independence you can hire a; car, quad bike, and motorbike. You can check out hire companies in Kamares or email (email hidden) or just put in car hire Sifnos, Karmares on the internet. The best way to get around the island, if it is not too hot, is walking. Sifnos has some of the most beautiful walks with dramatic landscapes and breathtaking views. The island is covered in drystone wall donkey paths that connect all the major villages and towns. Other Things to Note
Sifnos is addictive, with many visitors making repeat visits, it has a “10% extra value” with it’s smells, tastes, light and unspoilt natural beauty.
