Sifno's trails | Hidden treasures
Hidden treasures, roadways of the past, still serving the needs of the island and its people, the trails (paths) of Sifnos create a unique network of +100 kilometers. Some are paved with stones, and others are dirt tracks. However they are, they do not cease to be material proof that man can intervene on and still have respect for the natural environment, aiming not only to cover people’s vital needs, but also act to protect the environment (such as with dry stone walls). On the other hand, the paths are a challenge to the future, since they can contribute even more to showcasing Sifnos as a destination for tourism and culture, with mild interventions.
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An ever-present element of Sifnian tradition, the paths serve farming and animal farming life – even in places where there exists an alternate access route – since they are used on a daily basis so that people and animals can reach pastures and thimonies (simple one-roomed constructions covering the basic needs of the farmers).
The best way to explore the island is certainly on foot, taking advantage of the numerous trails. Easy to walk for the largest amount of them, they offer the opportunity to the hiker to deeply explore and enjoy the aforementioned landscapes, to get in touch with local culture and the famously friendly local society, especially during the autumn and spring seasons, where they can gather herbs, greens and wild flowers which grow freely everywhere, or reach secluded beaches and relax in the clear, blue sea.
During their walks, visitors can get to know small, white churches, or more imposing monasteries, that are still completely harmonious with their natural environment. It is certain that they shall be enchanted by their beauty, and impressed by the deep religious beliefs of those who chose, despite the lack of means of their times, to express their faith at these places, despite the effort required.
There are also “monuments” of popular culture around to discover, such as wells, springs, pigeon houses, thimonies (simple one-roomed constructions covering the basic needs of the farmers), ancient towers (beacons), mines, threshing fields, lime-burner kilns, and thousands of meters of dry stone walls.
The total length of the network exceeds 100 km and is divided into 19 beautiful trails. The project is being managed by the Municipality of Sifnos. All of them are clearly signed (way marked) following international standards The difficulty level of each trail has been calculated on a 5-level scale, using the “IBP index” system of the Federation Francaise de Randonnee Pedestre
In Sifnos, you can hike all year round. Spring and Autumn are considered to be the best seasons to hike due to the mild temperatures and the vivid colors of the land and vegetation. In winter it is also possible to hike, but you should expect a few showers, strong and cold winds and muddy trails. In summer (July, August) it is too hot to walk. However, if you try it, avoid walking between 12pm to 4pm.
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