Sifnos Hotel Benaki
Beachfront balconies over the Aegean, 12 km from Kamares port
About this hotel
Benaki keeps things straightforward: air-conditioned rooms on the beachfront at Platis Gialos, a balcony that looks either over the sea or back toward the village rooftops, and a snack bar for the days you would rather not walk to a taverna. It is the kind of two-star that earns its 9.0 rating on fundamentals rather than extras: private bathroom, TV, fridge, and a location where the sand starts outside the door. Apollonia's whitewashed chora, 8 km inland, makes an easy half-day trip, and the medieval Kastro village is close enough at 11 km for anyone renting a car for the week. Kamares port, where most ferries land, is a 12-km drive. Guests rate the stay 9 out of 10 here, and it is earned on direct beach access rather than a short walk, the sort of detail that matters more on a small island than a long amenities list.
- Beachfront balconies
- Snack bar on site
- Air-conditioned rooms
- Close to Kastro village
Our take
Benaki is a beach-first, no-frills address: a two-star hotel right on Platis Gialos with balconies facing the Aegean or the village, air-conditioning, a snack bar and a sun terrace. I would pick it when the plan is simply to spend the days on the sand. It suits travellers with a car best, since Apollonia is 8 km away and Kamares port 12 km.
- ✓Request a sea-facing balcony specifically when booking, not all rooms face the water
- ✓Hire a car for the day trip to Kastro, public transport does not run there directly
- ✓Pack for a snack-bar pace: the on-site food options are limited by design
Why we love it
- Balconies directly over the Platis Gialos beachfront
- 12 km drive to Kamares port for ferry days
- Easy half-day trip to Apollonia's Cycladic centre
- Snack bar for low-effort beach days
Why guests love itFor a family that mainly wants the beach, Benaki keeps things straightforward: it sits right on Platis Gialos, rooms are air-conditioned and the balconies look over the Aegean or the village. A snack bar and sun terrace cover light meals, but there is no pool or full restaurant. Apollonia is 8 km away and Kamares port 12 km, so I would plan on a rental car for evenings out and for the ferry with luggage and children.