Sifnos

From:  Lonely Planet Guide to Greece

Sifnos coyly hides assets from passing ferry passengers.  At first glance it looks barren, but the port is in the island's most arid area.  Explore you'll find an abundantly attractive landscape of terraced olive groves and almond trees, with oleanders in the valleys and hillsides covered in wild juniper, which used to fuel potter's kilns.  There are numerous dovecotes, whitewashed chapels and houses.  Plenty of old paths link the villages, which makes it an island ideal for walking.

During the Archaic period the island was very wealthy due to its gold and silver resources.  To protect their loot the islanders constructed an elaborate communications network of watchtowers that used fire and smoke signals to warn of an attack.  The ruins of 55 towers have been located to date.  By the 5th century BC the mines were exhausted and Sifnos' fortunes were reversed--the island became so poor that it was the butt of endless jokes in Athens and elsewhere.

The island has a long history of producing superior pottery because of the quality of its clay, and many shops sell local ceramics.  Some potter's workshops are open to the public--it's quite mesmerizing to watch them work.

Sifniot olive oil is highly prized throughout Greece, which might have something to do with the island's reputation for producing some of the country's best chefs.  Local specialties include revithia (baked chickpeas), revithokeftedes (falafel-like vegetable balls), xynomyzithra (a sharpish fresh cheese), and almond sweets flavored with orange flowers.

Longer Commentary with History and Relevant Comments from Efthimios and David