Traditional small cottage with modern comforts - Ano Petali

Xenia's place was just lovely. Simultaneously simple and luxurious, Xenia's cottage is ideally located just off the beaten path midway between Apollonia and Artemonas (our favorite town!), with beautiful views and a couple of outdoor spaces to enjoy as much as the perfectly furnished inside. Aside from being fully stocked with the regular necessities – fully equipped kitchen, really pretty cups and glasses, plates and paper goods, it has everything you need from sunscreen to maps to local jam and biscuits and honey to reading lights. There's a really decent hair dryer. Xenia has really good taste and doesn't skimp on quality: the cottage retains traditional Sifnian design touches, yet she's freshened it up for today's lifestyle. It's sweet and lovely and thoughtful and tastefully decorated, with welcome surprises like the original wallpaper lining the dining room cupboards. I'd rented the cottage for my sister and me, and when a friend from Athens joined us, it wasn't a problem–there was plenty of room for all of us to have our privacy and to enjoy time together. Xenia is a great communicator, anticipating our needs and responding quickly when anything came up. She arranged a taxi and horse (horse!) to carry our luggage the short walk from the parking lot. She left us maps and a guide to the island, to which I would add our favorite restaurant/taverna was Nero & Alati (water & salt) in Platis Gialos. An unpretentious updated take on a traditional taverna, run by the son of the founder who trained as a chef in London and returned to the island to cook with organic produce from his father's farm (Narlis Farm, one of our favorite days was the cooking class at the farm). A lovely spot for dinner was Mosiac in Artemonas. We also LOVED Lembesis pottery, at the top of Artemonas. There's my long review. I could say more, but basically I just want to go back to Xenias sweet cottage!

Staying in this unique and tasteful house made our trip to Sifnos really unforgettable and magical. The house has an absolute fantastic location with outstanding views of the surrounding landscape and towns and a majestic church. I don't think I ever stayed in such a beautiful spot or felt at home somewhere so quickly. From Ano Petali you can easily walk to the nearby town for buses and stores, start one of the various trails but also enjoy the peace and quiet of this special adres. Besides all these great aspects of the house, it is the warm and welcoming atmosphere of the house that made us fall in love with the spot. And this this is also very much due to the very kind and helpful host. My teenage daughters and I really feel blessed that we experienced a holiday in such a wonderful spot. Thank you Xenia!