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Yahoo
7 hours ago
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Tesla Starts Long-Awaited Robotaxi Service With Low-Key Rollout
(Bloomberg) -- Tesla Inc. rolled out its long-promised driverless taxi service to a handful of riders Sunday, a modest debut for what Elon Musk sees as a transformative new business line. Bezos Wedding Draws Protests, Soul-Searching Over Tourism in Venice One Architect's Quest to Save Mumbai's Heritage From Disappearing NYC Congestion Toll Cuts Manhattan Gridlock by 25%, RPA Reports The first robotaxi trips were limited to a narrow portion of Tesla's hometown of Austin, with an employee in each vehicle keeping tabs on the operations. The carmaker hand-picked a friendly crop of initial riders, which featured investors and social-media influencers who live-streamed their trips. In one video, Herbert Ong, who runs a fan account, marveled over the speed of the vehicle and the ability to park autonomously. Another influencer with the @BLKMDL3 handle on X said the trip was 'smoother than a human driver.' Sawyer Merritt, a Tesla investor who runs an account focused on the company, called the experience 'awesome.' With no kickoff event and little in the way of formal announcements, Tesla has relied largely on word of mouth and media coverage ahead of the robotaxi launch, which comes about a decade after Musk began talking about the possibility. The unveiling was uncharacteristically low-key for a company that held a 'Cyber Rodeo' to mark a Texas factory opening in 2022 and an invite-only party near Hollywood last year to unveil autonomous products. Musk is reorienting the carmaker around hyped-but-still-unproven technologies including self-driving vehicles and humanoid robots. Some investors are counting on new markets to revive Tesla following a sales slump and consumer backlash against the chief executive officer. Its shares have tumbled 20% this year. 'Robotaxis are critical to the Tesla investment case,' Tom Narayan, an analyst with RBC Capital Markets, said in a note. About 60% of Narayan's valuation for the shares is attributable to the self-driving vehicles. The videos of the robotaxi launch posted Sunday were largely mundane, showing Model Y SUVs driving short distances, navigating intersections, avoiding pedestrians and parking — albeit with no one sitting in the driver's seat. There were some hiccups, like when one streamer tested a button to have the vehicle pull over and it instead briefly stopped in the middle of a road before the vehicle began moving again. The first riders are being charged a flat rate of $4.20 per trip, Musk said Sunday, though it's unclear what pricing will look like longer term. Robotaxis will be available between 6 a.m. and midnight daily within a geofenced area of the city, not including the airport, according to terms of use that some early riders posted. Service may be limited or unavailable in foul weather. The launch marks a crucial test for Tesla, which is using only 10 to 20 vehicles at first. It's aiming to show it can safely and successfully navigate real-world traffic, which has tripped up some other companies and brought regulatory scrutiny. Cruise, the now-defunct autonomy business of General Motors Co., grounded its fleet in late 2023 and had its operating license suspended in California following an accident that injured a pedestrian. Uber Technologies Inc. ceased testing self-driving vehicles after one of its SUVs struck and killed a pedestrian in Arizona in 2018. Less than three years later, the company agreed to sell its self-driving business. While Tesla hasn't said when the robotaxi service will open to the general public, Musk has pledged to scale up quickly and expand to other US cities in the near future. The company faces a crowded market in Austin. Waymo, which is owned by Google parent Alphabet Inc., is scaling up in the city through a partnership with Uber. Inc.'s Zoox is also testing there. Dan Ives, an analyst with Wedbush Securities who rates Tesla outperform, said he expects robotaxis to be competitive with Waymo from the start. After a member of his team rode in one Sunday, the analyst told Bloomberg the robotaxi user experience was 'better than expected.' Luxury Counterfeiters Keep Outsmarting the Makers of $10,000 Handbags Is Mark Cuban the Loudmouth Billionaire that Democrats Need for 2028? Ken Griffin on Trump, Harvard and Why Novice Investors Won't Beat the Pros The US Has More Copper Than China But No Way to Refine All of It Can 'MAMUWT' Be to Musk What 'TACO' Is to Trump? ©2025 Bloomberg L.P.
The Sun
2 days ago
- Health
- The Sun
Chilling rise of TikTokkers peddling dangerous ‘cures' for cancer & other deadly illnesses in sick bid to gain followers
INFLUENCERS are peddling animal dewormer and other dangerous alternative medicines as "cures" for deadly illnesses like cancer in a sick bid to gain followers. Experts have slammed the tips given out on social media as "scary" and dangerous, warning people not to blindly follow influencers. 10 10 10 Many people have tried out the bizarre "hacks", such as the "migraine meal" of drinking coke and eating McDonald's chips that went viral recently. But some TikTokkers are claiming to fix serious and life-threatening illnesses with a quick and easy "magic potion" you can whip up at home. Videos seen by The Sun have influencers confidentially telling their followers that taking dewormer for dogs or horses - which is harmful to humans - gets rid of cancer. Others posted recipes for homemade herbal teas, such as soursop tea, saying that they drank it every day for two weeks and it cured various diseases. Many influencers promote supplements that contain the ancient Indian herb ashwagandha - also saying it helps cure anxiety and a poor sex drive. Hundreds of social media users flocked to the comments sections, begging for more information, with experts worried many people will take such advice as gospel. Cancer sufferers are even among the commenters asking for recipes and recommendations to fight their deadly disease. When The Sun contacted TikTok about the videos peddling alternative cancer cures, those that we flagged were removed. VIRAL DOESN'T MEAN VALID Michael Baah, who is a cancer rehab coach, said it is "scary" people are relying on TikTok and social media for health advice. He explained: "The health advice I see on TikTok lately is wild. One minute it's 'walk 10k steps,' the next it's 'eat pickles to cure cancer' or 'bite a lemon to stop anxiety.' "And the scary part? People are actually giving it a go. "I coach cancer rehab clients every week, and I always tell them, if you're considering any supplement or remedy, speak to your consultant first. "Your health isn't a trend, and it shouldn't be treated like one. "Some of these so-called cures like dog dewormer, fermented pickles, or herbal teas are dangerous when taken seriously. "Just because something is 'natural' doesn't mean it's harmless, and just because it went viral doesn't make it valid. "If anything, it shows how easy it is to spread false hope to vulnerable people." Often, the TikTok videos point to the online shop in the app where people can buy the supplements mentioned. This advice - mostly from people without any medical knowledge - could lead to patients turning away from vital treatment. 10 10 10 10 Other herbs or supplements could also interfere with any ongoing cancer treatment. Cancer UK warns: "One of the biggest risks of seeking alternative therapy is postponing or declining evidence-based conventional treatment, which might otherwise prolong or even save a patient's life." Gen Z particularly vulnerable New research from City St George's, University of London, recently found that 81 per cent of cancer cures touted by content creators on TikTok are fake. It also found that Gen Z is particularly vulnerable to cancer misinformation, as TikTok is used as a search engine and is a key means of accessing health information for this demographic. TikTok told The Sun that the study had a small sample size and only represented a tiny percentage of the content on the app. It said it takes steps to counter misinformation - which is a problem across all social media, not just the video-based platform. It's not just cancer cures being promoted online, but for a range of both physical and mental illnesses. Anxiety sufferers are told to eat an orange while in the shower. Influencers confidently tell those suffering from the mental illness to bite into a lemon or eat sour skittles or sour patch kids to shock their system out of a panic attack. Others said to eat ice, have a cold drink or an ice bath along a similar vein. Some even claimed that eating fermented pickles also helps. TikTok health advice: What to look out for Check credentials Do they have any relevant qualifications? Are they a certified trainer, registered dietitian, or licensed professional in their field? Real experts will usually highlight their credentials clearly, signposting where they qualified from Do your own research Verify the information they share -don't blindly follow their advice. Look for scientific evidence or expert opinions backing up their claims - there are many health studies online. If something sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Keep and eye out for red flags Be wary if they are promoting extreme products, quick fixes, or other unrealistic hacks. Don't trust overly sensationalised or extreme claims. Are they signposting you to a shop online or a service? They could be benefiting financially from this. Michael added: "Things like eating ice or biting lemons are just sensory distractions. "They might offer a few seconds of relief, but they don't address the root of what someone's feeling. "If anxiety could be cured by Skittles or cold drinks, mental health professionals would be out of business. "As a professional, I think it's important we stick to what's proven: science-backed strategies, structured support, and good old-fashioned common sense. "That's what gets results. Not trending audio and a camera filter. It's spreading misinformation "The bigger issue is how polished and convincing these videos look. "It's easy to get sucked in. But behind the editing and engagement, there's usually no evidence, no credentials, and no real accountability. "So yes, enjoy your orange in the shower if it gives you a lift, but don't confuse that with a treatment plan. "Real health takes consistency, not gimmicks." Dr Kirstie Fleetwood-Meade, who specialises in anxiety, agreed. She told The Sun: "Some people may find regular cold exposure (ice baths or cold showers) are a helpful way to reduce anxiety, alongside input from a qualified health professional, as it can help to regulate the nervous system. "Many TikTok 'anxiety cures' oversimplify a complex mental health problem, misleading people into thinking quick fixes are effective treatments. "This can delay seeking proper care and invalidate real struggles of people who live with anxiety every day. "Because these 'health' influencers often lack professional credentials, they can spread misinformation widely without accountability, and sometimes encourage risky or harmful behaviours." TikTok, Instagram and YouTube are flooded with self-proclaimed "wellness experts" confidently informing their followers of their "credentials". Research published in 2023 discovered that 84 per cent of mental health advice on TikTok is misleading, with 14 per cent of videos containing content that could be harmful. It has been found that "personal narratives are often prioritised over research-backed content". A TikTok spokesperson said: "TikTok is a place where people can share their personal medical treatment experiences and build supportive communities. "We proactively provide trusted health information in-app from the World Health Organisation, partner with independent fact-checkers to verify content, and rigorously enforce policies— to remove any content which breaches this policy." They said that their Community Guidelines ban health misinformation that may cause significant harm and they remove this content from the platform when they find it. Some professionals are beginning to adopt the influencer style of content online - further blurring the lines and making it confusing about who to trust. 10 10 APPLE CIDER VINEGAR One expert pointed to the case of Australian influencer Belle Gibson, who was the subject of Netflix documentary "Apple Cider Vinegar" last year. The wellness warrior pretended to have brain cancer, and falsely told her thousands of followers she had cured herself through alternative therapies and nutrition. She gained a huge following online in 2013 after blogging about her "battle with cancer". Gibson amassed 200,000 followers on Instagram when it was still a new social media platform - a large number back then. CANCER CON I was diagnosed with cancer at 19 and then was scammed by con artist Belle Gibson who said she could cure it By Leanne Hall Belle Gibson is the latest fraudster to have a TV show made on how she swindled people out of money by pretending healthy eating and green juices cured her brain cancer. However, it soon became clear that Belle's natural remedies didn't work and that she never even had cancer to begin with. Starting as a blogger in 2009, Belle claimed she was diagnosed with "malignant brain cancer" and given "six to eight months" to live. However, Belle said she had chosen to withdraw from chemotherapy and radiotherapy treatment, and instead embarked on "a quest to heal myself naturally… through nutrition, patience, determination and love". With 200,000 followers on Instagram at the time, many of whom were cancer patients, she conned them into thinking she had found a cure. And one of those was fellow Aussie Bella Johnston. At the age of 19, Bella was diagnosed with a paraganglioma, a rare endocrine tumour, in 2009 and was surrounded by older people in the hospital leaving her feeling isolated. So when she found Belle's social media and saw she was roughly the same age and battling cancer too, she was hooked. Bella saw that the influencer had claimed to manage the disease with diet, exercise and alternative medicine and as a result, Bella wanted to follow in her footsteps. But unbeknownst to Bella, the cancer survivor she looked up to was a con artist who had never had the disease. She then released "The Whole Pantry", a health and wellness app. The fraudster claimed doctors told her she only has "six weeks, four months tops" to live - drawing in thousands of sympathetic followers. From there, she also published a cookbook and raked in $400,000 Australian dollars, pledging to donate a share to charity. In 2015, Gibson was exposed by journalists as a fraudster who lied about her medical records and diagnosis. A federal court ordered her to pay a $410,000 fine plus $30,000 in legal costs for misleading and deceptive conduct - a fine she hasn't paid. Her money-grabbing lies went on to inspire many documentaries. What's worse is that she is only one of a growing list of young, attractive and seemingly inspirational women who fake serious illnesses to make money. Sometimes the families themselves are in on the lie - as with the case of British teenager Megan Bhari. Not only were donors conned out of around £400,000, but they duped celebrities including Louis Tomlinson, Taylor Swift, even winning an award from Prime Minister David Cameron. Aged 15, her mother Jean told friends that her daughter - who already suffered from a disease causing a build-up of pressure on the brain - had been diagnosed with a brain tumour. They started a charity, Believe in Magic, a 'Make-a-Wish'-style organisation to bring hope to seriously ill children. Jean herself posted regular updates about her daughter's hospital visits - at one point even raising £120,000 in 48 hours for emergency treatment in the US, saying Megan's tumour had worsened. She even once claimed that Megan had severe sepsis and that doctors had given her only a 10 per cent chance of surviving the next week - but it was all a lie. An inquest later recorded she died of heart failure related to a fatty liver but there was no mention of a tumour on her medical records. The Charity Commission later launched an investigation into Believe in Magic before freezing its accounts following "multiple complaints." Her charity was dissolved after a probe found nearly £400,000 missing from its books. Police did investigate the complaints but said that there was insufficient evidence to take the matter any further. Do you know more? Email 10 WEB OF LIES I was pals with Apple Cider Vinegar's Belle Gibson but exposed her for the liar she was – her 'seizures' were a red flag By Emma Pryer WHEN Chanelle McAuliffe struck up a friendship with Belle Gibson in October 2014, she thought she'd found a kindred spirit. Despite Belle's, 32, supposed terminal cancer diagnosis and the looming dread that she might not reach her next birthday, she was full of ambition - and that inspired Chanelle, 37. Little did Chanelle know, it was all a lie. Belle, who at the time was running Australia's most known wellness account by claiming she'd curated a natural healing lifestyle that cured her of deadly brain cancer, had never been diagnosed with the deadly illness. The incredible story of the world's most devious con-woman and how her fraudulent business was finally uncovered was made into a Netflix series called Apple Cider Vinegar, which hit the platform earlier this month. The Melbourne mum-of-one's Instagram account, Healing Belle, had more than 300,000 followers by the time she was eventually caught out. The influencer honed in on the fear and bewilderment of her followers and friends - including Chanelle. Most of her followers were people genuinely battling terminal cancer, and she was fraudulently telling them to drink green juices and consume organic foods to cure themselves. Her mantra? Western medicine, such as chemotherapy, could not cure you. She kept up the facade of her supposed deadly illness by faking seizures, claiming her 'cancer' was spreading and telling people: "I'm going to die soon anyway." Initially, Chanelle believed it all. But just a few months into their friendship, after she'd watched Belle roll around on the floor having a 'seizure' before miraculously jumping to her feet and wiping saliva from her mouth, alarm bells started to chime.
Times
02-06-2025
- General
- Times
16 of the best quiet Greek islands
Of Greece's 6,000 islands and islets, only 227 are inhabited, and a good few of those have such pulling power that the crowds they attract aren't to everyone's taste. Those busier isles may be packed with atmosphere, but if you're keen to avoid throngs of tourists there are also dozens of others to discover that, compared with the likes of Santorini and Mykonos, are incredibly laid-back. It's not a lack of appeal that positions these quieter islands under the radar: the key thing keeping crowds at bay is generally ease of access. Those islands with international airports (such as Crete, Rhodes, Kos and Mykonos) will always be busier than Milos, Syros and others only served by domestic flights. Ferry connections make a difference too. You'll find fewer people the further you go from Athens or more accessible isles, meaning those you have to hop to — such as Lipsi or Astypalea — are quietest of all. So whether you're after a peaceful time on the beach or a hike in scenic countryside, you'll find the most magical spots by steering clear of cruise destinations, big resorts and social media influencers. From sleepy Cycladic gems to almost untrodden Ionian isles, these are the best quiet Greek islands. This article contains affiliate links, which may earn us revenue Best for proximity to AthensWith the catamaran from Athens' main port in the city of Piraeus taking only half an hour, Aegina is among the easiest of Greek islands to hop to. Oddly, its proximity is more a deterrent than a draw: Aegina barely registers with foreign holidaymakers. That's a shame, because visitors will discover a taverna-packed island that offers great value for money. True, the beaches may not be as good as elsewhere in Greece, but Aegina has something else: thanks to all its nut trees, you won't find better pistachio ice cream. Stay in one of the six lovely studios at Nikolaou Residence, in the renovated former home of artist Nikos Nikolaou, about a mile from the centre of for unexpected discoveries Butterfly-shaped Astypalea isn't an obvious island to visit. About halfway between Santorini and Kos, it's one of those spots that flies under the radar — which makes stepping off the ferry here all the more rewarding. History buffs will find Roman baths, a Venetian castle, traditional windmills and a museum chock-full of antiquities; beachgoers will discover some of Greece's most translucent waters. When you get hungry, island specialities to try include ardista (stewed lentils), lambriano (stuffed lamb) and xirotigana (fried dough drizzled with honey). Stay at Chrysalis Boutique Hotel, an adults-only retreat with yoga classes and massage treatments in Astypalea Town. Best for myths and legendsIf you find yourself falling under this Dodecanese island's spell, you wouldn't be the first. Legend has it that this is where Odysseus was enchanted by the goddess Calypso — though today's visitors are more likely to be won over by Lipsi's marvellous beaches. From the sands of Platis Gialos and Kambos to pebbly Monodendri, there's no shortage of spots in which to dive into tempting, turquoise waters. Getting here requires a straightforward ferry trip from Kos, which takes about two hours. The Aphroditi Hotel, just steps from the beach, is perhaps the island's best guest accommodation. Best for authentic characterIt's easy to get overlooked in an archipelago shared with Santorini and Mykonos. Yet Andros, the second largest Cycladic island, has a different appeal to its glitzier neighbours. For a start, it's greener and has lots of scenic hiking trails — then on a hot day the beaches take centre stage. Wild and lovely Achla — watched over in its sheltered cove by a lighthouse and an Orthodox church — is the standout, while sandy Batsi is more accessible, with ample facilities. Stay at Krinos Suites, a boutique hotel in a former silk-weaving school that blends understated style with heartfelt hospitality and you'll be steps from Batsi for sunsetsAnother isle in the shadow of its Cycladic sisters is Folegandros, which sits halfway between Santorini and Milos. Many of its best beaches are accessible only by boat or on foot, which makes it feel laid-back and bohemian. The island's main town, traffic-free, clifftop Chora, has some of the Aegean's prettiest backstreets and squares, plus a Venetian fort with a sheer drop down to the sea. For memorable sunset views, make your way up the long zigzag path to whitewashed Panagia church — or hop on a leisurely cruise to take it all in. Catch the evening's fiery glow from the comfort of Blue Sand Boutique Hotel & Suites, hidden away on the west coast with Aegean horizons from its for volcanic viewsIt's only a short ferry ride from Kos, so Nisyros receives crowds of day-trippers from its Dodecanese neighbour. Happily, when they leave, it becomes a tranquil haven for the smart few who stay here. Volcanic roots have bequeathed it dark-sand beaches, hot springs and pumice cliffs, plus a crater around which it's possible to walk. Dotted here and there are towns and villages: the capital and main port of Mandraki is the liveliest, Emporios is a pretty hilltop village with volcanic views, while Nikia is closest to the crater itself. At the town of Emporios, Melanopetra (the name means 'dark stone') is a good bet for self-catering stays in stylish apartments built with local for culture vulturesYou'd never guess from its peaceful vibe that Syros was once this seafaring nation's main commercial hub. Yet that influx of wealth can be seen in elegant architecture and cultural institutions centred on the island's capital, and that of the Cyclades, Ermoupoli — named after Hermes, the Greek god of merchants. On your list should be the grand 19th-century theatre, treasures displayed in its Archaeological Museum, and an array of Orthodox and Catholic churches. Beach-wise, there are pebble or sand options scattered around the coast, with the best being in the south (don't miss pretty Megas Gialos). Give in to Ermoupoli's charms at Aristide Hotel, an art-and-marble-filled Cycladic townhouse that's a short walk from the beach or main for peaceful escapesBeing overlooked in the rush to reach better-known Cephalonia and Lefkada has been a blessing for offbeat Meganisi. Despite lying only 25 minutes by ferry from Lefkada, this unspoilt Ionian island has forgone large-scale resort development to retain its welcoming, step-back-in-time appeal. With just three pretty villages, acres of olive groves and about 1,000 residents, it's a beautifully languid spot, especially once you're stretched out on one of its marvellous beaches (Fanari and Spilia are highlights). Vathy and Spartochori villages have plenty of charm, and you'll be within striking distance of both when staying at bay-facing Azur Retreat — where an infinity pool and upscale bedrooms await. • Discover our full guide to Greece• Best Greek islands to visit Best for going wildIt's all about nature on Alonissos, which lies within the Northern Sporades national marine park (Greece's first), an area stretching over 2,000 sq km. This reserve is home to rare Mediterranean monk seals, as well as dolphins, turtles and colonies of seabirds. Divers are in for a treat at the Underwater Museum's sunken, fifth-century BC cargo ship, which can also be viewed virtually at the local information centre. Back on dry land, discover monasteries, hiking trails and picturesque island capital, Patitiri, then decamp to Chrisi Milia beach for turquoise waters and some of the finest golden sands. Relax in peace at The Infinity 180 Luxury Suites, a collection of adults-only apartments with a gorgeous pool; then liven things up with a day trip to Skiathos, just over an hour's hydrofoil skim away. • Best hotels in SkiathosBest for mixing city and seaThe Saronic islands are some of the easiest to access from Athens and are a cinch to combine with urban explorations. Agistri is only an hour by ferry from the port of Piraeus, but despite this proximity it remains idyllic and peaceful: all chilled-out vibes, crystal coves and pine trees cascading down to the sea. Dragonera is one of the island's best-known pebble beaches; for sandier shores, try Skala. Skala is also where you'll find Oasis Beach Hotel, whose 52 rooms and suites all have private verandas or balconies, some of which offer sea for otherworldly landscapesThe exquisite Venus de Milo (the ancient statue discovered here, now on display at the Louvre) is not the only thing of legendary beauty to have greeted visitors to this Cycladic outpost over the centuries. Volcanic origins created a landscape of elemental colours which mixes sulphur-yellow cliffs with ash-white and obsidian-black rock formations. Such rawness comes into its own at Sarakiniko beach, where smoothly sculpted, lunar-like shores contrast magnificently with the dazzling waters of the Aegean. The water looks just as inviting when gazed upon from Skinopi Lodge, whose seven extraordinary villas blend into their rocky backdrop for the most luxurious of self-catering for divine beachesThe Dodecanese island of Patmos has a fascinating past. Said to be where the Book of Revelation was written (a theory that consequently saw it become a place of Christian pilgrimage), it's nowadays also known for its nightlife and cosmopolitan edge. Being less well connected than some other Greek islands (the best ferry links are via Kos), Patmos rarely feels crowded and its shores are sublime. Kampos has the busiest beach scene; or hire a boat and escape to Psili Ammos (which merits its name meaning 'fine sand'). Porto Scoutari, the top Patmos hotel with a large swimming pool and rooms bathed in white, is an ideal base from which to for gorgeous sceneryLying between Crete and the Peloponnese region of mainland Greece is Kythira: the southernmost of the Ionian chain and a place where age-old traditions still reign. Given that the goddess Aphrodite was said to have hailed from here, it's only fitting that the island's landscapes match her fabled beauty — canyons, cliffs and countryside sit beside golden beaches and ancient ruins. Stay at Hidden Retreats, a soulful escape on a hilltop overlooking the sea — venturing out to discover pretty villages connected by cobblestone pathways, or the lovely white sand beach at for edge-of-Greece getawaysDon't be surprised if you haven't heard of Kastellorizo. This tiny treasure is one of a handful of Greek isles skimming Turkey's Turquoise Coast, near the seaside town of Kas. Also known as Megisti, the island takes its common name from Castello Rosso, a castle that looms above the port from a distinctively reddish-rocked hilltop. Its single, east-meets-west town has museums, a mosque and colourfully painted houses. Casa Mediterraneo, a six-suite boutique hideaway, is set across three burnt-orange-hued homes with views of the sunset and for couplesFor stacks of somnolent, step-back-in-time appeal, this Cycladic isle has everything solitude-seeking couples could need, only two hours or so by boat from Piraeus and an even shorter hop from Milos. Even in high season, you'll find quiet spots among the island's 40-odd beaches (Livadakia is a highlight), and a surprisingly lively hilltop town that gleams against the sun-scorched rockface. Book into Nostos, a 17-room property whose solar panels, heat pumps and other green technologies minimise its impact on the island's for foodiesIt's thanks to Nikolaos Tselementes, a local chef who wrote the first modern Greek cookbook in 1926, that Sifnos is renowned for its foodie credentials. Just 10km from neighbouring Serifos, Sifnos celebrates Tselementes with a food festival every September. Yet it's the wealth of bakeries and restaurants — especially in the capital Apollonia and nearby Artemonas — that keeps the culinary offering interesting all summer long. Equally respectful of the island's heritage is Sigma Residences, a collection of villas and cottages on the edge of Apollonia whose names are a nod to local villages and traditional farming practices. • Best Greek islands for families• Best Greek island hotels
