SERIFOS
Serifos
Serifos – the name “Serifos” means “barren” or “sterile”. This name reflects the island’s rugged, rocky terrain and limited vegetation, which can make it challenging to sustain crops and support a large population.
However Serifos is a charming Greek island located in the Aegean Sea, south of Kythnos and northwest of Sifnos. With a population of just over 1,200 inhabitants, it is a relatively small island that covers an area of around 75 square kilometers. Serifos has a rich history dating back to ancient times, as evidenced by the ancient mining ruins and artefacts that can still be seen throughout the island. It was also an important trading center during the Byzantine era and the Venetian occupation.
Serifos’ natural beauty is one of its main attractions, with rugged mountains, crystal-clear waters, and pristine beaches. Visitors can enjoy hiking and exploring the island’s many trails, swimming in secluded coves, and admiring the stunning sunsets. One of the most popular spots on the island is Chora, the main town, with its narrow streets and whitewashed buildings. Here visitors can see the remains of the ancient acropolis, stroll through the charming town square, or enjoy a meal in one of the many tavernas.
Livadi is the port town, where visitors can relax on the beach or take a boat tour of the island, and the Monastery of Taxiarches, a historic religious site with stunning views of the island. With its laid-back atmosphere and unspoiled natural beauty, Serifos is an ideal destination for those seeking a tranquil and authentic Greek island experience.
Best Serifos Accommodation
Coco-Mat Eco Residences Serifos – a luxurious eco-friendly hotel located at Vagia Beach, offering stylish and comfortable rooms with sea views, and a beautiful outdoor pool. Set right on the beach, this is a beautiful spot.
Coralli Bungalows – a cozy beachfront hotel in Livadakia, featuring modern rooms and apartments with private balconies overlooking the sea.
Aria Villas – a complex of elegant villas with private pools and stunning sea views, located in the picturesque village of Megalo Livadi.
Serifos Palace – a beautiful hotel set in a serene location near Livadi beach, featuring modern and spacious rooms, a large swimming pool, and a poolside bar.
Serifos Sunset Race – a boutique hotel situated on a hill overlooking Livadi bay, offering tastefully decorated rooms with breathtaking sea views.
Naias Hotel – a charming family-run hotel located just a few meters from Livadi beach, offering cozy and comfortable rooms, a lovely garden, and a traditional Greek breakfast.
Asteri Hotel – a lovely hotel set in a quiet area of Livadi, featuring spacious rooms and apartments, a large swimming pool, and a poolside bar.
Rizes Hotel – a nice hotel with minimalist design sympathetic to the island. Located between Livadi and Agios Sostis, the hotel offers great views of the island.
Nature Eco Living at Lia Beach is a special choice with just 7 rooms allowing guests to switch off and immerse themselves in the location.
Studios Amfitriti are located around the bay from the port with a great view. Guests are well looked after and offered an excellent breakfast.
If you fancy a villa style stay Ammoa offers villa accommodation with a brilliant view, close to Ampeli.
Aegean Castle – a unique hotel located in the scenic hilltop village of Chora, featuring luxurious rooms and suites with traditional Cycladic architecture and stunning views.
Alexandros-Vassilia Hotel – a charming hotel located in the picturesque village of Megalo Livadi, featuring beautifully decorated rooms and a lovely garden with a swimming pool.
Nostos Boutique Hotel is looking to be operational by July 2023 – close to Livadakia beach it has 15 rooms and 2 suites available.
Serifos Best Things to Do
Chora Serifos is the obvious place to start. It is so picturesque whether you are actually there or viewing it from afar – it is difficult to stop taking pictures from different angles and in different lights. The coloured chairs in the main square also provide a great backdrop. Strolling around the Chora is a great way to spend a few hours.
The Venetian Castle ruins at the top of the Chora provide great views of the whole island.
If you fancy a drive, Megalo Livadi is a rather unique spot, littered with abandoned buildings linked to mining operations, some quite grand, and other related infrastructure such as wagons and loading bridges. Kyklopas is available for refreshments.
Not far away the Cave of Cyclops is supposedly the home of the mythical Cyclops. Not all that easy to get to but a spot to let your imagination run wild.
Best Beaches in Serifos
Near to Serifos port is Livadi Beach which is pretty good for a port beach away from the actual port – a nice stretch of sand with some trees, pretty shallow, lots of room and plenty of refreshment options.
Heading up to the east are some excellent beaches – Lia, Agios Sostis, Psili Ammos and Ioannis. Lia is a mixed pebble/sand beach that you can still get to despite the recent building additions. Agios Sostis is really two beaches but there are no facilities there – bring your own supplies. Psili Ammos is the most ‘family friendly’ with shallow golden sand and a taverna (Manolis) behind the beach. Ioannis has sand at the southern end and a few trees for shade – tends to be a bit quieter than Ammos.
To the north Platis Gialos is an option if the northerly is not blowing and you dont mind a steepish road for access. Karavas in the north west is even more difficult to access – but good by boat.
To teh south, Kalogeros is a stony beach best accessed via boat but Malliadiko can be accessed from teh main road if you can handle a 15 minute walk. It’s a protected beach with some shade and crystal clear waters.
Further round, Ganema is a good option – some sand, protected from northerlies with a taverna. Vagia offers easy access from the road and lovely water – careful with kids though, entry to the water can be quite steep. A beach bar and some sunbeds there too.
Ampeli is very popular and can get crowded at peak times. Beautiful water with rocks and caves to explore, another one with a 15 minute walk to access and no shade or supplies.
Karavi and Livadakia are 2 more options as you approach the port – Livadakia has the better sand and facilities but gets shaded quickly.
Best Serifos Restaurants and Bars
Most of the eating places are either at Livadi or up in the Chora.
Livadi has a good range of places to eat with a view across the harbour. For meat lovers Mpakakaki is a good choice, Chilli & Co is a nice burger joint, Thalami offers a good range of local dishes and there’s Gran’s to take care of your dessert needs.
For brunch you can visit the well established Yacht Club, Indigo (good coffee there too) or Lazy Monkey. Or for a quick snack there is Polyphemos for gyros.
In Chora Marathoriza is a popular choice for traditional dishes – family run with a long long menu and Plakes for food and view. Stou Stratou is a nice in the main square. Also here you can get good drinks at Gaidoros and Batrachos.
Serifos Island Hopping
Paros and Sifnos are neighbours and will work well with Serifos for ferries. Milos too is an option. Others like Kimolos and Folegandros are more of a challenge based on ferry operations not being daily.
Serifos Tips
If it’s a windy day, take that into account in your plans. For example if it’s windy at sea level, Chora will be very windy! Flying items rather detract from the experience. Also ask what beaches will be somewhat sheltered , although it will be impossible to avoid altogether.
Parking in the Chora can be an issue ay busy times – there is a parking area just to the west of Chora marked on most maps but if that’s full it becomes pot luck.
If you get a day where the weather is not great fro beaches, a trip to Megalo Livadi is a good option – plenty of interest for all ages.
If the drive up from Livadi to Chora looks a bit daunting on Day 1, you’ll wonder what the fuss was about by day 5 – hopefully. Still better than walking.
