Posted by Serifos is one of the most beautiful islands in the Cyclades in terms of landscape. Hikers love Serifos. The round island is a medium-sized Cycladic island with 1,300 inhabitants and 70 square kilometers. The two larger towns are the port of Livadi and the main town of Chora in the mountains.
Our opinion: Serifos impresses with its wild, minimalist beauty, which is perfect for quiet breaks. The island conveys a relaxed, original atmosphere that immediately slows you down. At the same time, the island feels like a hidden gem that has not yet been overrun by mass tourism.
Many hotels, holiday apartments and guesthouses on Serifos can be found on the website Booking.com.
Livadi (port of Serifos)
Livadi is a beautiful port town. The beach of Livadi is not particularly great. However, just a few minutes’ walk away is the popular Livadaki beach, one of the most beautiful beaches on Serifos. “Coralli Camping” is also in Livadaki, one of the best campsites in the Cyclades. Livadi offers many accommodations in the mid-range price range. However, simple, cheap rooms are not easy to find in the port town of Serifos. It is a popular marina. Livadi has a surprisingly large nightlife with many bars and discos. The loud disco “Captain Hook” is popular with young people. There are also many taverns and restaurants in the town. However, Livadi is not one of the cheapest port towns in the Cyclades. In Livadi there are ATMs, taxis, rental cars and motorbike rentals. There is no bank on Serifos.
Chora of Serifos
The main town on Serifos is only 2 km from the port in Livadi. Like everywhere in the Cyclades, the old town is in the mountains, as in earlier times it was easier to protect yourself from pirates. For many connoisseurs, it is the most beautiful place in the Cyclades – the classic architecture of the houses and the village is particularly impressive. There are two museums in the Chora: the small local museum and the archaeological museum with exhibits from ancient Greek and Roman times. Admission to both is free. There are only a few rooms to rent in Chora, but a few nice taverns. Cheap rooms can be found at “Stavros”, a tavern on the square where the bus stop is.
The north of Serifos
The north of the islands offers good hiking opportunities and several beautiful villages. The Taxiarhon Monastery is interesting. This is currently only inhabited by one monk, who likes to show visitors the monastery and the monastery church. One of the beautiful marked hikes on Serifos leads from Livadi to Kallistros and further to the monastery.
The south of Serifos
Magalo Livadi is one of the most beautiful beaches on the island. Ganema is another sandy beach worth visiting (several taverns). Kontalas is a former mining town that is almost deserted and looks like a ghost town.
Buses on Serifos
Buses run from the port of Livadi to Chora approximately every hour. In the north to the monastery and to Kallistos there are bus connections twice a day in the season, as well as to the towns in the south. Outside of the season there are significantly fewer buses on Serifos.
Ferries
Ferries to Athens (port of Piraeus) and to the neighboring islands such as the island of Paros and the island of Sifnos run daily in summer. Also in the season 1-2 times a day to Athens, the island of Kimolos, the island of Milos and the island of Kithnos. Fewer ferry connections to the other Cyclades islands, preferably to Syros and Santorini.
➔ To book ferries within Greece, we recommend the reputable website Ferryscanner.com
Serifos does not have an airport.
Serifos map
Overnight stays
The following 3 accommodations on Serifos were recommended by readers:
Maistrali Hotel: Double room around / from 50€ depending on the season in Livadi Tel.: 22810-51220 Bookable at Booking.com
Villa Niki Serifos: 4-star, double room just over 50€, studios and apartments for 15-20€ more. In Livadi. Tel.: 22810-51230 Bookable at Booking.com
Helios: Simple, nice and cheap room rental on Livadakia beach Tel.: 22810-51066
Many other hotels, holiday apartments and guesthouses on Serifos can be found on the website Booking.com.
What can you do on Serifos?
1.Explore Chora (old main town)
The Chora of Serifos is a picturesque, traditional Cycladic village. Walk through the narrow, cobbled streets, enjoy the view from the castle (Kastro) and visit the charming little cafes and taverns.
Tip: Visit the church of Agios Konstantinos at the highest point of the Chora for a spectacular sunset.
2.Discover beaches
Serifos is known for its beautiful and quiet beaches. Some highlights:
Psili Ammos: One of the most famous beaches, with soft sand and clear water. It has already won several awards.
Livadakia: Close to the port, ideal for relaxing.
Ganema and Vagia: Quieter beaches with a peaceful atmosphere.
Kalo Ampeli: Remote beach that can be reached via a short hike.
3. Hiking
Serifos has a well-preserved network of hiking trails that take you through the wild nature, to old mines and remote chapels. Popular routes are:
From the Chora to Psili Ammos beach.
Through the old mining areas around Megalo Livadi.
Discover mining history
Serifos has a long mining history. Visit the remains of the old mines at Megalo Livadi, including the abandoned buildings and wagons. In the village you can also see a small memorial to the workers.
Boat trips
Rent a boat or book a trip to discover the island’s hidden coves and beaches, often only accessible by water.
Try local cuisine
Serifos offers authentic, simple Greek cuisine. Try local specialties such as revithada (chickpea stew) and fresh seafood. Tavernas in the Chora or Livadi often offer great dishes.
Livadi (port town)
Livadi is the busiest part of the island with shops, cafes and restaurants. Many excursions also depart from here. Perfect for an evening stroll or a drink by the sea.
Experience culture and traditions
In summer there are often local festivals (Panigiria) that focus on traditional music, dance and food. These are a great way to get to know the local culture.
Snorkeling and diving
The clear Aegean Sea makes Serifos ideal for snorkeling or diving adventures. Some beaches, such as Koutalas, are particularly suitable for this.
Enjoy peace and quiet
Serifos is ideal for anyone who wants to escape mass tourism. Here you can enjoy the silence and simple island life, far away from the hustle and bustle of the large Cycladic islands.
Do you have feedback, an addition, found an error or a comment? Send us an email to: mail@griechenland-insel.de
Comments
Reader Stefan’s comment:
I would like to make a few additions and comments about the island of Serifos, as some of the comments or information in your internet post are a little out of date. Please do not regard my information as criticism but as a contribution to making the island even more attractive for other visitors. We ourselves have owned a house on Serifos for years and have just spent three weeks there again. We therefore believe that we can provide up-to-date information.
Livadi
Bank: There is a bank on Serifos in Livadi, the Alpha Bank. The opening times are from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. every morning.
Beach: The popular beach at Camping Coralli is actually called Livadakia and there are now a few additional beach bars there with beach volleyball etc.
Most beautiful beaches
The most beautiful beach on Serifos is definitely Psili Amos (translated: fine sand), about 10 minutes’ drive east of Livadi. There are 2 tavernas on the beach, the one to the north of which has very good food. A bay in front of Psili Amos is also suitable for nude bathing (Agio Sostis).
After Psili Amos, the very beautiful beaches are Livadakia (with the most extensive range of beach tavernas), Ramos and Ganema (both in the southwest of the island), although Ganema also has a beach tavern. Koutalas and Megalo Livadi are not currently recommended as bathing beaches, but the beach at Sykamia in the north of the island is (also with a beach tavern).
Roads Serifos
The road network on Serifos is currently being expanded and most of the roads – including those to the beaches/bays – are asphalted and easy to drive on.
Ferries Serifos
In high season (from mid-July to September) ferries travel to the port town of Livadi up to 4 times a day. At least 2 come from Athens. There are even more ferries on Fridays and Sundays.
Tourist Info
Serifos has set up a tourist information office in Livadi. German is also spoken there (Brigitte). She works every afternoon from 2 p.m. and is very helpful.
Comment from another reader:
Hello Stefan! 37 times in Greece, seen a lot, photographed a lot, had a great connection to these people and the country. Serifos is one of my favorite islands. My favorite bay is Vagia – in front of Ganema. My favorite place is the tavern in Koutalas, where the beach/sea is definitely suitable for swimming – especially after an afternoon nap under the tamarisks.
In Mega Livadi you can only eat well, but really not swim!
In Psili Ammos I had a better experience in the first, “more southerly” tavern.
And then there’s the Taverna Margharita at the end of Livadi!!
Send my best regards to everyone, I may not be able to come back to Serifos until 2012 (unfortunately).