The Cyclades Without the Crowds
Serifos is one of the Cyclades' best-kept secrets — a rocky, hilly island where the dramatic hilltop Chora (village) tumbles down a steep peak above the port, and where rugged walking trails connect a string of beautiful, largely uncrowded beaches. While Mykonos and Santorini overflow in summer, Serifos retains a genuine island quietness that feels increasingly rare.
The island has a strong identity: whitewashed cube houses, windmills, an iron-mining past that left fascinating industrial ruins, and locals who seem genuinely pleased to see visitors rather than overwhelmed by them.
Top Spots
- Chora: The hilltop capital is one of the most dramatic Cycladic villages — a cascade of whitewashed houses rising steeply from the port below, crowned by a ruined medieval kastro. The view from the top at sunset is exceptional.
- Livadi Port: The arrival point and main resort area — a relaxed bay with a sandy beach, waterfront tavernas, and easy access to the rest of the island.
- Psili Ammos Beach: The island's finest beach — a sheltered sandy cove at the end of a scenic dirt road, with remarkably clear water.
- Kiklopes Cave: A coastal sea cave linked to the Perseus myth — according to legend, Serifos is where Perseus brought the head of Medusa.
- Iron Mine Ruins: The abandoned 19th-century mining infrastructure on the northern coast makes for compelling industrial photography against the Aegean backdrop.
Walking the Island
Serifos has a well-marked network of old mule paths connecting most of the island's settlements and beaches. The walk from Chora down to Psili Ammos (about 2 hours) is one of the finest half-day hikes in the Cyclades, passing through terraced hillsides and abandoned farmsteads.
Practical Tips
- Serifos is reached by ferry from Piraeus (Athens) in about 2.5 hours on the fast boat.
- The island is small enough to explore without a car if you stay in Livadi, but hiring an ATV opens up the northern beaches.
- Accommodation is limited — book ahead for July and August.
- Combine with nearby Sifnos (30-min ferry hop) for a perfect island-hopping pair.