Serifos

The island of Serifos is located between Kythnos and Sifnos. It has villages with white houses, small and characteristic churches and windmills. Its natural beauty, which is also its main economic asset, attracts many tourists.

Since ancient times the history of Serifos is connected to the mines present on the island which contributed to the prosperity of the islanders. During prehistoric times the Cretans discovered and explored the minerals of the island. In 1800 BC. C. the Mycenaeans reached Serifos, preceded by the Phoenicians. In 146 BC. C. the Romans conquered the island which in the same period was repeatedly attacked by pirates. During the Venetian domination the island experienced a surprising cultural and economic growth. The Venetians brought slaves to the island and the mines were reopened after 1000 years. The mines were closed during the Turkish domination, a period in which the island suffered a lot from pirate attacks and a general regression. In 1870 the Greek state gave the first concession to the first mining company to exploit the mines.

According to mythology, the island of Serifos, "the iron island" as it was called, was inhabited by mighty giants, the Cyclopes, who lived in a cave near Psaropyrgos. The construction of the huge walls found all over the island, the remains of which are said to be the walls of Liomandra and the White Tower, are attributed to them.

The island of Serifos very significantly represents the traditional cycladic architecture, with its cubic houses, flat roofs, colored wooden windows, narrow paved alleys, small courtyards, small churches with sky-colored or white domes, all gathered on the hillsides or along the shoreline. The local wines are quite special. The island is also well known for its honey, bread, sweets and almonds.

Local buses leave from Chora, also called Serifos Town, and take you to the many beaches of the island. One of the best ways to discover the island is to rent a car or motorbike. In this way it is also possible to explore all those beaches or places not reached by public transport.

Serifos

The nearest airport is on the island of Milos. From here Serifos can be reached by ferry. The journey takes approximately 2 hours. Serifos is also well connected throughout the year with the Port of Piraeus. From Serifos you can visit the nearby islands of Ios (7 hours), Santorini (9 hours), Kimolos (about 2 hours), Kithnos (1 hour and 30), Naxos, Anafi, Amorgos, Crete, Rhodes.

On the island there are splendid suggestive places to visit

Livadi

4 km south of Chora, it is the main port of the island and the most developed resort. It has a long sandy beach which becomes very popular because, due to the presence of the port, it is the first place where tourists arrive. Livadi offers a wide choice of hotels, restaurants, taverns, bars, clubs.

Koutalas

It is located on the south-western side of the island. The locality is characterized by numerous remains of ancient houses, traces of ancient defensive walls, architectural remains of a Christian basilica. There are also ruins of a Hellenic tower known as “Aspropyrgos” or “Lefkos Pyrgos” which means “White Tower” and is a strong source of tourist attraction. Koutalas has a beautiful beach and nearby is Ganema Vagia beach. Near the city there is a castle and a cave, very well known today, discovered by chance when its entrance was connected to the tunnels used for the extraction of minerals. The inside of the cave is wonderful due to the presence of stalactites and stalagmites with interesting shapes and, according to numerous findings, the cave was used as a place of worship in the past.

Megalo Livadi

10 km southwest of Chora, it is a very picturesque seaside village with some tourist facilities and a lovely beach, which is one of the main attractions. In the past it experienced a great economic growth for the extraction of minerals, in particular the extraction of bauxite. In fact, the village was born around 1880 when the mining industry reached its maximum splendour. Some elements that recall its past can be visited, such as the 1932 mining staircase and the Metalworkers' Monument, erected as evidence of the origins of Megalo Livadi.

Ancient Mines

The mines of Serifos, now abandoned, were an important resource of the island until 1964, when they were closed.

White Tower

It is located between the capital and Magalo Livadi and dates back to the Hellenistic period.

Church of Panagia

It is located in the locality of Panagia and is one of the best known places in Serifos, both for its historical importance and because it is the oldest Byzantine church on the island. A huge festival is also held here in honor of the saint.

Taxiarchon monastery

It is located in Galani, just 1 km from Panagia. It was built in 1572 and is a men's monastery. In 1617 a school was founded. The building has the characteristics of a fortress and is built within high walls. The Monastery is dedicated to the Archangels Michael and Gabriel, protectors of the island.

The capital of the island of Serifos

Chora (or Serifos Town)

Located on the eastern side of the island, it is spread over a hill, 5 km from the port of Livadi. It is a very picturesque place with traditional Cycladic architecture. It has several windmills some of which have been converted into original houses. Two entrances remain from its medieval past, one of which bears a coat of arms from the period of Venetian domination. The traditional structure of the city has been respected over the centuries. No roads have been built inside for means of transport and its inhabitants use donkeys. Despite being the capital of the island Chora is not the most developed area in terms of trade and tourism, as Livadi is. However, Chora remains a precious place like a gem and refers to a medieval past.

To be seen

The castle

From the Venetian period, it was built in 1434 by the Mikelis family.

Church of San Costantino and San Giovanni Theologian

They are located on the highest point of a rock, and according to tradition, they were built on the remains of the ancient temple of Athena.

Windmills

At the entrance to the capital there are a series of windmills. Of these, only two have arrived in good condition and have been refurbished. Of the others visitors can see the remains.

Museums

Archaeological Museum

It is located in Chora and exhibits mainly objects from the Hellenistic and Roman periods, such as parts of temples,

funeral and marble columns and statues, inscriptions and other objects that bear witness to the history of the island. The exhibition includes finds from excavations carried out on the whole island and from the seabed.

Folklore Museum

It exhibits photographs, agricultural tools and objects that represent life on Serifos until a few decades ago.

Serifos

Beaches

The island offers more than 70 beaches and small bays for all tastes, rocky coasts, pebble beaches, beaches with golden sand and crystal clear waters, beaches accessible only by boat and others also by car, or on foot by walking along paths really characteristic.

Agios Sostis beach

7 km east of the capital, it is a very charming bay with soft sand and relaxing environment. Near the beach there is a small church that bears the same name.

Ganema beach

11 km southwest of Chora, it is a beautiful sandy beach with crystal clear waters. It has no facilities and provides a nice place to relax. Ganema beach has a beach with sand and pebbles, trees that give shade and shelter from the hot rays of the sun. Its beauty and tranquility are characteristics that never leave it, as it tends to never get crowded even during the summer high season. Those who are looking for peace and solitude will love this place.

Koutalas beach

11km southwest of Chora, is a long beach protected from the winds which, although popular, has a very relaxing environment. Koutalas beach never gets too crowded and has no tourist facilities. Along the beach there are some tavernas and trees that provide shade. Getting to the beach from Livadi is really simple, just follow the road. Near the beach there is a cave with stalactites and stalagmites. From Koutalas beach it is possible to reach the bay of Kalo Ambeli, a beach with sand and pebbles that can only be reached on foot, which offers a panoramic view of the island.

Livadi beach

4 km south of Chora, it is a long beach with clear waters. It has an intense nightlife for its many bars, clubs and traditional taverns. Its proximity to Livadi makes it easily accessible.

Livadakia beach

5 km south of Chora, it is among the most characteristic beaches of the island. It becomes particularly popular due to its proximity to the port and its tourist facilities: bars, taverns, accommodation. Tamarisk trees provide shade and shelter from the sun. The beach is well protected from the winds.

Psili Ammos beach

8km northeast of Chora, this is a pretty, rather isolated beach with no facilities. It is the ideal place to relax. The name "Psili Ammos" means "soft and fine beach". From Livadi the beach can be reached on foot, and the journey takes about an hour. Between Psili Ammos beach and Livadi there are a couple of small beaches like Agios Sostis beach. During the high summer season it is possible to reach these beaches via taxi-boats which depart from the port and also take you to the nearby caves.

Sikamia beach

10 km northwest of Chora, it is a secluded beach not subject to mass tourism, ideal for those who want maximum isolation. Sikamia beach is also one of the largest beaches in Serifos. It has sand and pebbles and trees providing shade. Near the beach there is the bay of Platis Gialos and the town of Galani where the Taxiarchon Monastery is located, one of the most important historical places on the island. Also in the vicinity of Sikamia beach are lovely unspoilt beaches and, to the west, the marinas of Koutalas and Megalo Livadi.

Lia beach

It is located 7 km southeast of Chora. It is a beautiful beach, with soft sand and crystal clear waters. It doesn't get crowded and is an ideal place for quiet and privacy. The road leading to the beach starts at the end of the port of Livadi and is not difficult to find. Just before arriving at the beach, about 300 meters away, the road becomes very dirt and it is preferable to leave the car and continue on foot. Being a remote beach it is a favorite with nudists.

Kalo Ampeli beach

It is located 7 km south of Chora and is a remote beach surrounded by a landscape of absolute beauty. The first part of the journey, which from the port of Livadi leads to the beach, can be done by car but the last part must be done on foot. The beach can also be reached by sea.

Fun

The island has a good nightlife and is full of traditional places such as taverns and excellent restaurants. There are clubs and bars, many of which are located in Livadi where you can have fun, drink and dance with local and international music. Festivals, an important part of the island's tradition, are one of the main attractions and provide great entertainment. The best known festival is the one dedicated to the Virgin Mary. It takes place on August 14 and lasts for three days.