Serifos (Σέριφος in Greek) is a small Greek island (around 75 square kilometers) in the Cyclades, between Kythnos and Sifnos. It has a population of just 1,500.
Serifos is a hidden treasure, often overlooked by tourists. Yet this island is well worth a detour. Here are the top things to do in Serifos.
As for practical information on Serifos (how to get there, good addresses, etc.), you’ll find it in this article.
1- Serifos: discover an authentic island off the beaten track
It’s hard to find a Greek island that isn’t overrun with tourists. And yet, Serifos is a quiet island, often overlooked and consequently less frequented than its neighbors (there are still crowds in August, of course… but fewer than on other Cycladic islands). Serifos has preserved its authenticity. Its simplicity, the beauty of its arid landscapes and its wild beaches are sure to enchant visitors.
Easily accessible by ferry from the port of Piraeus, Serifos is an ideal stopover (for 2 or 3 days, for example) before a trip to Sifnos or other Cycladic islands.
2- Let yourself be carried away by Serifos’ legendary past
This island is rich in history. According to Greek mythology, Perseus, son of Zeus and Danae, grew up in Serifos, where he found refuge with his mother after his grandfather threw them both into the sea. Polydectès, king of Serifos, fell in love with Danae. As his love was not reciprocated, he sent Perseus to kill Medusa, in the hope that he would not return alive. Perseus succeeded in decapitating Medusa, using Athena’s shield as a mirror so as not to be petrified by the creature’s gaze. Returning to Serifos with Medusa’s head, Perseus transformed King Polydeches into a stone statue.
Serifos has also been renowned for its iron and coppermines since antiquity . The island enjoyed a prosperous period in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, when mining companies set up operations. But it was also here, on August 21, 1916, that a bloody revolution took place that has become an integral part of the island’s history. Miners had gone on strike to protest against their working conditions and demand better pay. The police, called in as reinforcements, charged and fired on the strikers, killing four and wounding twelve. Three policemen were also killed, stoned to death by the local population who, alerted by the miners’ wives, revolted.
The island was also frequented by pirates.
3– What to do in Serifos Visit the island’s jewel: Chora
Chora, the island’s capital, is unique in its appearance. A visit to Serifos is a must. Absolutely!
Perched high on the mountain, the village appears from below like a glistening white jewel against a rocky landscape. As you enter the village, you’ll be charmed by its typical Cycladic style, narrow streets, tiny houses decorated with bougainvillea and winding staircases. We also like the pretty central square with its church, neoclassical town hall and cafés with colorful chairs.
Chora has a lot of charm and is particularly pleasant for a stroll at the end of the day.
Climb to the top of the village via the labyrinth of steps leading to the chapel of Agios Konstantinos and the kastro (ancient Venetian fortress). From here, you can enjoy breathtaking views of the Aegean Sea and the surrounding islands (Andros, Paros, Sifnos and Milos).
4- Relax on the wild beaches of Serifos
Among the things to do in Serifos, swimming occupies an important place. There are over 70 beautiful beaches on the island of Serifos. Most of them are not equipped, so you’ll need to bring your own water. Fortunately, they are usually lined with trees that generously offer shade.
Our favourite beaches in Serifos
- Platis Gialos: a beautiful beach on the north of the island, with a pleasant taverna overlooking it.
- Psili Ammos: a pretty beach on the west coast, lined with trees that provide shade and coolness. There are two good taverns here.
- Vagia: a stony strip of sand with the Cocomat hotel ‘s private beach at one end and a dozen deckchairs at the other. In between, a large undeveloped area. The sea is deep and the beach has a wild side. It feels like the end of the world.
- Koutalas: a small white and blue chapel, tamarisk trees, a few moored boats, cicadas singing. A real pleasure!
- Megalo Livadi: a picturesque reminder of the island’s mining past (the miners’ revolt of 1916 took place here). A narrow strip of sand, lined with trees and taverns. From here, you can see one of the sights of Serifos: an old ore-loading bridge. At the end of the road, don’t miss the imposing neoclassical building with its tall palm trees. Now abandoned, it was once the headquarters of a major mining company.
- Livadi Beach: this beach is within walking distance of the port. There are many cafés, taverns, hotels and souvenir stores along the seafront.
Among the many things to do on Serifs, the island also offers some very pretty walks for hikers (maps on sale in the port stores).
For practical information on Serifos, click here.
Enjoy your stay in Serifos!
Laure M.
