Serifos is one of those Cycladic gems where you can still enjoy a tranquil getaway. It’s pleasantly lively but without the overwhelming chaos you might encounter on more popular islands.
The island’s capital, also known as Serifos, sits majestically at an elevation of 200 meters. Livadi, the port area, welcomes ferries from Piraeus and other islands, serving as the gateway to this quaint town.
With a lengthy coastline, Serifos boasts about 40 mapped beaches, though locals will tell you there are as many as 72. Each beach is stunning, characterized by crystal-clear, turquoise waters.
Personally, I find Chora to be the best place to stay on the island. However, there are several other intriguing areas that might suit your needs even better. Let’s explore them in detail!
1. Chora of Serifos, the best place to stay in Serifos island
Chora is the crown jewel of Serifos, beautifully draped over a hillside above Livadi Bay. This town is a perfect example of a medieval fortified settlement.
The architecture in Chora is quintessentially Cycladic, with whitewashed houses and narrow alleys neatly dividing the town into Upper and Lower Chora.
The heart of Chora is the Upper Town’s central square (Town Hall Square), where the neoclassical Town Hall building stands proudly.
Make sure to visit the Folklore Museum, the charming little theater, and the Archaeological Museum, which houses artifacts from the classical, Hellenistic, and Roman periods.
In Chora, remnants of its medieval past, including two loggias, and some ruins of the Venetian castle built in 1434 at the hilltop, can still be seen.
At the summit, the church of St. Constantine offers a breathtaking view of the surrounding islands like Sifnos, Kythnos, Milos, and Kimolos.
Just 8 kilometers from Chora lies Psili Ammos Beach, famed for its sandy shores and azure waters. It’s unspoiled by commercial development, offering only the natural shade of tamarisk trees.
Chora also boasts a vibrant nightlife with numerous bars, restaurants, and tavernas, along with a variety of accommodations, primarily houses. It’s only a 15-minute drive from the port and the sea, making it an excellent choice for your stay.
Best Hotels in Chora of Serifos
- (€€€) Serifos White: a traditional house for 4-5 people, in Chora of Serifos
- (€€) SELANA Suites Chora: studios with kitchenette and amazing view
- (€) The mermaid: a house with fully equipped kitchen and balcony
2. Livadi, where to stay in Serifos for nightlife
Livadi is the bustling port town of Serifos, where all visitors first set foot, arriving by ferry from Piraeus and other islands.
Located on the southeastern coast of the island, Livadi charms with its Cycladic architecture featuring white-washed houses and narrow lanes.
If you’re after vibrant nightlife on Serifos, Livadi is the place to be. The waterfront is lined with an array of bars, clubs, restaurants, and tavernas, perfect for enjoying a drink and some lively entertainment.
Here, you’ll also find one of the island’s largest beaches, Avlomonas, well-equipped with sun loungers, umbrellas, and a variety of water sports.
And, of course, there are plenty of spots to grab a drink or a cocktail while soaking in the gorgeous seaside views!
Best Hotels in Livadi
- (€€€) Kalami Suites: suites with garden and breakfast, 100m from Livadi port
- (€€) Astrio Suites: elegant suites with breakfast, 1,5km from Livadi beach
- (€) Akti Rooms And Studios: rooms and studios with fully equipped kitchen, located in Livadi port
3. Livadakia, best area to stay in Serifos for families and kids
Just a 10-minute walk from Livadi, you’ll stumble upon Livadakia. It’s practically an extension of Livadi and a fantastic place to consider for your stay.
Livadakia offers a variety of accommodations, from rental rooms to hotel facilities. Notably, it’s home to the only campground on the island, Camping Coralli, which sits right on the seaside.
Thanks to the campground, Livadakia draws a lively, diverse crowd. The amenities here are top-notch.
The beach is sandy, very kid-friendly, and equipped with water sports for an active day under the sun. The tamarisk trees and straw umbrellas provide much-needed shade during the hotter hours.
You’ll also find cafes and taverns along the beach, perfect if you don’t feel like trekking back to Livadi for a bite or a drink.
Best Hotels in Livadakia
- (€€€) Galazio Suites, Serifos: elegant suites with swimming pool, 400m from Livadakia beach
- (€€) Dorkas Luxury Rooms&Apartment: rooms and apartments, 300m from Livadakia beach
- (€) Alexandros Beach Resort – Serifos: a beachfront resort with rooms, restaurant and bar
4. Ramos, a quiet area to stay in Serifos
The settlement of Ramos was established after the 1821 revolution by farmers who wanted to move closer to the port. It’s just 1.5 kilometers from Livadi and has seen considerable growth recently.
Karavi Beach, the nearest beach to Ramos, is an untouched sandy haven with just a few tamarisk trees for shade, perfect for those seeking peace and solitude.
Make sure to visit the Church of Panagia of Ramos, especially on August 14th when a large festival is celebrated. The area also offers several restaurants and rental rooms if you’re thinking of staying overnight.
Ramos is an ideal spot in Serifos for those looking for a quiet retreat, yet it’s conveniently close to the busier Livadi.
Best Hotels in Ramos
- (€€€) Pénde Natura Residences:deluxe bungalows with breakfastm 2.5km from Ramos
- (€€) Serifos Blue: traditional units with breakfast, 750m from Karavi beach
- (€) Gaia Serifos Apartments: apartments with balcony, 500m from Karavi beach
5. Ormos Koutala (Koutalas Bay)
Ormos Koutala (Koutalas Bay), nestled at the southern tip of Serifos, comprises three beautiful beaches: Vagia, Ganema, and Koutalas. It’s a prime spot if you’re looking to stay secluded near some stunning beaches.
Vagia is the first beach you’ll encounter coming from Livadi. It’s wildly beautiful, with coarse sand and a mesmerizing seabed. I recommend catching a sunset here; the sun dips behind Aspros Kavos, offering a breathtaking view that feels like a dream.
Ganema is one of Serifos’ largest beaches. It’s half sandy with some scattered rocks and half covered with coarse, light-colored pebbles.
The waters are crystal clear on both sides of Ganema. If it’s windy, I suggest sticking to the pebbled western side for a more sheltered swim.
The third beach in line, Koutalas, stretches below the settlement. It’s a spacious beach with plenty of shade and refreshing waters, offering pebbles on the left and sand on the right.
In the Koutalas Bay area, you’ll find a few tavernas for meals. However, tourist facilities and accommodations are limited, keeping the area peaceful and unspoiled.
Best Hotels in Ormos Koutala
- (€€€) Livas Residence: villa for 4 people, swimming pool and breakfast, 6.7km from Koutalas
- (€€€) Serifos Dream Houses near the sea: housea for 5-6 people, 300m from Ganema beach
- (€€) Ammoa Beach Houses: villas close to Vagia beach
How to get to Serifos
The only way to reach this beloved island is by sea. Although there are limited ferry connections from nearby islands like Paros and Milos, these can be less frequent.
From Piraeus, however, you have more regular options. Ferries leave daily and you can choose between the conventional ferries, which take about 4.5 hours, or the high-speed services, cutting travel time to roughly 2 hours. Either way, you’re in for a scenic journey to Serifos!
2 Responses
Hola Pantelis! estamos viajando por primera vez a Atenas. Vi tus post y me interesa saber si podes recomendar sitio y tips de local para conocer tu ciudad. Gracias y saludos dsd Buenos Aires!
Hey Gaston, unfortunately i don’t speak spanish, but you can always check my 3 day Athens itinerary.