Serifos is the “iron lady” of the Cyclades. In mythology it is considered the island of Cyclops Polyphemus that Odysseus encountered on the return journey from Troy. The myth of Perseus and Medusa is also unfolding in Serifos!
Its steep shores, the deep blue of the sea and its land that gives birth to iron and granite make this fabulous place one of the most beautiful destinations for a quiet and relaxing vacation. Do not be late, come and discover the beautiful Serifos that hides small treasures in every corner!
In Livadi, the port of the island you will find most shops, taverns, cafes and bars for night entertainment.
The town of Serifos perched and fortified on a rocky hill dominates imposing when you reach the port and you will see it. One of the best examples of Cycladic aesthetics consists of two neighborhoods, Pano and Kato Chora.
A mansion and at the same time simple, it stands under the Venetian castle of the 15th century with labyrinthine cobbled streets, loggias from the Venetian rule, two-storey and three-storey houses and the picturesque district of Myla.
Climb to the top and admire the impressive view, the small churches built in the rock of Ag. Konstantinos and Ai Giannis and then wander the alleys to relax in one of the cafes and taverns.
Serifos also has several traditional settlements of special beauty. Ramos, Koutalas, Kentarchos, Galani, Megalo Chorio and Megalo Livadi are some of them. Take a walk along the cobbled streets and try the traditional cuisine of the island in one of the taverns.
The crystal clear waters and the beautiful shores of Serifos satisfy even the most demanding. In Agios Sostis you will find two beaches, one with pebbles and one with sand and tamarisk and in Ganema the same.
The idyllic Psili Ammos is waiting for you to enjoy its turquoise waters and to taste delicious dishes in the taverns by the sea. Sykamia and Vagia with their emerald waters are ideal for calm and relaxation.
Finally, if you have an appetite for walking, follow the paths that lead to the small cove of Kalo Ambeli and Lia with its wild beauty and colorful pebbles.
Activities
In Serifos you can take a quiet vacation and combine them with a lot of activities offered on the island.
- The island has a rich network of trails and walking routes for hiking enthusiasts. Magnificent coves, attractions, mining facilities and ruined villages are waiting for you to discover.
- If you are into extreme sports then get ready to raise your adrenaline by doing mountain biking on the slopes of the island, water sports in Livadi and Livadakia but also off road routes with 4×4 in the wild nature of Serifos.
- If you want to discover the seabed then on the island you will find a scuba diving school while if the sea calms you rent a boat and go around the pristine beaches of the island.
- Finally, if none of them catches your attention we suggest you get to know the tradition of the island and visit one of the summer festivals that are organized in the villages.
Sights
Serifos is full of sights, try to admire as much as you can!
- In Ano Chora you will find the Pano Piazza with the neoclassical building of the City Hall and the Square of the Mills with the three excellently maintained windmills.
- There you can also visit the Archaeological Collection of the island. Climb the numerous stairs and reach the top of the Castle and the church of Agios Konstantinos with the imposing sea view.
- In Kato Chora, visit Kato Piazza with the imposing church of Evangelistria that stands out for its bright and vibrant colors. Nearby you will find the Folklore Museum where objects of the daily life of the Serifians are housed and the traditional Serifian house of the past is represented.
- A special monument is the White Tower, a special building that probably in the past served as an observatory for this and the view from the spot is riveting.
- Serifos is inextricably linked to its mining history. Outside Koutalas, you will find parts of the island’s mining facilities such as wagons, rails, weighing units and loading ladders.
- In Megalo Livadi the image refers to an open-air mining museum. Half-destroyed bridges, arcades and wagons compose a special setting that is worth seeing.
- One of the most beautiful sights of the island that testifies to the glamor of another era is the Commandery, in Megalo Livadi. Neoclassical building of 1890, which housed the offices of the mining company with the majestic palm trees standing in front of it.
- The legend wants the Serifos residence of Cyclops Polyphemus. Near Megalo Chorio you will find a rectangular building called Throne of the Cyclops or Psaropyrgos. Nearby is the entrance of a gallery that is said to lead to the Cave of Polyphemus!
- You will find more than 100 churches and chapels scattered in Serifos. Definitely do not miss to visit the Monastery of the Brigadiers, a male monastery with a special fortress architecture!
In Serifos you will taste amazing Mediterranean cuisine with pure local products. Try fennel pancakes, sun-dried tomatoes, fava beans, local sausages and the Serifiotika canopies and definitely do not miss the rosemary “revithada” (chickpeas soup) which is considered one of the island’s specialties.
Serifos also produces amazing local wine but also a kind of raki, suma, that will drive you crazy!
The traditional sweets of the island have a Cycladic aroma. Macaroons, pastel on lemon leaf and pastries!
Leaving the island, take with you the unique thyme honey with wild lavender produced only in Serifos!
