Serifos

Serifos is a beautiful island, ideal for off-the-beaten-track holidays. With its calming atmosphere, this up-and-coming gem of the Cyclades promises relaxing, fun and memorable holidays. 

On this Ferryhopper page, you can find tips for the best beaches, villages and food on the island. You will also find useful information about the ferry trip to Serifos, all available ferry connections and book ferry tickets with ease!

White houses of traditional architecture at the village of Chora in Serifos

Vacation in Serifos

Serifos is an idyllic destination, distinguished by its wild charm and untamed nature. The island is famous for its impressive rocky landscape and magnificent beaches. 

Chora, the island’s capital, is one of the most beautiful villages in the Cyclades and charms visitors with its divine local architecture. The picturesque village is also home to many hotels, restaurants, bars, and traditional tavernes.

How to get to Serifos

You can easily get to Serifos by ferry from Athens. Serifos is, in fact, one of the closest Cyclades to the capital of Greece.

There are regular ferry routes from the port of Piraeus in Athens to Serifos throughout the year. Since there’s no airport in Serifos, this is the only way to reach the island from mainland Greece. Find more information on how to travel by ferry to Serifos below.

What to do in Serifos

Serifos is said to be the native land of the mythical Cyclopes and although you won’t see any during your visit, there are many monuments and archaeological sites that you can explore. 

Apart from its rich past, Serifos is also home to many amazing beaches of inimitable beauty, both organized and secluded beaches, accessible only via a picturesque walking path. 

Moreover, Ferryhopper suggests visiting the whitewashed Chora and more picturesque villages, trying local specialties, hiking to the steep mountains, and enjoying the energy of a warm summer night.

Beaches in Serifos

Serifos has a seemingly endless number of beaches – and indeed, locals claim there are over 70 of them. Some have coarse sand while others are rocky, but overall, one thing is certain - the beaches of Serifos are perfect for peace and quiet. 

Here are some of the best beaches in Serifos according to ferryhoppers:

• Agios Sostis: these are 2 amazing beaches stretching across a narrow strip of land with coarse sand and clear, glassy waters. There are no visitor amenities but you will find natural shade under the tamarisk trees. The photographer in you will be inspired by the eponymous whitewashed chapel here.
• Psili Ammos: it is one of the most popular beaches in Serifos. This beach with turquoise waters and golden sand has no sun loungers and umbrellas, but you can find 2 traditional tavernes for a delicious after-swim meal.
• Ganema: Ganema is one of the largest beaches in Serifos. One part of the beach is sandy, while the other is covered with pebbles. There are tamarisk trees offering shade, as well as 1 taverne.
• Livadakia: this is a family-friendly beach with natural shade and facilities, close to the port of Serifos. There are many hotels, rooms and restaurants nearby.
• Vagia: it’s a semi-organized sandy beach with emerald waters. Make sure to explore its beautiful seabed covered with colorful pebbles. Here you will find a hotel, villas and a canteen serving delicious snacks and refreshments.
• Sikamia: this beach offers an ideal spot to relax. There are plenty of tamarisk trees for shade and there’s also a restaurant.
• Kalo Ampeli: Kalo Ampeli is a remote beach with turquoise waters. You can get to the beach by taking a 20-minute hiking trail running adjacent to the small chapel of Sotiras.
• Lia: this unspoilt beach has colorful pebbles and deep blue waters. You can get there by driving on a dirt road, followed by a 10-minute hike. It’s nude-friendly and boasts a view towards Vou islet. Make sure you bring water and snacks.

The magical beach of Psili Ammos in Serifos

Sightseeing in Serifos

Serifos is an island with a rich history and many unique attractions. There are many monuments dating back to ancient times, as well as several sites of great historical importance from the island’s modern history. 

Some of the best things to see during your vacation in Serifos:

• The White Tower (Aspros Pyrgos), built in the 4th century BCE 
• The lighthouse at Cape Spathi 
• The ancient burial monument of Tholos (dome) at the northern end of Kallitsos village
• The Gria Castle (Castle of the Old Woman), situated above Koutalas 
• The Castle of Chora
• The Old Mines in Megalo Livadi 
• The throne (also called Psaropyrgos by the locals) and cave of the Cyclops
• The old wash house in the Paspari or Mesa Pigadi area 
• The Monastery of the Taxiarches
• The Folklore Museum of Serifos in Chora
• The Archaeological Museum of Serifos

Industrial bridge at the Old Mines of Serifos in Megalo Livadi

Nightlife in Serifos

Nights in Serifos are laid-back and romantic. There are many bars, cafés and restaurants in Chora and Livadi, where you can drink delicious cocktails and try amazing local dishes. Stou Stratou in Chora and Yacht Club in Livadi are one of our favorites!

Although nightlife in Serifos is mostly about getting together with your close ones over drinks and mezzes, there are a few cocktail bars around the island if you feel like dancing until the early morning hours such as Gaidaros and Vatraxos.

The ultimate summer experience in Serifos is to attend a local festival. These local celebrations take place mostly from July to September and they're a great way to have fun, dance to Greek tunes and experience the island’s authentic lifestyle. The most famous is the Panigiri of Panagia Skopiani on the 14th-15th of August.

Food in Serifos

The rich terrain of Serifos has blessed the local cuisine with local products of exceptional quality. The rocks and minerals found on the island intensify the flavors, creating unique products and mouth watering dishes. 

Some local dishes and delicacies that you should definitely try are:

• louza (cured pork with herbs and spices)
• tsigarides (fried pork fat)
• marathotiganites (deep-fried fennel balls)
• lakkou cheese (cured cheese with herbs, fermented into a pit)
• revithada (chickpea stew with rosemary)
• deep-fried sun-dried tomatoes
• pastelli (sesame and honey bar)
• souma (strong alcoholic drink infused with saffron)
• local wine

Stou Stratou, a traditional café with blue chairs in Serifos

Villages in Serifos

The largest villages in Serifos are Livadi and Chora on the northeast part of the island. These 2 villages are a 10-15 minute drive from each other. Chora is a typical Cycladic village with white houses, paved alleys and blue window frames, and it is built on the hillside of an impressive rock.

Livadi, the main port of Serifos, is where most permanent residents live. It is also a great place to stay if you’re looking for a variety of shops, restaurants, bars, and hotels. Ferryhopper suggests that you visit more of the island’s villages, to admire the local architecture and try amazing dishes at the kafeneia. Here are some of the top villages in Serifos:

• Chora
• Livadi
• Livadakia
• Ramos
• Koutalas
• Megalo Livadi
• Panagia
• Galani
• Kallitsos/Kentarchos

Tip: if you’re feeling adventurous, hike down to the stunning Kentarchos beach, under the beautiful village of Kallitsos. There is a 1 km path that connects the village to the beautiful beach but it’s quite challenging and not well formed.

Impressive windmills in Chora at sunset

Useful information about Serifos

Serifos is a great holiday destination as it offers many visitor amenities, despite its traditional and unspoilt character. 

When it comes to accommodation, there are numerous options throughout the island. If you’re into camping, you can stay at the campsite in Livadakia, one of the most popular in Greece. Serifos also have a few yoga retreats, perfect for experienced yogis who want to deepen their practice.

On the island, there are supermarkets, car rentals, a gas station, an ATM, a pharmacy, a post office, and a regional medical center in Chora. There’s also a helipad if you’re thinking of flying there by private helicopter!

Useful phone numbers for your stay in Serifos

Find some useful phone numbers for your trip to Serifos below:

• Port Authority of Serifos: +302281051470
• Regional Medical Center of Serifos: +302281051202 
• Pharmacy: +302281051700
• Police Station: +302281051300
• Citizen Service Center of Serifos (KEP): +302281052545
• European emergency number: 112

Transportation in Serifos

To get around Serifos you can use the public bus network, catch a taxi or drive your own vehicle. There are frequent bus routes from Livadi and Chora to other major villages, but not all villages are accessible by bus. 

Ferryhopper suggests that you bring your car or motorcycle, or rent one on the island if you wish to explore the hidden gems of Serifos. There are various rental services to choose from throughout the island.

Ports in Serifos

The port of Serifos is located at the village of Livadi on the southeastern coast of the island, which is protected from the wind. 

In the port area you will find plenty of traveler amenities, such as supermarkets, cafés, restaurants, car rentals, and hotels. Livadi is also the starting point for buses doing itineraries to beaches and more villages on the island.

Island hopping from Serifos

Are you thinking of going island hopping in the Cyclades? Serifos is the perfect place to start your island-hopping experience in Greece! There are regular ferry departures from Serifos to Sifnos, Milos and Kythnos, as well as more islands in the Cyclades. 

The main destinations that you can visit directly by ferry from Serifos are:

• Andros
• Ios
• Kimolos
• Kythnos
• Milos
• Paros
• Santorini
• Sikinos
• Sifnos
• Syros
• Tinos
• Folegandros

Tip: on our Map of ferries, you can see all the available ferry routes from Serifos, so that you can easily organize your island hopping in the Cyclades.

View of Avlomonas beach and the picturesque village and port of Livadi

Serifos ferry: schedules and tickets

There are frequent ferry routes from the port of Piraeus in Athens to Serifos. During the summer months, you can catch a ferry to Serifos daily. The Piraeus - Serifos ferry route is serviced by various ferry companies and the journey duration is 4.5-5 hours with standard vessels and 2-2.5 hours with high-speed vessels.

Book ferry tickets to Serifos online

Book cheap ferry tickets to Serifos on Ferryhopper with no hidden fees! Find all you need to know about Serifos ferries, including departure times, discounts and prices, and organize your trip to the Cycladic islands with just a few clicks. Get ready to discover this paradise and experience your dreamy vacation!