Serifos

Cyclades, Greece

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 at no extra cost!

White houses at the village of Chora in Serifos

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 devine local architecture. The picturesque village is also home to many hotels, restaurants, bars, and traditional tavernes.

How to get to Serifos

You can get to Serifos by ferry from Athens. 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. You can swim in crystal-clear waters at both organized and secluded beaches. 

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

Beaches in Serifos

The beaches of Serifos remain relatively untouched and cover all tastes. You will find both organized and remote beaches, accessible only via a picturesque walking path. 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 two amazing beaches stretching across a narrow strip of land. There are no visitor amenities, so make sure you bring all beach essentials.
  • Psili Ammos:  it is one of the most popular beaches in Serifos. This sandy beach with turquoise waters 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 2 beach bar-cafés.
  • Livadakia: this is a family-friendly beach with natural shade and facilities, close to the port of Serifos. 
  • Vagia: it’s a semi-organized sandy beach with emerald waters. Make sure to explore its beautiful seabed covered with colorful pebbles.
  • 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 no visitor amenities. You can get to the beach by taking a 20-minute hiking trail.
  • 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. Make sure you bring water and snacks, and bear in mind that there’s no natural shade.

The beach of Psili Ammos in Serifos with heavenly waters

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:

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

Derelict old bridge at an old mining site in 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. 

All day café-bar-restaurant Stou Stratou in Chora is one of our favorites! Most bars and tavernes play lounge or traditional Greek music. Although nightlife in Serifos is mostly about getting together with your close ones over drinks and mezzes, there are a few clubs around the island if you feel like dancing.

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.

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
  • Marathotiganites: deep-fried fennel balls 
  • Matsi: fresh pasta
  • 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

Cute cafe at the main square of Chora in Serifos

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 two villages are a 10-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:

  • Avessalos
  • Chora
  • Livadi
  • Livadakia
  • Ramos
  • Koutalas
  • Megalo Chorio
  • Megalo Livadi
  • Panagia
  • Galani
  • Kentarchos

The beautiful windmills of Chora dressed in the sunset light

Impressive windmills in Chora at sunset

Useful information for 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 camping site in Livadakia, one of the most popular in Greece. 

On the island, there are super markets, 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:

  • Regional Medical Center of Serifos: +302281051202 
  • Pharmacy: +302281051700 
  • Port Authority of Serifos: +302281051470
  • Police Station: +302281051300
  • Citizen Service Center of Serifos (KEP): +302281052545
  • Public bus service (KTEL): +302281051034
  • 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.

Avlomonas beach, the beach closest to the port of Livadi

Boats anchored at Avlomonas beach in Livadi, Serifos 

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 route is serviced by various ferry companies and the journey duration is 5 hours with standard vessels and 2.5 hours with high speed vessels. 

Good to know: occasionally, there are ferries from the port of Lavrion to Serifos in the summer.

Where to book ferry tickets online to Serifos

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!

Frequent ferry connections

Nearby destinations

Serifos has direct ferry connections to 14 ports :

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