SERIFOS, GREECE: THE ROAD LESS TRAVELED IN THE CYCLADES

Off to Greece this summer? If you’re looking for a destination in the Cyclades that hasn’t been overrun with tourists, the island of Serifos is a favorite amongst the Greeks. It sits just north of Milos and Sifnos in the Aegean Sea, accessible only by ferry (there is no airport on the island). Similar to its Cycladic neighbors, Serifos is home to a white-washed Chora, beautiful Greek churches and a picturesque coastline. It’s a small island, much of it is undeveloped and feels very off-the-beaten-path, if that’s the vibe you’re going for. Below is my complete Serifos travel guide including must-visit beaches, churches, towns, sights, hotels, bars, restaurants, Google Map pins and more.

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Strou Stratou is the cutest cafe in the Chora.

SERIFOS TRAVEL TIPS

• CURRENCY – The official currency of Greece is the Euro. While most places take credit card, it’s useful to have cash handy for smaller purchases.
• WINDS – Keep plans on Serifos fluid. This part of the Cyclades is notorious for strong winds, and you might need to abandon beach plans if things get a bit too breezy.
• TIPPING – Tipping is appreciated for good service at bars, cafes and restaurants, and a 10%-15% tip is usually sufficient.
• STAY CONNECTED – Most hotels and restaurants have free wifi, but for 24/7 connection I suggest purchasing an eSIM right before your trip.

The remote Panagia Skopiani sits on the rugged north coast of the island.

WHEN TO VISIT SERIFOS

• JUNE AND SEPTEMBER – This is the best balance of warm weather before and after the busier summer months.
• JULY AND AUGUST – Crowds on Serifos pale in comparison to neighboring islands, but July and August do draw the most visitors. Heat waves are also more common this time of the year.
• APRIL TO MARCH – Shoulder season is hit and miss with the weather and the island won’t be fully opened yet, and during winter the island is cold and closed for the off season.

HOW MANY DAYS ON SERIFOS

THREE DAYS. Serifos is small island without a ton to see – it’s really only the Chora, Livadi and a handful of beaches. Three full days is enough time to visit the main sights and shops, as well as hit up the best bars and restaurants.

PLACES TO VISIT ON SERIFOS

CASTLE OF THE CHORA

The ancient remains of a Venetian castle rest at the top of the Chora. The views are spectacular, and you’ll pass several beautiful Greek churches on the hike up.

CHORA

Spend a lot of time in the island Chora. It’s the beating heart of Serifos, home to a white-washed labyrinth of restaurants, bars, windmills, churches and little boutiques. Most visitors pour in later in the day when much of the Chora opens up. It’s a great vibe for an evening stroll, drinks and dinner, but it’s worth visiting in the morning as well when the town is empty and serene.

CHURCH OF AGIOS KONSTANTINOS

Beautiful church perched high atop the Kastro, at the highest point of the Chora. The panoramic views of the surrounding sea are sweeping, and the white church with a blue door is completely charming.

LIVADI

Livadi is the main port on Serifos. The waterfront is a hub of tavernas, bars, gelato shops and a few tour agencies. It’s a great spot in the evenings to grab drinks and dinner.

MONASTERY OF TAXIARCHES

This white-washed monastery dates back to the 16th century, and looks more like a Greek castle than a church. It’s serene and lovely with white-washed pathways, blooming bougainvilleas, Greek bell towers and archways.

PANAGIA SKOPIANI CHURCH

Beautiful blue dome church located on the remote northeast coast of Serifos. White framed stones form a pathway that leads down to Panagia Skopiani, perched on the cliff overlooking the sea.

SERIFAN WINDMILLS

A set of three white windmills can be found in Pano Chora, located just above the island’s main Chora directly above the parking lot. The view is lovely with the Kastro serving as the backdrop.

BEST SERIFOS BEACHES

AGIOS SOSTIS BEACH

This stunning beach is actually two mirrored bays on the east coast of Serifos. The blue water is idyllic on a sunny day with no winds, and there is a blue and white Greek churched that sits above the southern bay. Also, look for the large swim platform carved into the rocks, just below the church.

GANAMA BEACH

A long sandy beach of the west coast that is protected from much of the wind on the island. On a warm calm day, Ganama Beach is an idyllic little paradise, and even on a windy day it’s one the few swimmable beaches on Serifos. Pack food and water – there are no facilities.

KALO AMPELI BEACH

Kalo Ampeli might be the most stunning beach on Serifos. The protected bay is a vibrant shade of blue, and sits surrounded by rugged cliffs and rocks. It’s a bit of work to reach, requiring a painless 20-minute hike down to the water. There is no shade, and no facilities, so packing umbrellas, food and water.

PSILI AMMOS BEACH

Psili Ammos is one of the most popular beaches on Serifos, and for good reason. The shore is sandy, the shallow water is calm (great for kids!) and the shades of turquoise are completely stunning. There are a handful of tavernas to grab lunch, and plenty of natural shade from the surrounding trees.

BEST SERIFOS HOTELS

DREAMY CYCLADIC LUXURY VILLA

Newly built two-bedroom villa that occupies its own slice of cliff on the island’s west coast. The views are beyond spectacular. Floor to ceiling windows throughout the villa overlook the piercing blue Aegean Sea, and give a screen saver illusion. The private terrace of the Cycladic Luxury Villa sits perched over sweeping views of spectacular Kalo Ampeli Beach.

HOMA SERIFOS POOL VILLAS

Homa Serifos Pool Villas are home to three luxurious two-bedroom villas, located near Ganama Beach on the west coast of the island. The design of the space is beautiful. I love the minimalist Cycladic style, use of textures and the neutral sandy color palette.

INFINITY VIEW VILLA

Villa stays seem to be the way to go on Serifos. Infinity View Villa is another amazing option, this one located on the west coast of the island. The space is minimalist with lots of grays, whites and neutral tones. There are three bedrooms, two bedrooms and private terrace with sweeping sea views.

NAUTILUS SERIFOS

The nine apartments at Nautilus Serifos are located in Lavadi, walking distance to the sea, and some of the best restaurants on Serifos. The property is nothing fancy, but apartments are clean, simply and modern.

NOSTOS SERIFOS

Mid-range boutique property located just five minutes from Livadi. The rooms and bathrooms are on the smaller side, but it does the job if you’re looking for a simple, clean and modern place to stay.

PENDE NATURA RESIDENCES

This is the best upscale option on Serifos. The property sits on the west coast overlooking Kalo Ampeli. Pende Natura Residences is home to two restored cottages, both transformed into two-bedroom luxury residences. The Bohemian spaces are adorned with chestnut wood, Greek reed, granite stone, rough textiles and a color palette of naturals.

PENDE SUITES

Pende Suites is a sister property to the Pende Natura Residences. This boutique hotel is located Livadi. The suites aren’t nearly as luxury as the residences, but the space is clean, modern and convenient.

Cycladic Luxury Villa interiors.

WHERE TO EAT & DRINK ON SERIFOS

AXINOS SERIFOS

Axinos is one of the best high end dining spots on the island. The seaside location is completely serene with views of the white-washed waterfront. Axinos serves Greek Mediterranean cuisine including ceviche, tartare, grilled shrimp, fresh fish, lobster pasta, orzo with shrimp and more. Reservations recommended.

BLU BAMBOO

Not the world’s best Thai food, but if you tire of Greek and Mediterranean cuisine, Blu Bamboo might be a nice change. Menu offerings include traditional Thai dishes including soups, stir frys, curries and noodles.

CHERIE GELATO

Cute gelato shop located next to Scoop in Livadi with a flavor menu that includes strawberry, mango, lemon, cheesecake, Stracciatella, Madagascar vanilla, hazelnut, salted caramel, cookies, peanut butter and more.

FRAGKOSYKO

Casual spot for Western breakfast in Livadi. The menu includes egg dishes, a variety of toasts, pancakes, fresh fruit, cocktails and more.

GAIDAROS

For fab evening cocktails, head to Gaidaros. The cutest bar on Serifos is located in the Chora with a rooftop setting overlooking the island. People spill out onto the surrounded stone steps at night and it’s an absolute vibe.

LEPI LEPI

Lepi Lepi is a little taverna with tables on the bay. It sits at the end of the waterfront in Livadi. The specialty is seafood and menu includes mussels, grilled prawns, fresh fish and more. The grilled sea bream and langoustine were delicious.

OH MY GELATO

This is a charming little gelato shop that sits up in the Chora that is only open in the evenings. Favors include watermelon, cheesecake & forest fruits, mango, dark chocolate, pistachio and more.

SCOOP SERIFOS

Absolutely delicious gelato shop along the waterfront that scoops a variety of flavors onto delicious flaky cones imported from Barcelona. Flavors include chocolate, pistachio, salted caramel, mango sorbet and more.

SERIANI

Most of the better restaurants on Serifos are located down in Livadi, but Seriani is the one exception. It sits on the vibrant square up in the Chora where white wooden tables are scattered around the beautiful white-washed restaurant. Seriani serves Greek cuisine. Highlights on the menu include the fresh pasta and grilled seafood.

STOU STRATOU

This is the cutest cafe on the island. It’s located in the main square of the Chora – the restaurant with the scattering of turquoise taverna-style tables. Food is just okay, but it’s worth grabbing a coffee just to enjoy the vibe of Stou Stratou.

THIDIRA TAP CONCEPT BAR

Another charming bar in the Serifos Chora with fizzy home-brewed cocktails on tap, Greek beers and a full bar. Thidira Concept Bar is located in the main square, one of the most picturesque places on the island for evening drinks.

TOOTSIE

Casual spot to grab a quick gyro or souvlaki plate. The Livadi location near the port makes it a great place to pick up lunch while waiting for the ferry.