Serifos island

General info
Serifos (Seriphos) is one of prettiest islands of the western Cyclades islands cluster, covering 75 square km and having a population of 1,400 residents approximately. It has a ravishing beauty due to its impressive relief, its rugged virginal landscape and its astounding beaches extending in a coastline of 82 km.

Though at first the island seems small and barren, the sight of its authentic Cycladic villages as they are bathing under the bright sunlight will soon captivate the visitor.  The  neoclassical houses and the delightful squares, the white-washed chapels that are perched on charming hills breathing almost a transcendental serenity, the  windmills  and the green small valleys, the serene bays and the exciting caves of stalactites and stalagmites compose an idyllic, enchanting atmosphere.

The ruins of archaeological monuments, the medieval castles and the old monasteries which are scattered around the island seem like a historic kaleidoscope through which the visitor can discover Serifos’ cultural heritage. 

The island has been recently developed and the tourist infrastructures are satisfactory enough, however don’t expect to find here the abundance in facilities that are met in other islands such as Paros or Mykonos. Yet, Serifos’ sophisticated atmosphere draws each an increasing number of visitors, who wish to live a unique experience on their holidays.

Serifos is not the island of the intense night life (though there are fine bars and night clubs especially in Livadi settlement) ) but it is definitely an island that offers the pleasure to discover the hidden beauties of an unspoiled  nature, the chance to experience how is it to live in  a spirit of quiet simplicity, how is to be surrounded by an aesthetic environment able to awake uplifting  feelings, thoughts and emotions… things that are extremely missing in our daily life in cities.  

Neighbouring islands to Serifos are Sifnos, Kythnos, (kithnos).

Historical profile
The first traits of inhabitation of Serifos date back to Protocucladic Period (3th millennium BC) while first habitats are considered to be the Aeolians followed by the Ions.
In the 4th century BC Serifos was dominated by the Macedonians and then by the Ptolemies from Egypt. Serifos, the so-called “iron island” due to its rich iron reserves, has always been a magnet for potential conquerors and pirates. The Roman conquest in 146 BC marked the beginning of a long period of decline for the island. In the 12th century it came under Frankish rule, while in 1566   it was occupied from the Ottomans. Serifos took part in the Greek War of Independence in 1821 and integrated to Greek State but in 1941 Italians and then Germans subjugated the island until 1944, when Serifos gained its freedom.

Villages
Chora (Hora), is the capital of Serifos and the most pretty settlement of the island. Built amphitheatrically on the slopes of a steep hill, the city overlooks to the sea offering a fascinating view.  White cube-shaped houses, picturesque squares, neoclassical building, narrow streets, and windmills compose the idyllic picture of this traditional settlement. On the top of the hill stand the imposing ruins of the Venetian Castle, an excellent example of medieval Aegean fortified settlement.

Chora in fact, is divided in two settlements: Ano (Upper) Chora and Kato (Lower) Chora.
In Ano Chopa there is the Town Hall, a fine example of neoclassical architecture and also the Archaeological Museum with findings from Classical and Roman Times, while in Kato Chora the Folklore Museum which accommodates works of folk art   is housed.

Just 9 km approximately north to Chora, lies Galani, a small, picturesque village built amphitheatrically on a hill, offering an incredible view to Aegean.

Livadi is located 5 km southeast to Chora. It is the main port of the island and also its most tourist developed settlement, surrounded by a beautiful valley. Offering many accommodation facilities and choices for entertainment, Livadi is also the centre of night life in Serifos, since most of the bars and night clubs are found here. Livadi has its own beach which is very popular since it is a fabulous pebbled one with fine sand.

Beaches
The beaches of Serifos are characterized by their fine golden sand and their excellent transparent clear waters. Though most of them are not organized, in many there are trees offering a pleasant shadow.
On the eastern part of Serifos the most popular beaches are the Psili Ammos Beach, with fine soft sand and clear deep blue waters which becomes crowed during high season, the Agios Ioannis beach which is also a sandy beach but less crowed, with small pebbles and tree shadow and Agios Sostis, a delightful beach, ideal for those who wish to relax away from the crowd.

On the northeast is found the Platis Giallos beach with small pebbles and sand surrounded by trees which offer a comfortable shadow.   
On the south and south-eastern part of Serifos, there is the Livadi beach, an amazing pebbled beach with fine sand. It is quite popular, since here most of the bars and night clubs in Serifos are found and the Livadakia beach, an equally popular long sandy beach.

Access
There are scheduled trips from Piraeus Port, especially during summer season. The duration of the trip ranges from 4 to 5 hours approximately by boat and at about 3 to 3 hours if you travel by ferry.  There is also regular connection with the islands of Sifnos, Kythnos (Kithnos) Kimolos, Syros, Sikinos, Ios, Folegandros, Milos and Santorini. Alternatively, you can get a flight to Milos or  to Paros airport and from there you can take the local boat to Serifos.