Chrissy In the heart of the Cyclades, Serifos is a hidden gem that perfectly blends natural beauty, rich history, and authentic Greek charm. In this post, I’ll show you the best things to do in Serifos, Greece that are affordable, fun, and delicious.
I have compiled the ultimate Serifos to-do list with all the activities, attractions, and beaches you must visit during your stay!
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Things To Do In Serifos
Let’s begin our journey of escaping to the Cyclades with this list of the best things to do in Serifos.
Visit Chora
Chora, or Serifos Town, is a quintessential Cycladic village with iconic whitewashed buildings, blue-domed churches, and narrow streets. Visiting Chora should definitely be in your Serifos travel guide, and my special recommendation includes stopping by the Church of Agios Athanasios, the Archeological Museum, and the Kastro (castle) at the top of the hill to enjoy the best views of the island and sea!
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Stroll Livadi
Another excellent plan to add to your Serifos to-do list is to stroll Livadi, the bustling harbor town. Here’s where most ferries arrive, and the best place to stroll along the waterfront and discover all the taverns, cafes, and adorable shops to buy your Greek souvenirs.
Livadi has a lively yet laid-back vibe, ideal for spending an evening out and exploring around. I also recommend you visit the nearby Livadakia Beach, which is within walking distance.
Catch A View From The Venetian Castle
The Venetian Castle is located at the highest point of Chora and dates back to the 15th century. If you’re looking for things to do in Serifos for free, visiting this castle is a must for taking incredible pictures of the island, especially during sunrise or sunset.
The climb to the castle is steep, so make sure you wear the right shoes and come prepared for a bit of a workout, but I promise the reward is worth it!
Discover The Mining History
In your Serifos, Greece itinerary, you cannot forget to add some history-related stops, such as the Serifos Mining Museum. This island has a rich mining heritage, with iron ore extraction dating back to ancient times and continuing into the 20th century.
The Serifos Mining Museum in Megalo Livadi is the perfect place to learn about the island’s mining history and the workers’ strike of 1916, which had a major impact on labor rights in Greece.
Nearby you can walk to Megan Livadi and dine at one of the two taverns by the beach. If you plan on hanging at the beach after, be sure to bring your own towel and beach chair.
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Go Beach Hopping
If you’re looking for what to do in Serifos, surprisingly (not really), I suggest you visit one of the many beautiful beaches on the island. Do take note, this island can be very windy, so be prepared when you go to the beaches.
Here’s my go-to guide for beach hopping in Serifos:
- Paralia Livadakia– The most popular on the island and within walking distance from Livaldi. It features soft sand, clear waters, and a family-friendly atmosphere. There are beach bars and restaurants nearby as well; however, they are a little pricey.
- Paralia Ganema– Located on the southern coast, Ganema Beach is a quieter and more secluded beach with a mix of sand and pebbles and natural shade provided by tamarisk trees. If you’re looking to relax away from the crowds, then this beach is perfect for you. You can easily park along the road.
- Megalo Livaldi– This beach is located in a bay on the southwest coast, near the old mining facilities. It has a serene atmosphere and shallow waters, perfect for swimming. I highly recommend you stop by some of the restaurants on the beach to enjoy some of their fresh fish and local specialties.
- Agios Sostis Beach– Known for its crystal-clear waters and the small chapel of Agios Sostis nearby, this beach will make you love the eastern coast. It is a hidden gem perfect for a peaceful day by the sea away from the crowded beaches. You will have to do a bit of a trek to reach the beach from where parking is located.
There are also places to lounge on the beach in Livadi and purchase sun beds as well. Calma is a nice spot and you can snag a comfy sun bed and umbrella for 2 euros. Another spot you want to consider and be cheaper is Last Monkey where sun beds are only 10 euros for the day.
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Visit A Monastery
In your Serifos to-do list, you should add visiting a monastery, especially the Monastery of Taxiarches, which was built in the 16th century. It is located in the northern part of the island and is dedicated to the Archangels Michael and Gabriel.
The monastery is known for its impressive architecture and the valuable icons and relics it houses.
Go Wine Tasting At Chrysoloras Winery
One of the best things to do in Serifos if you’re a fan of wine is to visit their winery. Local Serifos wines are produced using traditional methods and indigenous grape varieties. The Chrysoloras Winery is a highly recommended stop to enjoy a wine-tasting session where you can try orange wine and learn about the island’s viticulture. The views from here are absolutely stunning!
If you plan on driving here yourself make sure you are an experienced driver. As you approach the winery the roads get very narrow and steep. To be honest, I am glad I took a taxi because I wouldn’t have felt comfortable driving here.
Eat The Local Food
Another highly recommended thing to do in Sifnos is try all the local food and eat as much of it as you can. Serifos is known for its simple yet delicious local cuisine, with famous dishes like Revithada (slow-cooked chickpeas), and Kapari Salata (caper salad), and fresh seafood like lobster pasta.
The island is also famous for its sweet pasteli (sesame and honey bars) and Loutza (a type of cured pork). Go to a traditional tavern to try these and more delicious dishes! One of my favorite meals was at Marathoriza, located in Chora. Their meatballs and fennel pie were so delicious!
Cyclades are known to be more expensive compared to the Ionian or Saronic islands. Take note that the restaurants by the water in Livadi and other beaches are going to be a little more expensive compared to other places farther away from the beach on the island.
Grab A Meal, Drink, Or Coffee At Pano Piatsa
Located in the heart of Chora, Pano Piatsa is a colorful charming square in Chora. Its lovely outdoor seating area overlooking the village makes it the perfect place for dinner or having your morning Freddo espresso.
At night you will find many locals grabbing a beer or sipping on tsipouro with their friends.
One of my favorite places to grab a cocktail which was on the way to Pano Piatsa was at Gaidaros.
Attend A Festival
Sifnos, summer, and a festival, is there something better? Definitely something you should add to your Sifnos to-do list!
The island hosts a variety of festivals throughout the year, with the Serifos Festival being the highlight. This summer festival showcases local music, dance, theater, and arts, which will allow you to get to know the island’s cultural heritage better.
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Take A Day Trip
What’s great about Serifos is that you can easily take a day trip to other islands and explore other parts of Greece. Sifnos and Milos are exceptionally close so you can hop on a ferry for cheap!
Sifnos, for example, is around an hour ferry ride away and offers stunning beaches, fun hiking trails, and delicious cuisine I highly recommend you try it out. Milos is another great option, known for its unique geological formations, such as the famous Sarakiniko Beach.
Both islands are a must-visit in your Serifos, Greece itinerary in my opinion!
Where Is Serifos
If you’re wondering where Serifos is located, it is a part of the Cyclades island group, located in the western Aegean Sea, and around 75 nautical miles southeast of Athens. The island covers an area of about 75 square kilometers and is known for its rugged terrain, cliffs, and numerous secluded beaches. Tranquility rules in Serifos, thanks to its small population of around 1,400 people make it the perfect location for a relaxed vacation.
What Is Serifos, Greece Known For?
Serifos is known for its authentic architecture found in all Greek islands, with whitewashed houses, narrow streets, and traditional windmills. If you’re looking for a true Greek vacation but don’t like the crowds (and prices!) of Mykonos or Santorini, then Serifos is a great option. Here you’ll enjoy peaceful beach days, excellent cuisine, and affordable prices.
Best Time To Visit Serifos
The best time to visit Serifos is between May and September, but bear in mind that peak tourist season happens in July and August due to summer arriving. May, June, and September offer warm weather without the crowds, perfect for those who are looking for a peaceful time.
The island is very quiet in the off-season, with many businesses closing from October to April so make sure to consider this when planning your trip.
How To Get To Serifos
You can get to Serifos by ferry from Athens’ main port Piraeus, in approximately 2-4 hours depending on the type of ferry. You can also make a connection from other Cycladic islands like Sifnos, Milos, and Paros.
The island doesn’t have an airport, but you can fly to Athens and then take a ferry to Serifos, which is what most people do.
I highly suggest using the Ferryhopper app to book your tickets to Serifos or any of the Greek islands. Besides making booking a breeze, you can monitor your ferry and have all your tickets handy on the app.
Before hopping on the ferry to sail to Serifos, check out what to do in Athens during your visit.
How To Get Around Serifos
There are various ways to get around Serifos, such as renting a car, scooter, or ATV, which is highly recommended if you plan to visit remote beaches and sights. I was able to rent a car at Nelma-Travel & Tourism- Serifos located in Livadi. To rent a scooter you will need a motorcycle license. If you plan on renting a car make sure to have an international driver’s license as well.
You can also use the local bus service that connects only to Livadi and Chora. Busses run every hour and cost 2 euros one way.
Walking is also an option in smaller areas like Chora and Livaldi to explore at your own pace and immerse yourself in the culture.
Where To Stay In Serifos
Chill & Co is a trendy boutique hotel located in Livadi that offers adult-only accommodations. It perfectly blends modern amenities and traditional Cycladic charm, with stylish decor and a relaxed atmosphere. It is the best place to relax and recharge energy before going out to explore the island.
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How Long To Spend In Serifos
I recommend making your Serifos itinerary for 3-4 days to explore the main attractions, enjoy the beaches, and relax. If you’re looking to visit nearby islands, you might want to extend your stay for an extra day or two.
What To Do In Serifos Final Words
Serifos might be a small island but is filled with experiences that will make your trip a memorable one. If you’re thinking about visiting Greece but want to avoid the big crowds of the popular islands, then definitely consider coming to Serifos!
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