The 10 Best Experiences in Serifos
Serifos is located very close to the port of Piraeus, yet its beaches are clean and unpolluted. It features one of the most beautiful capitol cities in the Cyclades, and yet this same town, Chora, is just moderately developed, without much tourism or many neon signs. Serifos is a discovery for whoever experiences it first hand, and these are the ten best experiences that we enjoyed on this Cycladic island.
Text: Lina Kapetaniou
Translation: Lisa Radinovsky
1. Beach life. Fine golden sand, clear blue water, undeveloped beaches free of shops, umbrellas and sunbeds: this describes most of the beaches on Serifos. The island has more than 25 beaches competing with each other for most impressive, from the lively Psili Ammo and the easily accessible Livadakia to the dreamlike Ganema and the magnificent Malliadiko. Our favorite beach is Alevrakia, which is accessible by boat.
2. Before sunset. Just before sunset is the best time to appreciate the beauty of the town of Chora. The heat is not so intense, and the sun transforms the white of the houses and the gray of the rocks in the desert landscape into various colors.
3. To the center of the earth. Only a few places in Greece give you the opportunity to go deep inside the earth and walk through the tunnels that had been built for the mines. The tunnel in Serifos starts near the village of Megalo Livadi, and after it crosses through the mountain, it comes out the other side, on Kalogeros Beach. For information, contact Serifos Scuba Divers, telephone 6932-570552.
4. Next to the sea. You will find fresh fish, incredible seafood, and delicious pasta with lobster at the fish taverna (psarotaverna) tis Kalis, which is located on the coastal road in Livadi. The tables are right next to the sea. Telephone 6942-467987.
5. Accommodation with style. Indigo Studios in Livadi is one of the best choices for accommodation on the island. It offers small, stylish apartments with all the amenities: kitchen, living room, wireless internet, and a balcony overlooking the sea. Information: indigostudios.gr, telephone 6945-437966.
6. Evening in the square. As soon as the sun goes down and the air begins to cool off, the Square of Agios Athanasios in Ano Chora (or Pano Chora) fills with people looking for a table at the various cafes in this popular meeting point. Raki, appetizers, beer, and artistic Greek music follow, often until late at night.
7. Contact with history. A walk through the village of Megalo Livadi will put you in touch with the momentous history of the place. The deserted mining company headquarters, the memorial to the four men who died during the 1916 strike, the exhibition of rocks and mining tools: all of these recount the difficult life of the miners as well as their dangerous struggles for their life and dignity.
8. Monastery - Fortress. Even its architectural design will pique your interest. The Monastery of the Archangels (Moni Taxiarhon) is located in the north, just before the village of Galani. Its fortress-like architecture is evident in its battlements and interior courtyard, while the sea view from the highest points in the monastery is unique.
9. Good food with a view. In the almost deserted Platys Gialos, after the dirt road, you will find the Nikoulias family restaurant. Overlooking the small bays of Platys Gialos, you can taste the local fennel pies, goat, homemade cooked dishes, and juicy grilled meat dishes that are made to order. Telephone 22810-52174.
10. A stroll in the depths. The seabed around Serifos is as magical as its beaches. Shells, shipwrecks, tuna and other fish, large and small, make Serifos an ideal diving destination. Contact the experts at Serifos Scuba Divers, whether you have experience with diving or you are a beginner, and you will have an unforgettable experience. Telephone 6932-570552.
