Serifos Island, the enchanting home of the Cyclops

Not many people have heard of the Serifos Island. This little Greek jewel of the Cyclades, located between the islands of Kithnos and Sifnos, about 160 km from Athens (by sea), welcomes visitors with its wild beauty, promising them exotic relaxation on its white sandy beaches.

Serifos Island is certainly not a highly developed island in terms of tourism, but it impresses with its natural beauty, with unspoiled hills, fertile valleys, and bays sheltering secluded and deserted beaches. Added to all this is the architecture of the capital Chora, with its bars and tavernas, where you will find the authentic Greek spirit.

History of Serifos Island

Let’s look into the depths of mythology. We discover that the island of Serifos was inhabited by Cyclops, who is said to have built some of the monuments on its territory, such as the White Tower and the walls of the Liomandras fortress. What’s more, Serifos is the site of another legend: Akrisios, king of Argos, learned from an oracle that his nephew would be responsible for his downfall, so he locked Danae, his daughter, in the palace. Despite the precaution, Zeus, who was in love with Danae, left her pregnant after she took the form of golden rain. After Danae gave birth to a son, Perseus, Akrisios put the mother and her child in a chest and threw it into the sea.

The crate washed up on the shores of the island of Serifos and was found by King Polydektis, who in turn fell in love with Danae. Wishing to escape Danae’s son Perseus, Polydektis sent him to confront Medusa, the legendary creature who transforms people into rocks just by looking at them. With the help of the goddess Athena and a bronze shield sent by her, Perseus killed the monster, returned with Medusa’s head, and turned Polydektis to stone. This happened at the very wedding the king arranged with Danae, despite her resistance. In fact, all the attendees were turned to stone, including King Akrisios, thus fulfilling the oracle’s prophecy.

Leaving aside this interesting moment in mythology, the actual history of Serifos island records the presence of Cretan tribes in prehistoric times, followed by the Phoenicians and Mycenaeans. In the 7th-6th centuries BC, the Ionians were using iron from Serifos, attempting to become a commercial and political force in the area. During the Persian Wars, Serifos was part of the Athenian Alliance, and the island continued to be active into the Hellenistic era.

Years of Roman rule followed, then in the Byzantine Era, the island was used as a place of exile for those against the Romans. It then flourished in the Venetian period, when slaves were brought to work in the iron mines, and declined in the period of Ottoman rule. Serifos took part in the Greek Revolution and was liberated in 1830, along with the other islands of the Cyclades archipelago.

What to do and see on Serifos Island

Map with main touristic attractions in Serifos Island (zoom for details)

Serifos is an island that has managed to keep its personality and authenticity intact. It’s an island where no planes land or cruise ships dock, which doesn’t have the craziness of its Cycladic ‘sisters’ Santorini or Mykonos. Still, tourists don’t hesitate to visit because it has a special charm. What can you do and see in Serifos?

Chora, the capital of Serifos

Chora is the capital and main town of Serifos, which stretches like an amphitheater, its white houses like giant cubes on the slopes of a hill right in the harbor area. In Venetian times, the Chora of Serifos was protected by a fortification against pirate attacks from the Mediterranean. These walls can still be seen today, and beautiful panoramic photographs can be taken from the paths that run past them.

Chora is divided into two areas – Upper Chora (Ano Chora) and Lower Chora (Kato Chora). Still, you don’t need a map to explore this town whose cobbled streets are lined with shops selling handicrafts and baked goods, where there are small markets with quiet cafes or interesting Orthodox churches (speaking of churches, there are over 115 in Serifos!). Ano Chora is the more interesting neighborhood, perhaps also because of the scenery it offers. Kato Chora connects the capital with Livadi, the main port of Serifos.

Pano Piazza is the central square of Chora, dominated by the neoclassical Town Hall building and the church of St Athanasios. When visiting the town, you can stop here on a terrace for a glass of ouzo or tsipouro, then do a quick shopping session – local crafts, handmade jewelry, souvenirs.

The Church of St Constantine (Agios Konstantinos), right at the top of the hill at an altitude of 251m, is the highest point in Chora, which is obviously why you get the best views from here. Small and painted white, the chapel was renovated in 1928. 

If you like museums, you can visit two such institutions in Chora: the Museum of Archaeology (where Greek and Roman antiquities – parts of temples, funerary columns, statues – are exhibited) and the Museum of Folklore (which shows the life of Serifos in the past).

Taxiarches Monastery

Taxiarches Monastery is located in the northern part of Serifos, near the village of Galani. It is a monastery of monks, built in 1572, dedicated to Saints Michael and Gabriel. Throughout the ages, it has owned much land and housed many treasures, which is why it has often been in the sights of pirates. It has interesting architecture, looking more like a fortress, with a fortified wall to protect it from attack. Inside, the walls are painted by Emmanuel Skordilis, showing the archangels fighting the dragon.

Windmills of Serifos

Not necessarily that there’s anything extraordinary to see at these windmills, but if you have a cute Instagram account, or if you want to be left with the memory of some great photos, the eight windmills are the perfect setting. Especially as the mills have been fully restored, one of them converted into a home, allowing you to visit.

The beaches of Serifos

Like almost every island in Greece, Serifos has been blessed by the gods with beautiful beaches. Only a few of them are developed, with all the facilities a grumpy tourist requires, but if you find yourself on this island, don’t miss the beaches of Agios Sostis, Ganema, and Psili Ammos.

Psili Ammos Beach

In 2003, Psili Ammos was awarded the title of Europe’s best beach and is one of the most sought-after stretches of sand on the island of Serifos. It is a golden (fine) sandy beach, bathed by calm waters and served by cafes and restaurants. It lies 8 km northwest of Chora.

Ganema Beach

Ganema is located in the southern part of Serifos island, in the bay of Koutalas. It is one of the largest beaches in Serifos, with white pebbles on one side and sand on the other. It is accessible by car and is bordered by trees. The sea is shallow at the shore, and the water is calm, making Ganema suitable for families with children.

Agios Sostis Beach

Agios Sostis is said to be one of the most beautiful beaches in Serifos. It is a sandy beach located on the island’s east coast (6 km from Livadi) and named after the church located next to it on a hill. In a nutshell, Agios Sostis is for those who love peace and quiet but don’t like isolation. 

Other beaches in Serifos

Other beaches to relax in Serifos island of Greece are: Vagia beach, Megalo Livadi beach, Livadi beach, Koutalas beach, Lia beach, Livadakia beach.

Best hotels in Serifos