Serifos Island Overview

Serifos is a charming Greek island in the western Aegean Sea, 40 miles southeast of mainland Greece. With its unspoiled beauty, relaxed atmosphere, and rich history, Serifos is a destination perfect for those looking to escape the crowds and enjoy a more authentic Greek experience.

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How to get to Serifos

Like its more popular southern neighbour, Sifnos, Serifos lacks an airport, making it accessible only by ferry. In high season, these run daily from the port of Piraeus and connect with Sifnos and Milos. Use the search box below to find ferry tickets and price details. Be aware that routes for the summer season aren’t always confirmed until March-April of each calendar year, so if you don’t see availability for your chosen dates, it may be too early. You’ll need to check back again later.

Ferries take two to four hours, depending on the speed of the boat and the chosen route.

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Where to stay on Serifos

Most Serifos accommodation is in and around the port town of Livadi. A wide, south-facing bay, Livadi is home to most of the island’s permanent residents and offers an authentic small Greek village feel. You’ll find a reasonable selection of tavernas, cafes, and small shops along the harbour and beachfront area.

Chora is the island’s picturesque capital, perched on the hillside a few kilometres north of Livadi. It offers stunning views and a good selection of places to stay, primarily small studios, villas and apartments.

Other accommodation can be found dotted around the island, but these are mostly secluded villas and apartments best suited to those who are familiar with the island and like to be self-sufficient.

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Serifos Beaches

One of Serifos’ main attractions is its stunning beaches, which offer crystal-clear waters and unspoiled natural beauty. Livadi Beach is the most famous of these, a long stretch of golden sand popular with locals and tourists. Livadakia Beach (not to be confused with the former) lies in an adjacent bay southwest of the port and is also a pleasant place for sunbathing and relaxation.

Ganema Beach, 20 minutes west of Livadi by car, is an impressive, wide sandy beach in a sheltered southwest-facing bay.

North of Livadi are the smaller bays of Psili Ammos and Agios Ioannis, where you’ll also find more sandy beaches to explore.

Visitors can also explore the island’s many coves and hidden bays, which offer a more secluded and intimate beach experience.

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What to see and do on Serifos

Serifos is known for its rich history, which dates back to ancient times. The island is home to the ruins of the ancient Serifos, including the remains of a castle, an ancient theatre, and several temples. Visitors can explore these ruins and learn about the island’s fascinating history.

For those who love nature, Serifos offers numerous opportunities to explore the island’s rugged terrain and beautiful landscapes. The island is home to several hiking trails providing stunning views of the Aegean Sea and the surrounding islands. Visitors can also explore the island’s many caves and caverns, home to various unique flora and fauna.

Serifos is also known for its charming villages, each with unique character and charm. The most famous is Chora, a picturesque village famous for its winding streets and whitewashed houses. Visitors can explore the village’s many shops and galleries, which offer traditional Greek crafts and souvenirs.

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Serifos Cuisine

Finally, Serifos is a destination that offers something for food lovers, with numerous restaurants that offer traditional Greek cuisine and international dishes. The island’s rich soil is ideal for growing fruits and vegetables, and its seafood is among the freshest in Greece. Visitors can sample the island’s delicious cuisine in one of the many tavernas that line the island’s coast.

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Serifos Accommodation

Accommodation on Serifos ranges from simple studios and family-run guesthouses to boutique hotels and elegant villas, offering something for every kind of traveller. While the island retains a low-key, authentic feel, there are still plenty of well-appointed options for those seeking style and comfort—without the price tag or crowds of more commercial islands.

For those seeking a refined stay, Serifos has a handful of boutique hotels that blend contemporary design with Cycladic simplicity. Coco-Mat Eco Residences, located at Vagia Beach, is one of the island’s most stylish accommodations, offering spacious, eco-conscious suites just steps from the sea. In Livadi, the main port town, Rizes Hotel combines luxury and location, with modern suites, a pool, and stunning views of Chora, all within easy reach of restaurants and beaches.

Travellers looking for traditional charm will find plenty of studios and guesthouses offering warm hospitality and local character. Coralli Rooms & Apartments, set near Livadakia Beach, is a great choice for a relaxed, beachside stay, offering a mix of rooms and apartments surrounded by gardens. Maistrali is another popular option, with simple, comfortable rooms and a prime location just a few minutes from the port — ideal for those arriving late or departing early.

If you’re travelling on a budget, Serifos has a good number of well-maintained, affordable accommodations, especially in Livadi and the nearby beach areas. Family-run pensions such as Naias or Alexandros-Vassilia Rooms offer clean, no-frills rooms and a friendly atmosphere, perfect for solo travellers, couples, or anyone planning to spend most of their time outdoors.

For a more secluded and independent stay, there are several villas and self-catering apartments scattered across the island, often set on hillsides with panoramic views. These are ideal for families or groups, as well as travellers planning a longer visit. Many come with full kitchens, terraces, and private outdoor spaces — and some are within walking distance of quiet beaches like Kalo Ambeli or Agios Sostis.

Whether you’re after barefoot luxury, beachfront simplicity, or just a comfortable base from which to explore, Serifos offers a thoughtful selection of accommodation that reflects the island’s understated charm and unspoiled character.

Serifos Hotel Reviews

Below you’ll find reviews of hotels we’ve stayed at on Serifos. Click the link to read the full review.

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Our Impressions of Serifos

We spent two nights on Serifos during an island-hopping holiday in 2020—not a significant amount of time to experience the island, but enough to get a good taste. We found it very quiet, partly due to the COVID-19 pandemic but also because tourist numbers are much lower here than on neighbouring islands such as Sifnos and Milos. This will increase its appeal to those seeking a more relaxed, traditional island away from the crowds, but we found the island lacking good dining options and sightseeing opportunities.

We hired a car for 24 hours and managed to cover most, if not all, of the easily accessible beaches, the inland Chora and sights such as Moni Taxiarchon. The beaches vary in size and quality, but there are undoubtedly several worth checking out: Livadi, Livadakia, and Ganema were our favourites.

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Summary and Alternatives

In conclusion, Serifos is a destination well worth adding to your Greek island itinerary. With its unspoiled beauty, relaxed atmosphere, rich history, and delicious cuisine, it offers something for everyone. So, if you’re looking for a more authentic Greek experience, include Serifos in your itinerary—it’s an experience you won’t forget.

If you’ve visited Serifos or are interested in similar alternatives, Sikinos is worth looking at. It shares many themes with Serifos, such as being a tranquil and traditional island less well-known to tourists.

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Serifos Blog Posts

Find out more about Serifos by reading our recent blog posts: