Golden beaches, rugged hills, and whitewashed villages make the Beautiful Serifos Greece a true Western Cyclades gem.
The beautiful Serifos Greece shows the wild spirit of the Cyclades. Whitewashed villages sit high on hills, while sandy bays stretch along the Aegean. In addition, the island blends rugged beauty with a calm pace that feels authentic.
Travelers enjoy quiet coves, narrow lanes, and simple tavernas by the water. Also, the capital Chora offers sweeping views from its hilltop perch. Whether for beaches, food, or tradition, Serifos is a Greek island that rewards every visitor.
For more information on Greece, head to our Greece guide, or visit us on Pinterest. Also learn more about the Cyclades here.
Weather and Best Time to Visit Serifos
The Beautiful Serifos Greece has a classic Mediterranean climate. Summers are hot and dry. July and August bring average highs of 30°C (86°F). Winters stay mild, with daytime temperatures around 12–15°C (54–59°F). Rain is rare in summer but more common from November through February.
The best time to visit is May through October. During this season, the sea is warm and skies stay clear. However, July and August are the busiest months, filled with ferries and travelers. For a calmer trip, choose May, June, September, or early October. These months bring warm weather, lighter crowds, and better prices.
Also, visit beautiful Sifnos and Milos in the Cyclades.
The Most Beautiful Beaches of Serifos
The Beautiful Serifos Greece is famous for its golden sand and crystal seas. Wide bays invite families, while tucked-away coves feel quiet and remote. In addition, most beaches stay unspoiled, with little more than a taverna by the water. You can also check out the beaches of Milos or the beaches of Sifnos here.
Popular Beaches of Serifos
Psili Ammos Beach: One of Greece’s award-winning beaches, with soft white sand and shallow turquoise water. Perfect for both families and swimmers.
Livadakia Beach: Close to the port, with calm seas and plenty of shade. In short, it is lively but still relaxed.
Ganema Beach: A long bay with both pebbles and sand. Moreover, its quiet vibe makes it great for those seeking peace.
Agios Sostis Beach: A sandy stretch reached by a short walk. Also, a small chapel sits nearby, adding to the charm.
Livadion Beach: Right by the port, with cafés and tavernas nearby. As a result, it is ideal for quick swims and easy access.
Hidden Gem Beaches of Serifos
Vagia Beach: Golden sand, clear water, and a simple beach bar. Moreover, it stays calm even in summer.
Koutalas Beach: A pebbled bay framed by hills and old mine ruins. In short, it feels wild and remote.
Maliadiko Beach: A small cove with crystal clear water. Its best for travelers who like quiet escapes.
Avlomonas Beach: Wide and sandy, yet less crowded than nearby beaches. As a result, it offers both comfort and space.
Karavi Beach: A natural bay with no facilities, just sea and sand. In addition, it attracts those who enjoy untouched landscapes.
Beyond the beaches, the Beautiful Serifos Greece still has more to share. Villages, hiking paths, and historic sites reveal another side of the island. These highlights show why Serifos is more than a place to swim.
Must-Do Experiences Beyond the Beaches
The Beautiful Serifos Greece offers more than sand and sea. Villages, trails, and historic sites bring culture and charm to every visit.
Chora: The island’s capital sits high on the hill. In addition, its whitewashed houses, chapels, and squares create a picture-perfect Cycladic town.
Hiking Trails: Serifos has paths linking villages, bays, and old mines. Moreover, the views from the hills stretch across the Aegean.
Old Mines of Serifos: Explore the remnants of the island’s mining past. In short, ruins near Koutalas tell stories of another era.
Church of Agios Konstantinos: A chapel perched above Chora. Also, its views over the port and sea are stunning at sunset.
Folklore Museum: Located in Kato Chora, this small museum shows island life. As a result, visitors see traditional tools, clothing, and crafts.
Cycladic Festivals: Summer brings local music and dance festivals. Furthermore, these gatherings mix food, music, and community in true island style.
Where to Stay in the Beautiful Serifos Greece
From sandy coves to chic boutique hideaways, Serifos delivers stays that match every mood. You might crave the ease of a beachfront hotel, waking up to the Aegean breeze. Or perhaps a romantic retreat, where Cycladic charm sets the stage. Either way, these top-rated choices capture the island’s natural beauty and welcoming spirit.
Popular Beachfront Stays
These hotels sit right by the sea. They offer comfort, style, and easy access to Serifos’ beaches.
Coco-Mat Eco Residences Serifos (9.0 – Wonderful): On Vagia Beach, these eco-luxe suites blend stone, wood, and sea views. Guests also praise the calm setting and sustainable design.
To Petrino Serifos (9.9 – Exceptional): A two-bedroom holiday home in Livadakia with modern amenities and a private terrace. In addition, it is just a short walk from the beach.
Galazio Suites (9.8 – Exceptional): A newly built aparthotel featuring modern suites and studios with kitchens. Moreover, many units include sea-facing balconies.
Serene Shore Serifos (9.3 – Wonderful): A holiday home in Alona with two bedrooms, a full kitchen, and sea views from a private balcony. In short, it feels both stylish and relaxed.
Eleios Hotel Serifos (9.2 – Wonderful): A beachfront stay in Livadi with modern rooms and private balconies. Likewise, it sits only a short walk from Livadi Beach.
Romantic Luxury Stays
Perfect for couples, these boutique escapes mix atmosphere, views, and Cycladic elegance for an unforgettable retreat.
Naias Hotel (9.0 – Wonderful): Perched above the harbor, Naias Hotel offers cozy interiors and sweeping views. Its intimate size makes it ideal for couples.
Asteri Hotel (9.3 – Wonderful): A family-run hotel with direct beach access. Guests also enjoy complimentary loungers and umbrellas.
Studios Niovi (9.3 – Wonderful): A romantic choice near the beach, full of Cycladic charm. Couples love its calm and personal feel.
Aliktypo Studios (9.6 – Exceptional): Overlooking Livadi Bay, Aliktypo Studios is both chic and intimate. Likewise, it is perfect for two.
Serenity Beach Villa (9.8 – Exceptional): A beachfront villa in Livadakia with four spacious bedrooms. In short, its private beach area makes it a true luxury escape.
Unique Flavors of Serifos: Local Food & Drinks You Must Try
Serifos may be a quiet island, but its food is full of character. Local recipes celebrate simple ingredients, slow cooking, and flavors shaped by the sea. You’ll find rustic tavernas by the water as well as family-run spots tucked into the villages.
Revithada (Chickpea Stew): Much like in Sifnos, chickpeas are a Sunday staple. On Serifos, they simmer for hours in clay pots, creating a rich, comforting dish.
Ladopita (Oil Pie): A sweet pie made with olive oil, raisins, and sesame. And, it is often enjoyed at festivals and family gatherings.
Marathopita (Fennel Pie): Thin pastry filled with fresh fennel leaves and herbs. Also, this savory snack pairs well with local wine.
Seafood Taverns: In villages like Livadi and Megalo Livadi, you’ll find waterfront tavernas serving grilled octopus, calamari, and the day’s fresh catch.
Local Cheeses & Honey: Serifos produces small-batch cheeses such as xinomyzithra and manoura. Also, they are often paired with island honey for a simple but delicious treat.
Island Drinks: Meals often end with a glass of ouzo or tsipouro, both traditional Greek spirits. So, you may find rakomelo, a warm blend of raki and honey, perfect for cooler evenings. Serifos also shares in the Cycladic tradition of crisp white wines, making them a fine match for fresh seafood.
In short, food in Serifos is rustic and heartfelt. Each dish reflects the land, the sea, and the traditions passed down through generations.
FAQs About Serifos
Is Serifos easy to reach from Athens?
Yes. Ferries run from Piraeus to Serifos in about two hours on high-speed boats. Standard ferries take closer to four hours.
What is Serifos best known for?
The island is famous for its untouched beaches, traditional villages, and Cycladic charm. In addition, it is less crowded than nearby islands, making it peaceful and authentic.
When is the best time to visit Serifos?
The best months are May through September. Therefore, July and August bring lively festivals, while June and September are quieter.
Are the beaches in Serifos sandy or rocky?
Most beaches are sandy with calm waters. You’ll also find hidden coves with pebbles or rocks, ideal for snorkeling.
Can I rent a car on Serifos?
Yes. Rental cars and scooters are available in Livadi. In short, they make it easy to explore remote beaches and mountain villages.
Fall in Love with Serifos
Serifos may be small, yet it leaves a big impression. Its beaches are golden and quiet, its villages whitewashed and full of charm. Also, the island blends rustic tradition with laid-back style, making it easy to feel at home.
Whether you want days by the sea, hikes to hilltop views, or evenings of simple Greek cooking, Serifos delivers. In short, it is a Cycladic gem that feels both authentic and unforgettable.
Serifos looks absolutely beautiful and much quieter than some other Cyclades islands. Would you recommend it for travelers who want great beaches without big crowds? Also, is it better to stay near the port or up in Chora for a first visit?
Serifos is an excellent choice if you’re looking for beautiful Cycladic beaches without the heavy crowds found on islands like Mykonos or Santorini. Many of Serifos’ beaches, such as Psili Ammos, Ganema, and Vagia, stay relaxed and unspoiled even during summer. For first-time visitors, staying near Livadi or Livadakia is often the easiest option because it offers quick beach access, dining, and ferry connections. However, Chora is perfect if you enjoy sunset views, traditional architecture, and a quieter evening atmosphere. Both areas work well, and choosing between them really depends on whether you prefer seaside convenience or classic hilltop charm.
Serifos sounds absolutely magical! I’ve been to Santorini and Mykonos, but this island seems so much more peaceful and untouched. The beaches and little tavernas by the water sound perfect. Do you think Serifos is easy to get around without a car, or would renting one make exploring the island a lot easier?
That’s such a great question — and you’ll love how authentic Serifos feels compared to the busier Cyclades islands! While you can walk or take taxis around Livadi and nearby beaches, I definitely recommend renting a small car or scooter if you’d like to explore freely. Many of the best beaches and hilltop villages are spread out, and part of Serifos’ charm is discovering those quiet, scenic roads. Plus, with your own wheels, you can stop for photos, seaside lunches, and those incredible sunset views from Chora at your own pace — it’s all part of the Serifos experience!
Serifos looks like such a hidden treasure in the Cyclades. I love how it seems quieter than its neighbors but still full of charm, with golden beaches and that beautiful hilltop Chora. The local dishes like revithada and ladopita sound so authentic—I can almost taste them! Do you think Serifos is better for a few quiet days mixed into a longer island-hopping trip, or does it deserve a full week on its own? Also, which beach would you recommend as the most unspoiled for travelers looking to avoid crowds?
You’ve captured Serifos perfectly—it really does feel like a hidden treasure! Many travelers pair it with Sifnos or Milos for island-hopping, but I think Serifos easily deserves 4–5 full days, or even a week if you love slow mornings, hidden coves, and quiet evenings at tavernas. For the most unspoiled stretch, I’d suggest Vagia Beach or Koutalas Beach—both have that wild, remote beauty where you can often enjoy the sea with very few others around. If you want a mix of local flavor and easy access, Psili Ammos is gorgeous and still relaxed. Would you lean toward staying in lively Livadi near the port, or a more secluded beachside villa?
Hi there, I really want to say a big thank to you for sharing this insightful and amazing travel guide on Serifos Island Greece .I have always wanted to visit the Cyclades but had not heard of Serifos Island. It looks amazing. The hotels and restaurants really do look fairly reasonable compared to some of the other islands in the Cyclades. Thanks!
You are quite welcome. I am glad you enjoyed my Serifos Island Greece guide.
Terrific information you have provided on Serifos Island in Greece. After reading through the guides and looking at the wonderful beaches….and the wonderful video, I can’t wait for this pandemic to be over so that I can start planning my vacation to Serifos. I am looking forward to a vacation in Greece. I think I would also like to do some island hopping, can’t wait!
Ok Evan, I am glad you enjoyed and are looking forward to a vacation in the Cyclades. You will enjoy for sure! Please let me know if you need any additional information.
Hi Leahrae,
Absolutely great post you have here on Serifos Island in Greece. As summer draws close, my family and I have been looking on planning our summer vacation. We have a lot of places we have been considering, but really we haven’t found the perfect place to spend the time. So here I was doing an internet search and found your guide on Serifos with the beautiful pictures and detailed description of this wonderful place. I think I’m gonna like it there.
Thanks a lot for sharing such an intriguing review and look forward to share it
Great Evan, I am glad you enjoyed and appreciate you taking the time to leave me comments as well.
I was looking for information for the Cyclades and found this gem of a guide for Serifos. It looks so beautiful with so many great beaches, things to do and wonderful sounding restaurants. I’m sold! I am very happy to learn all you have here about Serifos Island Greece. I think it would make for me a great destination because of all the wonderful information that you have shared on your website here. I’ll definitely share this with other travelers, thanks a lot
You are welcome. Thanks for visiting my Serifos Island Greece post.
Hi Leahrae, thanks for sharing such a great and helpful post on Serifos Island Greece. I was actually doing some research online when I came across your website. I am looking into vacationing to Greece once this pandemic settles down. I am very interested in the Cyclades, and Serifos looks amazing. I will bookmark your site for when I am ready to start planning. Thanks!
You are welcome. I am glad you enjoyed my Serifos Island Greece guide and that it will be helpful to you when you start your planning. Please let me know if you need any additional information.
Wow, I really appreciate this post, traveling to a place you know nothing about is always challenging, but now have you make traveling to Greece easy for us and you have actually shown us the map of Greece so to say, Our family friend was in Greece last summer and mention how beautiful it is, you just confirm what she said. After seeing 6 different beaches in your post and you also mention the perfect one for family, I think vacation to Greece should be in my plan. thanks for the info.
You are welcome Eunice. I am glad you enjoyed my Serifos Island Greece Guide. Thanks for visiting beach travel destinations.
Hi Leahrae, I am very glad to have come across your website while making online search. It is very colourful and ready for business. It is a one stop shop for every vacation need.
I love the Serifos island in Greece. It is very exotic. I will give it a thought next time I am planning a trip. I have been to some cruise tours in Greece in the past but not Serifos.
Great job you have done. You have made it easy for any visitor to make choice. Wishing you great success.
Cheers.
Thank you so much Joseph. I am glad you enjoyed my Serifos Island Greece guide.
Serifos Island Greece is a small island in the Cyclades I now am determined to vacation to after this pandemic. What a wonderful place with all the great beaches! The fact that they are environmentally conscience is appealing to me making me want to visit soon! I like places that are well taken care of and the beauty is awe inspiring.
Well hopefully you can visit Serifos Island Greece soon! Sounds like it is your type of vacation. Please let me know if you need any additional information.
It’s easy to fall in love with the Greek Isles and I like your description with whitewashed sugar cube houses as these are picturesque when considering this location. Something I need in a place like this is a quality beach visit, and from your recommendations I really like the sound of Livadakia Beach and Ganema Beach. For entertainment, Inner Blue looks outstanding, while Aloni’s view sounds really impressive. This will be great information to have for my next Greek Isles trip, so I’ll save your post for reference. Thanks and keep up the good work!
I am glad you enjoyed! Thank you so much for visiting beach travel destinations and I appreciate the comments.
Greece is definitely one of my top 3 places to visit! I have always thought about Santorini, mainly because I have seen that place in movies and it looks gorgeous!! But after reading your article I think Serifos would be a better fit.
I don’t like the tourist atmosphere, I enjoy going someone here that has a more local feel, and doesn’t have souvenir shops on every corner. And for Spring to be one of the better times to go works perfectly! By the time we make it through a harsh Nebraska winter we are ready for some sun and warmth!!
If you had time to visit only 1 beach mentioned, which would it be?
Great choice! I prefer Serifos over Santorini any day. Much less crowded and a little lighter on your wallet. Tough choice with the beaches, but I would first head to Psili Ammos Beach. Thanks for visiting beach travel destinations.
Hi there!
I love to visit island since it is full of the sense of nature and this is definitely a great island for us to visit as well! It has breathtaking scenery and there are plenty of activities for tourism to join. Whenever I saw the picture of the blue sea, I can’t stop myself thinking about how it is going to destroy by pollution problems. Hope that everyone that visit this island may raise their awareness on protecting our nature.
Thanks for the amazing post and Serifos Island will definitely be my next destination to visit.
You are welcome Jolly. LIving on a beach myself, where ever I walk, I have a bag with me and I pick up any trash along the way. Plastic is specifically really bad for our oceans and marine life. Here where I live, we take that seriously, and a lot of products are now paper, that used to be plastic. Thanks for stopping by.
I’ve heard Greece is beautiful. One day I would love to visit there, and the fact that there are locations that are non-touristy makes it more appealing. My guess would be that the uncluttered beaches of Serifos Island would be the high dollar item in many other tourist locations, but what about there? Are the prices relatively inexpensive when compared to France, Italy, and other countries with high tourist traffic? I also know that Turkey (not far off) is also beautiful. I’d rather go to a place that is nice, less expensive and forego the bragging rights of going to a more notable place, as far as popularity is concerned.
Greek food is great! I guess the Greek food is similar in the US? If not, then I guess I really don’t know, but I’ve heard the food is excellent.
Thanks for the info!
That is whats nice about Serifos. Since it is less touristy, it is less expensive. If you were to compare with Mykonos or Santorini, now they are much more expensive. Personally I would prefer Serifos. Better on the budget and less people. Works for me 🙂 Thanks for stopping by my Serifos Island Greece Guide. I am glad you enjoyed.
This is a great site! I like how you have multiple sections that you can navigate through while on this site. You have a great arrangement of different media that shows the different spots that Greece has to offer, from the videos to the pictures as well as the travel accommodations someone would have to consider if they were to travel to the area. There are always a demand for places where people can go to explore popular beaches. One thing that I didn’t think about was the need to have certain gear when you go to these places, however, there are plenty of different activities you can participate in if you decide to go to a place like Greece. Maybe you can also add a list of activities that you personally recommend and even include pictures of yourself doing the activities if you happened to actually go there yourself.
Thats a great idea AJ, to add places I personally pick with pictures. Then I think my posts would be too long LOL. A lot of the places I pick, activities, restaurants are all personal picks. I am glad you enjoyed visiting beach travel destinations. Thanks for stopping by.
This is basically the first time that I am learning about this island and I didn’t know that it was in Greece as well. IAM very happy to learn all you have here about this particular island in Greece. I think it would make for me a great destination because of all the beauties that it has that you have shared on your website here. Great your guide you have here.
Thanks Henderson, I am glad you enjoyed my Serifos Island Greece guide. Thanks for visiting beach travel destinations.
Hello there, thank for this very detailed and informative post, as summer draws close I and my family had made out a lot of plans for our summer vacation, already activities have been lined out including our vacation meal time table, but really we havent found the perfect place to spend the time hence my reason for this search and from the beautiful pictures and detailed description of this places I think I’m gonna like it there. I’m sharing this with my wife to know her thought on it.
I think your wife will love Serifos, well you will too! It would be a great and relaxing vacation for the family. Please let me know if you have any additional questions.
You have done a great job with the details of this article and I love every information about the Serifos island because there is so much to learn about it before making the travel move. Sometimes we travel to a city where we have little knowledge of the terrane and the weather ends up being too bad for us to deal. With the information here, one wouldn’t need to do much work when visiting .
Great, I agree! I am glad you enjoyed. Hopefully you can make it to Serifos Island Greece soon. Thanks for visiting beach travel destinations.
Wao! I have loved everything that has to do with Greece and its culture for a long time. I still remember reading about Greek mythology when I was in high-school. But for one reason or another I have never been able to make it to Greece. The close I’ve gone is to Croatia (I once visited Zagreb).
I have really wanted to go to Serifos Island. The scenery is wonderful and lodging seems to be affordable (at least more affordable than I initially thought). Thanks for this post!
You are welcome Ann. Now you can plan a vacation here, it really is pretty reasonable for the Cyclades. Please let me know if you need any additional information.
Wow! Such a great place is this island and to say I like it would be an understatement. I truly find this to be great and I would really love to expire sometimes if I have the opportunity to do that. Thanks so much for sharing this post here. Really I appreciate and if I ever visit Greece, this would be a topper on my list
Great Sharon. I am glad you enjoyed learning more about the wonderful Serifos Island. A gem in the Cyclades. Thanks for visiting beach travel destinations.
We typically associate the Cyclades with the more well-known islands of Santorini and Mykonos, Did not realize that this group of islands also has this hidden gem Serifos. A small, calm, and less touristy island greatly appeals to us. We would love to spend our time on the beaches and have an authentic experience of life and culture in this part of the Mediterranean. Once the COVID-19 pandemic is gone, we hope to plan a visit.
Thank you for sharing and all the best.
I’m glad you enjoyed and you are right. Mykonos and Santorini are the most well known, and the most expensive. There are many hidden gems in the Cyclades just as worthy of a vacation to, with Serifos being one. Please let me know if you need any additional information.
I know I have commented on your Greece destinations in the past, but here you have another one and I just could not pass up reading about what shall definitely be another place I want to visit.
I think Greece reaches out to me because it was one of the places that the Apostle Paul visited and was a missionary to. There is so much Biblical history there, along with the beautiful and unspoiled beaches!! I frequent beaches here in Minnesota during the summer months and many are far from pristine…
I am one of those people that have never heard of Serifos before, but now that I have, I intend to make it a destination, but probably not for a couple of years now due to the Pandemic. Although, I suppose right now I could get a really good deal on airfare!
The tours sound like fun, but I think I would prefer to be a land-lubber and explore the island, the culture and the beaches!
Karin
Sounds like Serifos is right up your alley! I cannot picture “beaches” in Minnesota LOL. Although I was born in Fargo, not far from you. Minnesota is the land of the lakes, so I would imagine that there are plenty of lake beaches. I might have to explore! Thanks for stopping by my Serifos Island Greece guide.
I was just discussing this island with my spouse and we have agreed that if we go to Greece we will probably not want to return to the states to live. Thank you for renewing our love and interest for the Greek culture and all the beauty and history is holds.
Karin
You ARE welcome Karen. Yes, I know the feeling. Once my son is off on his own, I might just consider moving to paradise!
Hi,
Serifos Island! I have never heard of that one. But I have heard of other beautiful Greek islands. I am right now reading this article from the house in which I grew up decades ago. And I feel so very nostalgic because there was this advert about the Greek islands, Skopelos, Thiasos, Samos (if I got them right – we are talking 40 years here!)
Today I have been able to see one of their sister islands “live” (because you really brought it to life in this article!) albeit this one must be different from those others which could still be hustling and bustling. I personally frequently prefer places that have not been disturbed by human activity.
This article provides all the information that one would need to make an informed decision when planning to visit Greece.
Thanks and very well done!
Thanks so much Teboho! I am glad you enjoyed your digital visit to Serifos Island Greece. Hopefully soon you can travel to the Cyclades. Thanks for stopping by and I appreciate you taking the time to leave me comments.