Serifos Island

Serifos is a small, rugged island in the western Cyclades of Greece, about two to five hours by ferry from Piraeus depending on the vessel. Its main settlement, Chora, spills down a steep ridge of whitewashed cubic houses crowned by the Venetian-era Kastro and the church of Agios Konstantinos, forming one of the most dramatic village silhouettes in the Aegean. The port of Livadi has a long sandy beach and tavernas, and a paved walking path and a bus connect it with Chora, which sits about 250 metres above sea level. From the square of Chora, a short climb on stone steps leads to the Kastro area and to the summit chapel, where views cover the harbour, the neighbouring islands of Sifnos and Kythnos and, on clear days, the open Aegean. The island also has old mining remains at Megalo Livadi, where abandoned iron and copper ore installations are visible from the coast, and monasteries including the fortified Taxiarches Monastery, whose frescoes date from the 17th century. Beaches such as Psili Ammos, Ganema and Kalo Ambeli are reached by dirt tracks or short walks and are usually quiet. A visit to Chora and Livadi can be done in a day, but most travellers stay two to four nights to hike and swim. Chora is photographed best in early morning or late afternoon, when side light picks out the white walls. Crowds are small even in August compared with other Cycladic islands, though ferry arrivals bring short rushes at the port. Strong meltemi winds can blow in July and August, affecting both ferries and beaches. Admission to the village and beaches is free.