The beaches of petite Serifos seem innumerable – and indeed, locals claim there are over 70 of them, although only 40 have been charted (which is still quite a high number for a Cycladic Island spanning just 75 sq. kilometers). Indulge in their clean, crystalline waters, the cooling shade of tamarisk trees and picturesque tavernas with tables right on the sand, forgetting the usual conveniences of beach bars found on many other islands, as organized facilities are scarce. What many of us dream of on a relaxing holiday – isolation and tranquility during the busy tourist season – can be found there, at least until today.
Serifos’ shores and their unique ambiance have been luring selective travelers for many years and were one of the main reasons many fall deeply in love with the island, going on to build tasteful houses there. In recent years, Serifos has updated its profile, becoming a pole of attraction for younger crowds, creating well-built units to accommodate high-end tourism and offering attractive hangouts such as high-quality cafes, restaurants and shops.
The island’s beaches obviously remain a major attraction for holidaymakers; with waters in every shade of blue, golden sands or pebbly shores, deserted coastlines reachable only by paths or by boat, Serifos maintains its natural allure and we hope it doesn’t end up following the unpleasant example set by the more cosmopolitan islands that sacrifice natural glory for commercial gain.
The most beautiful beaches are to be found on the southern side of the island, with a portion of the western and eastern sides of the island, and only a few relatively organized ones near Livadi (the port). These are Avlomonas and Livadakia, sheltered from the blustery meltemi wind that whips up sandstorms on most of the other beaches.
Here, we offer you the full list of the most unmissable beaches on the islands and a map to find them.
01
Near Livadi
Avlomonas: This is the largest beach on the island, stretching across 1.5 km. Despite its proximity to the port, its waters are crystal clear. There are tamarisk trees for shade, the “Isalos” Hotel beach bar that serves food from morning till night, and the “Lazy Monkey”, another great hang-out. As you approach Livadi, you’ll find even more cafes and restaurants right on the shore.
Livadakia: This beach at a seaside resort next to Livadi boasts the highest concentration of rental rooms and small hotels on the island. It has fine sand and is broad, and in its non-organized zone you’ll find tamarisk trees to lie under for shade. It’s considered suitable for families as its waters deepen gently, is easy to access from the asphalt road, and there’s parking near the shore. Operating side by side is the all-day restaurant Alexandros and Vasileia café-bar, which also rent out sunbeds. Livadakia is also home to the island’s only campground, complete with a swimming pool that you can use even if you are not staying there.
Karavi: Next to Livadakia, this beach artfully blends golden sand with scattered pebbles. A reef that’s perilous to seafarers lies at the mouth of the harbor, its peak stopping just a few centimeters below the sea’s surface. Two shipwrecks nearby offer enjoyable snorkeling adventures.
02
To the south and west
Kalo Ampeli: This beach will enchant you even from a distance, but to reach it, you must follow a downhill trail running adjacent to the small chapel of Sotiras. It has turquoise waters, a sandy shore, and broad rocks. As it’s an unorganized beach with no natural shade, you’ll need to bring along your essentials (umbrella, towel, water, etc).
Vagia: This bay, with fine pebbles and stunning turquoise waters, scores a perfect ten. The beach loungers on the sand belong to Ammos Beach Houses, which boast luxurious maisonettes. At the northern tip of the beach are the chic Coco-Mat Eco Residences.
Ganema: This large bay hosts another exceptional Serifos beach with golden sand, crystal-clear turquoise waters and tamarisks. It’s a popular choice but fortunately, there’s plenty of room for everyone. To the north of the beach, you will find Grandma’s resto bar, serving traditional cuisine, coffee, and ice cream. In recent years, the cosmopolitan SAAN beach bar has also been in operation.
Koutalas: The bay, which must have earned its name because of its spoon-like shape, is easy to reach, as the road runs parallel to it, and boasts crystal clear waters and an intriguing seabed. Many come to Koutalas specially to dine at the old, quaint seaside taverna “Iparho” (I Exist), which serves tasty meze with raki and traditional dishes.
Maliadiko: Located next to Koutalas at the end of the homonymous bay, it has fine pebbles, sand, and crystalline waters. Adjacent is Mikro Maliadiko, with a shallow cave within the sea. It’s usually not crowded and must be accessed by sea.
Kalogeros: A trail from Maliadiko leads to this exceptional, secluded beach, home to an old threshing floor and a large palm tree.
Megalo Livadi: The settlement of Megalo Livadi was built to accommodate the needs of the mining works when the mining company “Serifos-Spiliazeza”, which operated there in 1880. To the left and right of the bay were two ramps where ores were loaded—one of them still standing there today. The imposing neoclassical Ziller School building, currently under restoration, housed the company’s offices and served as the residence for the mine’s director. This narrow beach, with calm, shallow waters, is favored by families—primarily because of the small tavernas Kyklopas and Marditsa there, which have tables by the water and are shaded by tamarisks.
In the area of the old mines, which are ideal for a stroll, everything is painted in a rust color, starkly contrasting with the deep blue of the sea. Observe the impressive loading stairs, located beneath the slope, and the old galleries gaping into the surrounding hills. Follow the remnants of the rails where loaded wagons once ran, carrying treasures from the bowels of Serifos’ land.
Avessalos: With sand and fine pebbles, it remains quiet even in August and is the only beach in Serifos from where you can enjoy a glorious sunset. At one end of the beach, remnants of an old ore-loading staircase still stand. The little church you will see there is dedicated to Agios Konstantinos.
03
To the North
Karavas: A trail starting from the beautiful little church of Agia Thekla, in the Sklavogianni region, leads you to this lovely and secluded beach, with sand and pebbles.
Sykamia: It is one of the largest beaches on the island, with sand and fine pebbles. There, you can dine at the excellent taverna “To Akrogiali tou Vito”.
Platis Gialos: Located under the Monastery of Taxiarches, it’s reachable from a concrete road. The beach has a closed sandy bay with deep blue waters and is divided into three beaches: Platis Gialos, Mesiano, and Voreino (for the latter, you will need to walk), and the taverna “Nikoulia” operates there. The little church of the Holy Apostoles also stands on the beach.
The Monastery of the Taxiarches is one of the most important sights on the island. It was established in 1570-72 and has a fortress-like form to protect it from attacks by potential conquerors. The Catholic Church is dedicated to the Archangels Gabriel and Michael and is surrounded by cells.
04
To the East
Lia: Boasting remarkably clear waters, fine pebbles, a view of Vou islet and an inviting seabed ideal for snorkeling, Lia makes for an essential visit. Do bring a mask and beach umbrella, as there are no tamarisk trees or facilities available. Once a well-kept secret and a gay-friendly spot, this exceptional beach, considered by some as the most beautiful in Serifos, is now quite popular. Hence, it gets crowded in August, and the noise of beach racquets adds to the cacophony. Above the beach, beautifully integrated into the landscape, is the excellent Nature Eco Living Serifos, reachable via a short path.
Agios Sostis: Located to the northeast, Agios Sostis is one of the most beautiful beaches on the island, with coarse sand and an impressive seabed. The sight of the small peninsula creating a second, smaller beach next to the larger one, and the eponymous whitewashed chapel gleaming in the sun will inspire the photographer in you. The sheer pleasure of swimming in its clear, glassy waters will make you want to return again and again. Tamarisk trees provide shade, and the cove’s southern opening shelters it from the winds. We would advise you to leave your car at the hill and not, like others, drive it down to the beach, spoiling the landscape and obstructing people who want to enjoy the shade of the tamarisk trees.
Ai Giannis: Located on the road to Kentarchos, it is quiet, with sand, pebbles, rocks, and a few tamarisk trees. It takes its name from the small church there, which dates back to the late 18th century
Psili Ammos: An award-winning beach in Serifos, with emerald shallow waters, golden sand, and tamarisk trees (if you arrive early enough). Its popularity means it keeps drawing new crowds, also because of two top-quality and well-known seafood tavernas there, “Manolis” and “Stefanakos.”
Kentarchos: Just below the settlement of Kentarchos (or Kallitsos) lies a beautiful, secluded beach with sand, pebbles, and wonderful waters. You can only reach it from the sea, as the path leading to it is no longer maintained and is mostly covered up.
Read also:
Sips and Snacks on the Cycladic Island of Serifos
