With over seventy beaches on the island, Serifos is blessed with a natural beauty. Only a few of the beaches are organised with tourist facilities, with the majority relatively secluded and generally uncrowded outside of August. Most beaches have a taverna nearby but do check first and make a note of the wind direction as some shorelines are more sheltered than others.
Many beaches have natural shade from trees that grow in the sands due to freshwater lying close to the surface. To see the island at its best consider renting a car, boat or joining a boat excursion around Serifos to find secret swimming spots and hidden spits of sand.
Livadakia
A pleasant sandy beach to the south of Livadi with plenty of shade from the many trees, Livadakia is the choice of families who enjoy the gently sloping seabed and the restaurants and tavernas close at hand. There are water sport facilities and some organisation with beds and umbrellas around the bars on the beach. Sheltered, the beach is one of the busier on the island.
Agios Sostis
6 kilometres west of Livadi, Agios Sostis is named after the chapel which sits on a headland above the beach. Sandy with tamarisk trees for shade the beach is unorganised, while to the left of the headland is the smaller Vorino Plakoto beach which can get buffeted by the northern winds making it unsuitable for swimming. Head up to the chapel with a camera for photos across the sea to the uninhabited islet Vous, and if you are lucky enough to be here on September 6th there is a festival held nearby in honour of the saint.
Ganema
In the Bay of Koutalas which it shares with the beaches at Koutalas and Vagia, Ganema is long, wide and never feels crowded. Completely unorganised, the southern end closer to the road is sandy with shallow waters while the rest is more pebbly. There are trees for shade and a seasonal taverna for lunch.
Karavi
Walkable from Livadi, Karavi is a sandy beach with views across to Sifnos. A shallow reef below the surface of the sea caused an ancient galleon to sink, hence the name Karavi, ship in Greek. The wreck can be dived with amphorae littering the sea bed around. Unorganised, with little shade, the beach is favoured by naturalists.
Koutalas
The wide gulf of the Bay of Koutalas is home to the eponymous beach and tiny village. Long, with sand and pebbles, the beach is unorganised and generally quiet. The sea is clean and the beach is preferred by families who like the shade from the tamarisk trees and the handy local taverna.
Platis Gialos
On the northern coast, Platis Gialos is remote with a sand and pebble shoreline. Actually three beaches, Mesiano is the middle beach with shade from two trees and a small tavern to one side. Vorino, meaning northern, is a short walk away with clean water and a rocky seabed ideal for snorkelling. None of the beaches has facilities so come prepared.
Psili Ammos
One of the most popular beaches on the island, Psili Ammos is a long golden shore with plenty of shade. Loved by families for its shallow clean waters and nearby tavernas, the beach is tucked in a cove and it is relatively sheltered. Unorganised, the beach is served by a bus and there is parking on the road with a series of concrete steps leading to the beach.
Sikamia
On the northwest coast, Sikamia is a mixture of sand and pebbles with good shade from trees. Remote with views across to Kythnos, it is usually quiet but check the weather as the wind can whip up the waves here. There is a taverna, and access is by a steep tarmacked road.
Vagia
Sheltered, Vagia is long and wide and covered in a mixture of pebbles and coarse sand. There are rocks on the sea floor on the central section and the water deepens quickly but the beach is usually without wind or waves. There is a beach canteen that rents out a few sunbeds and umbrellas but, in general, the beach is unorganised with the nearest taverna at neighbouring Ganema.
Kalo Ambeli
A beautiful small beach accessible by boat or on foot, Kalo Ambeli has sand and crystal clear waters. A 15 minute walk from the dirt road parking, the beach is completely unorganised with little shade so come prepared. Sheltered and perfect for snorkelling, many think it is the best beach on the island with a desert island atmosphere.
Read also:
Serifos: The ‘hidden’ gem of the Aegean Sea
Serifos: The Greek island with the golden beaches
Serifos: Three-day road trip on Greek island full of surprises
