Serifos

Chora is a surprising village hanging onto a steep rocky peak which dominates the magnificent bay of Livadi. Topped by an old Venetian fortress known as a Kastro and two chapels where the panoramic view is quite extraordinary, Chora is like an eagle's nest that can be seen from the sea.
Built vertically, it is made up of a labyrinth of very narrow and mainly stepped lanes which occasionally offer superb viewing points. The tiny houses are generally one- room buildings, in contrast to the two- or even three-storey homes inside the Kastro district. There are also several very pleasant squares, like the main square with its neoclassical-style ochre-coloured town hall and a cathedral, Aghios Athanassios, dating from the 18th century. At the entrance to the village is the district of the mills with its square lined with cafes. This is the daily meeting place for the islanders.
A paved and stepped path, which is dictated by the contours of the land, zigzags to Livadi. The walk is quite superb.

There are very few other villages and they mainly date back to the 19th century.

Panagia


Panagia is situated in the north of the island. Built on the side of a hill in a green setting, it is picturesque with its little stepped lanes bordered with low tiny houses.
It is also there that the oldest church on the island can be found, a church built in the 11th century and consecrated to the Virgin Mary. It was designed according to a basilican plan with a double nave surmounted by a red tile dome. It has several beautiful frescos dating back to the 14th century. The festivities that start on 15th August and last for three days are well worth a look. The majority of the population comes out for these.

Megalo Livadi
Nestling in the south-west of the island at the far end of a deep bay and well protected from the winds is the village of Megalo Livadi. It was founded between 1880 and 1890 thanks to the neighbouring bauxite mines where an intense mining industry existed.
Monumental buildings in a neoclassical style, such as the offices of the mining company and a hospital, were built just beside the humble houses used to accommodate workers.
Today, the only things remaining from this glorious era are a few monuments left in ruins, great loading ramps now forming part of the landscape, rusted wagons and a few railway lines.
Two very nice taverns are located on the water's edge, mainly frequented by a local clientele.

Koutalas
It is located in the south of the island. Established in 1880, due to the working of mines, it is today a peaceful village with vegetable gardens and a very beautiful beach of sand and pebbles, bordered by tamarisk trees. A tavern gives a bit of life to this otherwise deserted place.

Though the island is rocky, the inhabitants of Serifos have a reputation for being excellent farmers.
Individual constructions can be found scattered about the countryside that are closely tied to agriculture and breeding, some of them more than four hundred years old!
They are known as "kelia", long, low and narrow rural houses.
They were all built on the same principle. The hearth is always situated on the left, and on the opposite side are the coldest walls with alcoves where earthenware jars filled with oil, wine and water are stored. About a metre from the ground there is a "mezzanine" which is used as a sleeping room. Hanging from the ceiling by hooks are baskets in which cheeses are dried.
One can also see the "krassokelia", used as a press and wine cellar. The first ones were built in the 17th and 18th century with the growing importance of wine growing.
Higher than a "kelia", the inside of a "krassokelia" is taken up by a vast press in which the grapes are trampled. The juice runs out of an opening in the wall and into a tank placed outside. Once the wine is made, it is stored in earthenware jars. These are then placed on shelves made out of shale slabs or on "constructed" benches.
At the back of the "krassokelia" is a low wide opening made for tipping out the grapes onto the pressing floor.

Its indented coastline gives Serifos countless rocky creeks and deep bays fringed by fine sandy beaches where you can take a swim far from the crowds.

East coast
Psili Ammos beach: near Livadi. It is accessible on foot. Its golden sand and turquoise water make it undeniably the most beautiful beach on the island.
Agios Sostis beach: near Livadi. It is accessible on foot. Very pretty bay nestling in the neck of the cape with a beautiful sandy beach and charming chapel.

South coast
Be sure to take the route which runs from Livadi to Koutalas via Ramos. The landscapes there are superb. Sheltered natural beaches stretch along the coastline.
The bay of Kalo Ambeli offers one of the best panoramic views found anywhere on the island and it boasts a flat sand and pebble beach which can only be reached by a foot-path. Ideal for those looking for complete isolation!
Vahia beach: beautiful sandy beach with very clear waters.
Gianema beach: very beautiful pebble beach bordered by tamarisk trees.

North coast
The countryside is a little greener here than in the south with small valleys planted with olive and almond trees as well as vineyards. However, the beaches are more exposed to the winds from the north.

Situated in the north of the island, 100 metres above sea level, the Monastery of Taxiarques is the most imposing building found anywhere on the island. Built in 1600 as a fortress, it is surrounded by a white 8-metre high wall to protect itself from enemies.
Inside the monastery, several buildings, linked by a circular path, are arranged around a courtyard that has been entirely paved in marble and planted with pines and jasmines. The church, built according to a cruciform plan, is situated at the centre of the courtyard and contains beautiful objects as well as a beautiful iconostasis.
A single monk lives in the monastery who has dedicated his life, for the past forty-six years, to the restoration of the building.

Serifos : Overview - Where to stay ? - Excursions - Photo gallery