Serfios’ best spots for sustenance, stays, sea, and sunsets ‑ an anti‑tourist‑trap list, based on July ‘22.
LOGISTICS
GETTING THERE:
There is no airport on Serifos (to my knowledge), so unless you charter your own yacht, the main way of reaching the Cycladic island is by ferry. The beauty of this part of Greece is that it is:
(1) relatively close and accessible from Athens, and its multiple ports (although Piraeus is the most popular) offer quite a few trip options, and
(2) quite close to other islands so is perfect to visit as part of an island-hopping holiday!
GETTING AROUND:
For Serifos, which is quite a small island but built on a hill, I would suggest opting for a bike rental (if you have the license and means to do so). In terms of costs, our rental was €20 bike and €6 to fill up a tank of petrol. Personally, I love having the freedom to travel around the island independently, and so this was great for 1-2 people on a trip. Alternatively, for €1.80 for each trip (no matter the stop) you can opt for the bus. If you select the latter, make sure to check the schedule because the routes may not be as frequent as you might think…But this is a great option for getting to and from the port, if you stay in one of the other towns, because you can carry bags.
WHERE TO STAY:
If you’re looking for a unique AirBnB for a few days in Serifos, check out ‘The Mermaid’. The hosts were very hands on and helpful. The actual space is quite small (hence suitable for a shorter time) but it’s quaint and has a roof terrace that overlooks the horizon – incredible to enjoy for breakfast and sundowners. Also very well located – central in Kato Chora.
🏠: https://abnb.me/2JrlUxM0azb
HOW LONG TO STAY FOR:
Since Serifos is perfectly located for an island-hopping holiday, I would recommend 2-3 nights on the island. For context: we started our trip here to relax and unwind, and then moved to the busier islands. Anything more, will be enjoyable (you’re in the Mediterranean!!), but may not be as ‘stimulating’.
EAT
Serfaki, souvlakia
Although Chora (which literally translates to ‘Town’) has one of every type of establishment, the single souvlaki shop is really nice and right at the top of the town’s square. It’s actually quite cool to eat your takeaway on the stairs and watch the little town buzz.
Vatrahos, bar
Again, probably the only bar in the ‘down’ town but it’s quite cute and in the middle of the town square. For those who don’t speak greek, the name means ‘frog’ – also the symbol of Serifos since the island is shaped like the little amphibious creature.
Cyclopas, taverna
A few tavernas are lined up right on the beach – although it may look touristy in its set-up, the restaurant we dined at was run by a local and his mom was the chef. Truly authentic and quite relaxing too!
Pana Piazza, town square
This upper part of Chora has a church and little stalls around the square. While we visited, it was deserted and empty – kind of felt like we walked onto the set of a dystopian movie. The street is painted in bright colours and the church was undergoing renovation but had a really beautiful view point too.
Bars:
Stou Stratou is a bar known for its rakomelo (traditional cinnamon and honey-infused digestive spirit). While Gaidaros (translating to ‘donkey’) is a cute little spot for a drink too.
BEACHES
Kentarchos-Galini, hidden
While we were riding around the island, we spotted a small bay from the top of the winding road and decided to explore. This tiny bay had a taverna on the right side – we had greek coffee here – and became my favourite beach of the whole trip. I’m not sure why – it was just beautiful and so peaceful.
Kalo Ampeli, Mars
If you think Milos is a ‘slice of the moon in the Med’, Serifos chucks you right onto Mars (but this red desert actually has water). For whatever eerie reason, I found this beach to be quite otherworldly but also cool to experience. I would suggest taking snacks and water as the little shop is quite pricey (from what I recall).
Ganema, green
This Mars-like beach had trees (I’m struggling to not sound sarcastic, but the greenery provides nice shade too).
Psili Ammos, classic
Typical ‘white sand and calm blue water’ beach with a taverna open too. Seemed to be quite popular for the locals too as most of the visitors were Greek.
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