Serifos Car Hire

Guide of Serifos

Geography

Serifos is a small island in the western Cyclades, located between Kythnos and Sifnos. Beloved for its rugged terrain and dramatic peaked landscape, it’s one of the best-looking islands in the region. The land here is mostly iron and granite, making it one of the rockiest islands in the Cyclades too.

The island is also home to some of the Aegean Sea’s most spectacular golden sand and pebbly beaches. Psili Ammos regularly ranks as one of the top 20 beaches in Europe.

Climate in Serifos

Serifos has a typically warm and temperate Mediterranean climate. The hottest months of the year are June, July and August when temperatures average 26°C. January is the coldest month of the year, with average temperatures of 11.9°C. From May until October the northern winds of the Aegean, known as meltemia, are strong and bring the temperatures down considerably. This means temperatures never get too overwhelming, even at the height of summer.

Culture

According to Greek myth, Acrisius locked Danae and her son Perseus in a wooden chest and let them into the Aegean Sea. They landed in Serifos. Later, to seek revenge on the King of Serifos, Perseus returned to Serifos with the severed head of Gorgon Medusa and showed it to the king, turning him to stone.

As well as myths and legends, the island’s culture has been shaped by its mines, located on the west of the island. Employed by the ancient Greeks, these mines peaked in production during the 19th century and helped the island flourish. Since the mines closed, the island relies on fishing and agriculture, as well as tourism.

Like its neighbours, Serifos is famed for its typically Cyclaedean architecture, with white-washed cube houses with blue-framed doors, tiny hilltop churches and narrow alleyways.

Things To Do in Serifos

Explore the hilltop capital of Chora

The main town is a maze of whitewashed alleyways and tiny courtyards covered in bougainvillaea, with plenty of cafes and shops to potter around. The main square is dominated by the church of Agios Athanasios and the impressive neoclassical hall, both worth a peek. Close by, there’s the Archaeological Collection and Folk Art Museum.

See the old mines

The mines in Serifos have been used on and off since ancient times. Slaves once worked on these until the Romans conquered the island, and then they re-opened under the Venetians. The island’s economy boomed following their re-opening in the 1830s, but the mines closed permanently in the 1960s. These days, you can hike along the old mining tracks.

Beach Hop

Serifos may be small but it boasts some mighty beaches. Psilli Ammos, with its powdery sand and shallow turquoise waters, is a Blue Flag-accredited beach. Livadi and Livadakia beaches are well equipped, with sun chair rentals, cafes and a lifeguard. Most of the island’s other 40 beaches are more secluded, with sheltered bays and crystal-clear water.

Catch a view in Panagia

This mountain village offers sublime views over the island. The Byzantine church, one of the oldest on the island, has stood here since 950 AD and contains some impressive 14th-century murals. The village is all cobblestone alleyways, traditional houses and colourful yards – the perfect place for a picture-perfect stroll.

Sit on Cyclops’s Throne

For another showstopping view, head to Psaropyrgos or ‘Cyclops throne’. The chipped boulders look like a giant armchair and offer spectacular views over the southeastern side of the island. The entrance to the cave of Cyclops is close by, said to have once been the home of a one-eyed cyclops.

Eating Out in Serifos

Like most of the Cyclades islands, Serifos takes food seriously. Local Serifian delicacies include xynomyzithra (similar to feta cheese), revithada (baked chickpea soup) and marathotiganites (fried fennel cakes). If you have a sweet tooth, don’t miss the amigdalota (almond sweets). If you’re lucky, you might get the chance to sample some local specialities at one of the island’s many folk festivals that take place throughout the year.

You’ll find excellent restaurants dotted around the island, but for an authentic introduction to Serifian cuisine, try Marathoriza in Chora. If you’re looking for an upscale joint, Metalleio in Livadi offers a carefully curated menu of creative dishes using locally-sourced products. Sfina’s Mezedopoleio, also in Livadi, offers Greek small plates accompanied by bouzouki music. Serifos is also one of the oldest wine-producing regions in the world. No trip would be complete without a tour and tasting at a local winery. Chrsoloras Winery is renowned for its biological vineyards.

Transport

Airport

There is no airport on the island of Serifos. The closest airport to the island is Athens International Airport (ATH), which is served by most major international and domestic airlines.

From here, you can hop on a ferry from Piraeus port in Athens. Sailings are frequent, with as many as four connections per day in the summer. The journey time averages between two and three hours. You could also pick up a ferry from neighbouring islands, such as Sifnos, Milos, Paros and Naxos.

Getting Around Serifos

A good bus network operates in Serifos, connecting the most popular spots on the island. Services are more frequent in the summer, when demand is higher. If you’re travelling off-season, you’ll find buses can be irregular and certain routes won’t operate. If you’re hoping to explore some of the island’s lesser-trodden spots, we recommend hiring your own car. Driving on the island is relatively easy and affordable, and you won’t need to rely on expensive taxis or transfers either.