Cyclades
Serifos
Wild, uncrowded, and quietly stunning — the Cyclades as they used to be.
Getting around
Car recommended
Cost
€€€
In peak season
Quiet
Best months
May, Jun, Sep, Oct
From Athens
5.5h ferry
In pictures
Serifos
Serifos is the kind of Cyclades island that feels like a reward for those willing to look slightly further. The hilltop Chora is dramatic and beautiful, the beaches are excellent and rarely overcrowded, and the hiking between beaches is genuinely rewarding. The island has a strong local identity — most visitors are Greek — and the atmosphere is proudly unhurried.
How it scores
- Beaches
- Nightlife
- Food
- Culture
- Nature
- Family
- Accessibility
- Value for money
The catch
Quiet to the point of feeling empty outside July–August. Limited dining and accommodation options.
Hidden gem
Walk the old miners' path from Megalo Livadi — abandoned iron-ore loading bridges still stand on the beach.
Where it sits
Cyclades, Greece
Serifos — frequently asked
- When is the best time to visit Serifos? +
- The best months to visit Serifos are May to October. It's calm and uncrowded most of the year, so even peak season is workable.
- How do you get to Serifos from Athens? +
- Serifos has no airport — you'll need to take a ferry from Piraeus or Rafina, which takes about 5.5 hours. Some travellers fly to a nearby island and ferry across.
- Is Serifos good for couples? +
- Serifos is one of the most romantic Greek islands — sunsets, candlelit tavernas, sea-view rooms.
- Is Serifos good for families with kids? +
- Serifos is a solid family option, though you'll want a car for the best beaches.
- Is Serifos expensive? +
- Serifos is affordable by Greek-island standards.
- Do you need a car on Serifos? +
- You'll want a rental car on Serifos — distances are longer and the best beaches are spread out.
- What's the catch with Serifos? +
- Quiet to the point of feeling empty outside July–August. Limited dining and accommodation options.