Location of Serifos
The island of Serifos is located in the western part of the Cyclades. It is bordered by Kithnos from the north and Sifnos from the south.
History of Serifos
Serifos might have been inhabited as early as in the prehistoric times, based on evidence found in the cave of Koutalas. It is a well-known fact that the Cretan civilization was present here; they were engaged in mining on the island. Later the Phoenicians and the Mycenaeans also arrived in the area. There are several monuments that have been preserved from that period. They were under the dominion of the Romans during the era of the Roman Empire. The Romans sent political exiles to the island. During the Middle Ages, the Byzantians and the Venetians were ruling over the island. You can still see the Venetian architecture in the capital today. In the period of the Turkish occupation, the island began to decline, but started to flourish again following the Greek Revolution. Serifos’ economy was based on the mines; the locals were better off when these were operating. Today, Serifos has a small population; they are engaged in agriculture and fishing.
Weather in Serifos
The weather in Serifos is basically the same as that of the other members of the Cyclades. The warmest and driest period is in July and August. During this time, there is practically no precipitation, and the average daily temperature is above 24 degrees Celsius. The temperature of the sea is also 24 degrees, making it perfect for swimming and diving. The summer wind Meltemi and the winter Sirocco are strongly present on the island. If you prefer less windy beaches, we recommend the ones located in the southeast.
Highlights of the island of Serifos
Serifos used to be a mining island; the iron mines were operating until 1964 since the ancient times with shorter and longer breaks. Today, they are nothing but a tourist attraction. You can find them on the southwestern side of the island. There is also a monument here commemorating the victims of the 1919 miners’ strike. If you visit the mines, you must definitely see the mine of Koutalas as well. Unfortunately, you have to stop at the entrance, as entry is forbidden due to the risk of collapse. If you would like to get to know the history of Serifos better, we recommend that you visit the Folklore Museum and the Archaeological Museum in the capital.
Gastronomy of Serifos
It is definitely worth trying local specialties; there are several traditional restaurants in Serifos. They often have fava – pureed yellow peas – at festivals. You should also taste the locally-produced, sun-dried tomato. If you like fish, you will love this place! There is a wide variety of popular local fish to try including mullet, swordfish and cuttlefish.
Beaches in Serifos
Agios Sostis Beach
This is a sandy beach with a great location. You can find Agios Sostis Chapel nearby on a cliff; there is a wonderful view from here. The beach is family-friendly with no pebbles and slowly deepening water. There are also trees providing a nice shade.
Livadakia Beach
The long sandy beach is located next to the port of the village Livadi. Livadi is among the most popular tourist destinations, so there are a lot of services offered on the beach. You can find bars and restaurants 20 metres from the beach, and there are sunshades and chairs as well. The part of the beach near Livadi might be crowded, so if you would like to relax in a more peaceful environment, you should go further towards the other end.
Sikamia Beach
Should you prefer perfect relaxation, the beach of Sikamia is the place to go. This spot can be found in the northern part, far from most establishments. The only town nearby is Galani, but people rarely visit from there, so you can enjoy the beach practically in complete isolation.
Koutalas Beach
This is also a family-friendly sandy-pebbly beach with slowly deepening water. It can be found on the southwestern side of the island. Its great advantage is that it is protected from the winds; the summer wind Meltemi hardly ever reaches the place. There are some beach bars here as well.
Boat hire in Serifos
Thanks to its location, you can explore any part of the Cyclades from here. It is a much better starting point than, for instance, the ports in Athens located a bit further.
Ayios Nikólaos Marina, Kea
It is an important port on the island of Kea, close to beautiful golden beaches and excellent fishing spots. It can accommodate 255 yachts at the same time, with a maximum length of 50 metres. The water depth of the port is up to 8 metres.
Mérikha Marina, Kithnos
This tiny marina can accommodate about 30 yachts up to 60 meters long and has a water depth of 8 meters. Local hotels, restaurants, and lively nightlife areas are in the immediate vicinity.
Ermoupolis Marina, Siros
Yachts up to 60 metres long can moor in the main marina of the tiny island of Siros. The water depth here is 9 metres. There are plenty of services available, including boat service and refuelling. Information about sailing in Syros, or rent a boat in Syros
Naxos Marina, Naxos
Yachts up to 20 metres in length and a number of 70 may berth in this marina. The maximum dive is 5 metres. In addition to the boat service, you can find the usual basic services in the marinas here. Information about sailing in Naxos, or rent a boat in Naxos
Paroikia Marina, Paros
The most popular marina is in Paros. It can accommodate yachts up to 60 metres. They also offer refuelling, boat service and electricity. The city’s sights, the best hotels and apartments, as well as great taverns and bars, await visitors near the marina. The depth of the marina is 3.5 metres. Information about sailing in Paros, or Paros rent a boat
Tinos Marina, Tinos
This medium-sized marina locates in Tinos, a city of the same name as the island. The marina, which is 5.5 metres deep, can be moored by yachts up to 60 metres long, for which it offers many services. From here you can easily reach all the sights and beaches of the island.
Mykonos Marina, Mykonos
On the island of Mykonos, in the marina of the city with the same name as the island yachts up to 40 metres long can berth. 30 ships can anchor at the same time. The water depth is 4.5 metres. In addition to restaurants, hotels, car rentals, and other services, there is also a boat service. Information about sailing in Mykonos, or Mykonos yacht rental
Apollonia Marina, Naxos
It is a larger marina on the northeast coast of Naxos, in the town of the same name. It can accommodate boats up to 60 metres in length and a draft of 4 metres. The marina offers basic services. There are also some restaurants and bars.
Karavostasi Marina, Ios
It is a medium-sized marina on the island of Ios. It can accommodate boats up to 60 metres in length. The depth of the seabed is 4 metres. There are many services available such as a water tank refill, and you can find restaurants nearby.
Adhamas Marina, Milos
The Adamas Marina can accommodate 50 boats up to 50 metres in length. The depth of the seabed is 5 metres. The offered services include bars, restaurants, boat maintenance service, and water tank refills. Information about sailing in Milos, or Milos boat rental.
Athinios Port
Santorini’s largest port is Athinios, located on the western side of the island. Locals also refer to it as New Port or Thira Port. It can accommodate hundreds of yachts. It is very well-equipped. There are drinking water, electricity and a refuelling station. The port is very busy, especially in the high season.
Skala Port
This is the old port, located near the town of Fira, the tourist centre of Santorini. It is small in size, so larger boats cannot berth here. The passengers of such boats are transported to the mainland by water taxi. You can reach the town by climbing 600 steps of stairs. You can go on foot, with a cable car or on the back of a donkey. If you get hungry, there are restaurants and taverns in the port. You can buy souvenirs and local delicacies in the smaller shops.
Ammoudi Port
The picturesque Ammoudi is on the north-western coast of Santorini, next to Oia. It is only 13 km from Firas. The small port can accommodate yachts up to 20 metres in length. There are traditional fish taverns on the beach where you can try fresh seafood dishes and local delicacies as well.
Vlychada Port
The recently opened Vlychada is the most protected port on Santorini. It can accommodate boats up to 25 metres in length. The depth of the seabed is 4 metres. There are drinking water, electricity and a refuelling station. In addition, there are bars and restaurants along the coast. Information about sailing in Santorini, or yacht charter in Santorini
Serifos offers dozens of interesting sights, delicious local dishes and a wonderful natural environment. Start your sailing trip here, and you can discover most members of the Cyclades!
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More information about Serifos
Rent a boat in Serifos, and cruise around Serifos
Day 1. Serifos – Sifnos 22, 14 km (13, 76 mi), Day 2. Sifnos – Milos 42, 57 km (26, 45 mi), Day 3. Milos – Folegandros 61, 81 km (38, 41 mi), Day 4. Folegandros – Parikia (Paros) 57, 07 km (35, 46 mi), Day 5. Paros – Naxos 31, 22 km (19, 40 mi), Day 6. Naxos – Ios 49, 16 km (30, 54 mi), Day 7. Ios – Kamari (Santorini) – Thira (Santorini) 68, 56 km (42, 60 mi)

Day 1. Serifos – Sifnos 22, 14 km (13, 76 mi), Day 2. Sifnos – Milos 42, 57 km (26, 45 mi), Day 3. Milos – Folegandros 61, 81 km (38, 41 mi), Day 4. Folegandros – Paros 57, 07 km (35, 46 mi), Day 5. Paros – Siros 44, 17 km (27, 45 mi), Day 6. Siros – Kithnos 67, 88 km (42, 18 mi), Day 7. Kithnos – Serifopoula – Serifos 50, 29 km (31, 25 mi)
