Where to Stay in Serifos: the Best Hotels and Areas
Serifos has a special place in our hearts. It was one of the first islands we visited before moving to Greece. Now that we live in Athens, we visit regularly. Since it’s only 62 miles (100 km) from the port of Piraeus it’s easy for us to go.
In fact, we try to go to Sifnos on the same trip. Both islands represent the best of the Cyclades: ancient culture and splendid nature. Serifos is one of the least populated and most rugged islands in the archipelago. That said, you will eat like a king and experience the real Greece!
Chora (Serifos)
Many Greeks consider Chora the nicest city in the Cyclades. The city crowns a hill next to the sea. Thus the unbelievable views of the entire island. Whitewashed houses line Chora’s alleys and cute plazas.
The 15th Century Venetian Fortress presides over Chora. However, its epicenter is Plateia Agio Athanasiou. The cathedral and the city hall are here. Walk around without a plan searching for churches, blue domes, and old windmills.
The best places to take pictures are the church of Agios Konstantinos and the Church of Christ. Now, as beautiful as Chora is, it is not that accessible. You have to climb all the way up or take a bus or taxi. Take note that there is only private accommodation here.
We Recommend These Properties in Chora
Karanti (Minimum 2 nights)
Karanti is on a quiet street next to the center. The little house is brand new. It was spotless when we stayed there! We had everything we needed, including awesome views.
Serifos Olive (Minimum 3 nights)
Serifos Olive is an authentic Cyclades home! It offers character, class, and unforgettable views. Your local guests will treat you like a king and give you tips.
Livadi
Livadi is the islands main port, beneath the hill where Chora is. You will arrive here. The city is on a deep bay. Though it doesn’t have historical sites, it’s beautiful. Our favorite spot is Agios Nikolaos Church with its blue dome and white walls.
Livadi is all about its long sandy beach lined with tall Tamarisk trees. We love it because it provides great access for people with disabilities. Buses to Chora (and sometimes to other towns) leave from Livadi.
We Recommend These Properties in Livadi
Asteri Hotel
The Asteri is our go to hotel in Serifos. It faces Livadi beach, with designated complimentary lounges and impeccable service. The rooms are comfy and come with a balcony. It offers free parking and port pick up. It opens in mid-May. No minimum nights and great prices!
Chill & Co. Serifos (minimum 2 nights)
We once booked the suite loft at the Chill & Co Serifos and didn’t want to leave! It’s big, extra comfortable, and comes with a huge terrace with the best views ever! The hotel is next to the port, within walking distance to both beaches.
Livadakia
Livadakia is the beach south of the port. It’s just a 15 minute walk to the center of Livadi. Maybe that’s why it’s a bit quieter. The beach is long, sandy, and full of tall Tamarisk trees. Though you can rent an umbrella, there is plenty of shade for free.
Agios Georgios church next to the cemetery is beautiful. There isn’t much else to see in Livadakia and that’s precisely why we like it so much. The area is all about nature!
You can walk to Karami Beach in 15 minutes. A 45 minute walk south takes you to the historic lighthouse and a small vineyard. You won’t believe the views!
We Recommend These Properties in Livadakia
Almiriki
The Almiriki is one of the few hotels that opens all year round. We’ve stayed here during the winter and had a great time. The rooms are big and come with balconies, a fridge, and a kitchenette. Besides, its great value for money!
Alexandros by the Beach – Serifos (minimum 3 nights)
Alexandros by the Beach is a fantastic property in the middle of Livadakia Beach. It has a lovely garden with tall trees and a delicious onsite restaurant. We stayed here with family in a suite and had everything we needed, including a well-equipped kitchenette.
Other More Secluded Beaches
Serifos is a small island with a population of approximately 1400 people. Most of them live in and around Chora or Livadi, where 90% of hotels are. That’s probably the island’s biggest draw. It’s almost empty!
You see, Greeks are very clever. Instead of overbuilding on every beach, they’ve left most hills, coves, and bays intact! Therefore, the island is full of splendid isolated places with just a handful of hotels.
The following are our two favorite isolated places in Serifos. Maybe isolated is a bit of a stretch. You can drive to Chora or Livaki in no time.
We Recommend These Properties on Other More Secluded Beaches
Nature Eco Living Serifos
If you have the money to splurge, do so at the Nature Eco Living Serifos hotel. The place will take your breath away. It’s on nudist Paralia Lia Beach. We are talking about one of the best properties in Serifos in one its best beaches.
Ammoa Beach Residences
If you are a beach bunny, you will adore the Ammoa Beach Residences. The spectacular units sit directly on picture perfect Vagia Beach. The sand is white, the water is blue and you can see turtles and lots of fish! All of the units are huge and fully equipped. Perfect for families.
How Many Days in Serifos
You can stay in Serifos as much as you want. There’s no way you won’t like it! In particular if you are crazy about treks, nature, and beaches. In fact, even in peak season (July and August) the island isn’t packed, so you can spend 10 days just laying down on the beach.
We’ve visited during the winter and had a great time. Granted, we didn’t bathe, but we spent quite some time walking about and chilling on the beach. We were almost alone! Most hotels are closed, but we had no problem eating delicious food.
