Every summer, millions of tourists flock to Greece, drawn by visions of whitewashed houses, crystal-clear turquoise waters and picturesque sunsets. But, while Santorini and Mykonos soak up much of the spotlight – and the crowds – many equally stunning destinations across the country remain overlooked.
From hidden island gems to charming mountain villages, Greece has far more to offer than those familiar Instagram backdrops. As overtourism begins to strain the most popular spots, it’s high time travellers widened their search and discovered the lesser-known corners of this beautiful country. One perfect island to commence this exploration is the small but beautifully formed island of Serifos, located in the Cyclades archipelago.
Serifos, measuring just 28.95 square miles, lies in the Aegean Sea, south of Kythnos and northwest of Sifnos, its better-known neighbours. For those dreaming of the perfect Greek island holiday without being surrounded by tourists, this is the perfect destination, as most holidaymakers do not even realise Serifos exists.
As soon as you arrive on Serifos at the port of Livadi, tourists catch a glimpse of its beautiful sandy beaches against an impressive view of the capital, Serifos (Chora), which is dotted with whitewashed houses on the slopes of the hill, just like those on Santorini which tourists flock to see in their millions each year.
The island is almost in the shape of a complete circle and boasts 74 beaches all around its shoreline, where you will find everything from water sports to secluded natural coves perfect for relaxing. Many of the beaches have tavernas nearby, meaning you can always enjoy a home-cooked traditional Greek meal at almost any time of day. The island’s pride is Psili Ammos, which has received an award as the top among the 20 best beaches in Europe.
The village of Chora is divided into two neighbourhoods, Kato Chora (lower) and Ano Chora (upper). While there is a ring road around the village, the streets within the village are mostly pedestrianised, meaning tourists can take a quiet stroll to restaurants, tavernas, shops and small squares.
If you are up for the challenge, take the labyrinth of stairs that lead up to the Agios Konstantinos chapel above Chora, which will reward you with the most incredible views of the surrounding sea.
Arguably the most impressive monument to visit on Serifos, however, is the Aspros Pýrgos, a Hellenistic marble watchtower built around 300BC, with two-metre-high preserved walls, complete with an interior staircase. It stands on a hilltop just east of the road from Chora to Mega Livadi, near Mega Chorio. At least four other ancient towers have been located, including the megalithic Psaros Pyrgos or “Couch of the Cyclops” in the southwestern corner of the island.
Serifos is accessible via a 2.5-hour high-speed ferry from Athens’ port, Piraeus, as well as other islands of the Cyclades group. The fact that the island does not have its own airport helps it to retain its hidden gem character. You can also extend your stay, in Livadi for a more vibrant atmosphere like Kyma Studios, or Chora for a quieter and more traditional experience, at a hotel like Perma Serifos.