The Colorful Greek Island of Serifos Has a Clifftop Old Town With Santorini Vibes (& Zero Crowds!)

Skip the Santorini crowds and head to the quiet Cycladic island of Serifos. With a hilltop Old Town, serene beaches, and serious Greek charm.

It’s not easy to find a Greek island that still feels a little undiscovered these days.

But when you visit the western Cyclades island of Serifos, that’s exactly what you’ll find.

Nicknamed the “Iron Lady” of the Cyclades due to its mining history, this rugged and unpretentious island is full of raw beauty, easygoing villages, and windswept beaches that haven’t been polished for mass tourism.

You won’t find cruise ships or high-end boutiques here—just a traditional Greek island with a lot of easy-going charm.

Note: This post may contain affiliate links. If you choose to book through these links, I receive a small commission, which I will undoubtedly blow on more flights (it’s a vicious cycle).  All of this internet voodoo takes place at no additional cost to you. 

What makes Serifos stand out is its striking Chora (Old Town), dramatically perched on a rocky hillside high above the sea. It’s one of the most scenic island capitals in the Cyclades.

With whitewashed homes stacked along narrow paths, blue-domed churches clinging to cliffs, and sweeping views, it’s got serious Santorini vibes (without the crowds or the cost!).

It’s also got a main square that really blew me away, but I’ll get to that in a minute.

Down below, the port town of Livadi welcomes visitors with a calm harbor, a walkable beach, and a laid-back vibe that makes it easy to settle in and do, well… very little.

Serifos isn’t the place to check off a long list of sights. It’s a place to slow down, soak up the scenery, and enjoy the feeling of being on a true Greek island that hasn’t sold out to mass tourism.

If I’m being honest, I didn’t originally have Serifos on my Greek Islands itinerary this summer. But with Kythnos and Sifnos on my wish list, I couldn’t help but notice the ferry between them made a stop in Serifos.

And after a little online research, I was intrigued by this lovely island that had yet to cross my radar. So, I figured why not hop off the ferry for a few days and check it out.

And I’m so glad I did!

How to Get to Serifos

There’s no airport on Serifos, which is part of the reason it’s stayed under the radar. But getting here is still pretty simple—especially if you’re coming from Athens.

Ferries to Serifos depart from Piraeus Port and run frequently during the warmer months (April through October), with reduced service in the winter. Depending on the ferry type, the journey takes between 2 and 4 hours.

Here’s what you need to know:

High-speed ferries (like SeaJets or Fast Ferries) make the trip in about 2–2.5 hours. Conventional ferries take longer but are usually more budget-friendly.

During peak season, there are multiple daily departures from Piraeus. Ferry tickets can sell out in summer, so booking in advance is smart—especially if you’re traveling with a vehicle.

Tip: The absolute best site for booking ferries in Greece is FerryHopper.com.

Once you arrive, the ferry docks at Livadi, the island’s main port. 

If you’re island hopping from nearby Cycladic islands like Sifnos, Milos, or Kythnos (as I was), Serifos is easy to add to your route. These short inter-island ferries make Serifos a convenient stop on a larger island-hopping trip around the Cyclades.

Where to Stay on Serifos

The main port of Livadi is a great choice for easy access to all the best of Serifos.

It’s a compact, walkable town and a great base if you prefer to stay close to the beach, restaurants, and transportation options.

There are plenty of great seaside tavernas for dinner options, and a few beaches within walking distance. Plus you’ll have easy access to supermarkets and car rental options.

For my short, 2-night visit, staying in Livadi was ideal.

Chill & Co. Serifos (Livadi) – This was my pick on Serifos. Rooms are modern, minimalist and sparkling clean.

Mine had a sea‑view balcony overlooking Livadi and the lovely gentleman at the front desk was friendly and helpful with thoughtful recommendations to make the most of my short stay.

The on‑site resto‑bar serves creative Mediterranean‑Latin bites, brunch, and cocktails—perfect for laid‑back mornings (as the name implies).  

Belvedere Serifos (Livadi) – This chic boutique hotel is the newest hotel option on Serifos. Located a 10-minute walk from Livadi Beach, it’s perched on a hill with sweeping views over the bay.

This resort-style hotel with family suites also features a lovely pool and poolside bar.

This hotel is known for exceptional service, terrific views, and an excellent breakfast spread. It also has free parking if you decide to rent a car. 

And speaking of that…

Getting Around Serifos

Serifos may be a tiny island, but its steep terrain and scattered beaches mean you’ll want some kind of transportation—especially if you’re planning to explore beyond Livadi.

Here are the best ways to get around:

Take the Local Bus 🚌

The local bus is a great option for getting up to Chora (Old Town) and around the island’s main villages during the summer season.

Buses depart regularly from Livadi and head up the steep, winding road to Chora. The ride is just 2 euros each way, and you can pay the driver directly onboard. The bus is clean, reliable, and air-conditioned—a smart move if you’re not used to narrow cliffside roads.

This is the option I chose for my visit to Chora—the drive full of switchbacks and steep drop-offs looked a bit intimidating.

Rent a Car or ATV 🚗

Renting a car or ATV gives you total freedom to visit remote beaches and explore at your own pace. Roads are paved and generally in good condition, but some are narrow and winding. 

Parking in Chora is extremely limited—especially during high season—so visiting the Old Town by car is not ideal. If you go this route, a compact car or ATV is best for navigating the island’s tighter roads.

Taxis 🚕

Taxis are available on Serifos, but they’re limited. You’ll find them around Livadi, and your hotel can help call one if needed.

Hiking on Serifos 🥾

If you enjoy walking, Serifos offers a network of old footpaths that once connected villages and farmlands. Today, they make for scenic (and peaceful) hikes.

Trails between Chora, Livadi, and surrounding hamlets are doable for most fitness levels. Just be ready for dry, rocky paths lined with stone walls, fig trees, and the occasional goat.

The hike from Livadi to Chora is a popular one—steep in parts but full of amazing views. Be sure to bring plenty of water and sun protection.

Now that we’ve covered how to get around, let’s talk about what to do…

Things to do on Serifos

As I mentioned earlier, this is not an island with many traditional “sights” you’d expect from more famous Greek islands. The two primary things to do are explore the island’s unique Old Town and hit the beach.

Explore Chora

Whether you take the bus or drive yourself, exploring the island’s beautiful capital city is a must.

Rising high above the port, Chora is what really sets Serifos apart. It’s not just beautiful—it’s dramatically beautiful.

Built into a steep hillside, this Old Town feels like a Cycladic fairy tale, with whitewashed houses spilling down the slope and a maze of narrow lanes winding their way to jaw-dropping viewpoints.

Here’s what to see when you make the (steep but worth it) trip up:

Walk through the labyrinthine alleys – Chora is car-free, so it’s all about exploring on foot. The twisty lanes are full of little surprises: hidden churches, bright bougainvillea, and blue doors begging for a photo.

Visit the Church of Agios Konstantinos – Perched at the very top of town, this tiny white church has one of the best panoramic views on the island. It’s the ideal sunset spot.

Grab a drink in the main square – Pano Piazza Square is the heart of Chora. Sit at a cafe under the shade of plane trees, order a cold beer or espresso, and enjoy the energy of a place that hasn’t changed much in decades.

The square is anchored by the Town Hall and the blue domed 17th-century metropolitan church of Agios Athanasios.

It’s one of the most beautiful squares I’ve seen anywhere in Greece and, surprisingly, on the July afternoon when I visited, I had it all to myself!

Pop into shops selling local goods – Chora has a few low-key boutiques with ceramics, honey, herbs, and handmade souvenirs. Nothing flashy, but all authentic so be sure to support the local businesses when you visit.

Hit the Beach

For an island this low-key, Serifos punches above its weight when it comes to beaches.

You won’t find big resorts or rows of loungers—just wide bays, clear water, and plenty of room to lay your towel. Most beaches are reachable by car or scooter, and a few even on foot from Livadi.

Here are a few standout beaches worth the detour:

1. Psili Ammos
This one gets all the love—and for good reason. With soft golden sand, shallow turquoise water, and tamarisk trees for shade, it’s about as close to perfect as it gets. There’s also a casual taverna right near the beach. It’s about a 10-minute drive from Livadi.

2. Agios Sostis
A more rugged choice with two coves connected by a narrow strip of sand and a tiny church perched above. It feels remote, even in summer. There are no facilities here so bring water and snacks.

3. Livadakia Beach
One of the prettiest beaches on the island, it’s also one of the most convenient – just a 5-minute walk from Livadi. 

4. Ganema Beach
One of the larger beaches on the island, Ganema is framed by rocky hills and has a relaxed feel with a mix of sand and pebbles. There’s a taverna at the far end serving grilled fish and local dishes. The drive from Livadi takes about 25 minutes.

5. Livadi Beach
If you don’t want to stray far, Livadi’s own beach is perfectly decent for a morning dip or lazy afternoon. It’s long, sandy, and easy to reach. Plus umbrellas, cafés, and everything you need is just steps away.

So do yourself a favor & hop off the ferry in Serifos!

Serifos isn’t trying to impress anyone—and that’s exactly what makes it so memorable. With its dramatic clifftop Chora, quiet beaches, and relaxed pace, a visit here is a more grounded kind of Greek island experience.

If you’re looking for Cycladic charm without the crowds, sunsets without the scramble, and a sense of discovery that’s getting harder to find in the ever popular Aegean, Serifos delivers.

Looking for more fabulous Greek Islands to visit? Start here:

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The 7 Best Greek Islands for Beaches (You’ve Never Heard of #4)

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