Serifos Chora Beaches

Overview

While the magnificent hilltop village of Serifos Chora offers breathtaking views, it is not a beach town. Instead, the island's celebrated coastline is just a short journey away, with most beaches easily accessible from the main port, Livadi. Serifos is renowned for its sheer number of shores, boasting a remarkable variety that ranges from fine, golden sand to smooth, colourful pebbles. This diversity is a core part of the island's appeal, offering a different experience at every turn.

Among the island's most treasured spots are our editor's picks, which capture the unique character of Serifos. The famous Psili Ammos is a must-visit, an award-winning beach known for its beautiful sand and shallow, clear waters. For an iconic view, the chapel at Agios Sostis provides a picture-perfect backdrop between its twin bays. Near the port, Livadakia Beach is a convenient and family-friendly hub with ample natural shade. Many guides also highlight the expansive, tamarisk-lined bay of Ganema, a large and tranquil beach on the south coast with a mix of sand and pebbles.

The charm of Serifos lies in its quiet, laid-back atmosphere, making it a perfect escape for relaxation rather than nightlife. Much of its coastline is intentionally left undeveloped, allowing its wild, natural beauty to shine. This overview only scratches the surface of what's available. Be sure to explore our longer list, which details the dozens of stunning beaches, from the most popular shores to the most secluded coves, waiting to be discovered across the island.

Top Beaches

FAQ

Can you walk to a beach from Serifos Chora?

No, Serifos Chora is a picturesque village built on a high hill, offering stunning views but no direct beach access. The main port town, Livadi, is about 2 kilometers downhill and has two beaches, Avlomonas and Livadakia. While you can walk, most visitors take the frequent bus, a taxi, or use a rental car or scooter to travel between Chora and the island's many beaches.

Livadakia Beach

What are the beaches in Serifos like, sandy or pebbly?

Serifos is blessed with a wide variety of beaches. You can find pristine, golden sand beaches with shallow waters like Psili Ammos, which was once voted the best beach in Europe. There are also many beaches with a mix of sand and fine pebbles, like the large Ganema beach, and others with coarse sand or smooth white pebbles, such as Vagia. This diversity is one of the island's main attractions.

Psili Ammos

Ganema Beach

Do I need to rent a car to explore the beaches in Serifos?

While a public bus service connects Chora, Livadi, and a few of the most popular beaches like Psili Ammos and Megalo Livadi, renting a car, scooter, or ATV is highly recommended. Many of the island's most beautiful and secluded beaches are located down dirt tracks or are not on the bus route, and a vehicle gives you the freedom to discover these hidden gems.

Psili Ammos

Is Serifos a good destination for a family beach holiday?

Yes, Serifos is an excellent choice for families seeking a relaxed and authentic Greek island holiday. The calm, shallow, and sandy waters at beaches like Livadakia, Avlomonas, and Psili Ammos are perfect for children. The island has a laid-back atmosphere, and even in August, it doesn't feel as crowded as other Cycladic islands. However, note that many beaches are unorganized, so you'll often need to bring your own supplies.

Livadakia Beach

Psili Ammos

Where is the best area to stay in Serifos for easy beach access?

For the most convenient access to beaches, tavernas, and services, the port town of Livadi and the adjacent bay of Livadakia are the best places to stay. From here, you can walk to at least two sandy beaches and easily access the bus and rental agencies to explore the rest of the island. While the hilltop Chora is stunning, staying there requires transport for every beach trip.

See the full list of accommodation options here.

Livadakia Beach

Are there nudist or clothing-optional beaches in Serifos?

Yes, Serifos is widely known as one of the most nudist-friendly islands in the Cyclades. While naturism is common and tolerated on the more remote parts of many beaches, Lia and Kalo Ampeli are particularly famous as unofficial nudist beaches. You will often find naturists seeking privacy at the far ends of other large beaches like Ganema as well.

Lia Beach

Ganema Beach

Which beaches in Serifos have sunbeds and umbrellas?

The most organized beaches with sunbeds, umbrellas, and tavernas are concentrated around the port of Livadi. Livadakia and Avlomonas beaches have sections with full facilities. The popular Psili Ammos beach also has a couple of tavernas that offer some sunbeds. However, the vast majority of Serifos's 70+ beaches are completely unorganized, preserving their natural, wild beauty.

Livadakia Beach

Psili Ammos

How do the beaches in Serifos compare to Milos or Sifnos?

Serifos is often praised for having more dazzling and diverse beaches than its neighbor Sifnos. While Sifnos has lovely, well-organized beaches, Serifos offers a greater number of wild, unspoiled coves with stunning natural beauty. Compared to the unique, volcanic and lunar landscapes of Milos's beaches, Serifos's beaches are more classic Cycladic in style, known for their golden sands and clear turquoise waters.

People Also Ask

What is the best time of year to visit Serifos for swimming and beaches?

The ideal time for a beach holiday in Serifos is from late May to early October. The sea is warmest and most pleasant for swimming from July to September. For the best balance of great weather, warm water, and fewer crowds, consider visiting in June or September. July and August are the hottest and busiest months.

Is it very windy on Serifos beaches in the summer?

Yes, like most Cycladic islands, Serifos can be affected by the 'Meltemi,' a strong northern wind, particularly in July and August. On windy days, it's wise to choose south-facing, sheltered beaches. The bays of Koutalas, Vagia, and Ganema on the south coast are excellent options for protection from the north wind.

Ganema Beach

Are there any beaches with natural shade from trees?

Yes, and it's one of the best features of Serifos's beaches. Many beaches, including Livadakia, Ganema, Koutalas, and Psili Ammos, are lined with beautiful tamarisk trees that provide ample natural shade throughout the day. This is a huge advantage, especially on the island's many unorganized beaches where you can't rent an umbrella.

Livadakia Beach

Ganema Beach

Psili Ammos

Is Serifos a party island or is it quiet?

Serifos is definitely a quiet and relaxing island, not a party destination. The atmosphere is laid-back and authentic, attracting visitors who want to unwind on beautiful beaches and enjoy peaceful evenings in traditional tavernas. While there are some lovely bars in Chora and Livadi for evening drinks, the island's vibe is sophisticated and tranquil, not centered around nightlife.