Serifos

Island Cycladic island noted for steep Chora and mining history

Serifos in the western Cyclades draws visitors to rocky beaches, whitewashed Chora perched above the port, traditional tavernas and hiking routes across dry, low hills.

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Serifos is a small island in the Cyclades group of the Aegean Sea, part of Greece’s South Aegean administrative region, known for its traditional hilltop main town and coastal beaches. It has a compact port and a steep, rocky interior with settlements clustered on slopes.

The island’s main town, the Chora, sits above the main harbour and is characterized by whitewashed houses, narrow streets and an old castle (Kastro) overlooking the bay. The port settlement of Livadi is the main arrival point for ferries and provides visitor facilities.

Serifos developed a local mining industry historically, and traces of mining infrastructure and paths survive; today tourism and small-scale agriculture are important. The island offers multiple beaches with sheltered coves and some rugged coastal scenery.

Geographically the island lies in the western Cyclades and is reached by regular ferry services from Piraeus and other Cycladic islands.

  • Mining heritage: The island retains a history of mining activities which shaped its economy and landscape; traces of mine works and related ruins remain visible.

What to See #

  • Chora and Kastro: The hilltop Chora with whitewashed houses clustered around the medieval Kastro that overlooks the island and the harbour.
  • Livadi (port): The main port of Livadi where ferries arrive and a seaside settlement with shops and services for visitors.
  • Beaches: Several beaches on the island's coastline, including sheltered coves and pebbled stretches that are the island's primary tourist draw.
Serifos
Serifos Island, South Aegean, Greece (main port: Livadi; Chora on the central ridge)
37.1649, 24.4812

How to Get to Serifos #

Regular ferries connect Serifos with Piraeus (Athens) and other Cycladic islands; journey times vary by vessel type (2.5-5+ hours). During summer there are additional seasonal high-speed ferry options. The main port is Livadi; Chora is a short bus or taxi ride uphill.

Tips for Visiting Serifos #

  • Ferries from Piraeus to Serifos (via the Cyclades lines) are regular; check schedules - crossing times vary from 2.5 to 5+ hours depending on the vessel.
  • Visit Chora (the hilltop capital) in the evening when the light softens and the narrow alleys are cooler.
  • Hike between beaches like Livadi, Psili Ammos and Sifneiko to appreciate the island's geology and abandoned mines.
  • Bring cash for small tavernas in villages outside the main ports; ATMs are limited.

Best Time to Visit Serifos #

Serifos is a classic Cycladic island best visited in late spring or early autumn for milder temperatures and quieter beaches; summer is lively and hot.

Summer
June-September · 24°C-32°C
Peak season with ferry connections and beach weather; busiest in July and August.
Late spring and early autumn
May-June, September-October · 18°C-26°C
Pleasant temperatures, fewer crowds, good hiking weather.

Weather & Climate near Serifos #

Climate

Serifos's climate is classified as Hot-Summer Mediterranean - Hot-Summer Mediterranean climate with warm summers (peaking in July) and cold winters (coldest in February). Temperatures range from 7°C to 27°C. Moderate rainfall (508 mm/year) with a pronounced dry season.

Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
27°
Warmest Month
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions

January

January is cold with highs of 11°C and lows of 8°C. Regular rainfall (82 mm).

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
11°

Weather

82 mm
Rainfall
5.4 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

February

February is the coolest month with highs of 11°C and lows of 7°C. Moderate rainfall (72 mm).

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
11°

Weather

72 mm
Rainfall
5.8 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

March

March is cool with highs of 13°C and lows of 8°C. Moderate rainfall (63 mm).

Comfort

11°
Feels Like Cool
11°C
Temperature
13°

Weather

63 mm
Rainfall
4.7 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

April

April is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 11°C. Moderate rainfall (32 mm).

Comfort

14°
Feels Like Cool
14°C
Temperature
11° 16°

Weather

32 mm
Rainfall
4.3 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

May

May is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 15°C. Light rainfall.

Comfort

18°
Feels Like Cool
18°C
Temperature
15° 21°

Weather

18 mm
Rainfall
4.0 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

June

June is mild with highs of 26°C and lows of 19°C. Almost no rain.

Comfort

22°
Feels Like Mild
22°C
Temperature
19° 26°

Weather

7 mm
Rainfall
4.1 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

July

July is the warmest month with highs of 27°C and lows of 21°C. The driest month with just 3 mm.

Comfort

24°
Feels Like Warm
24°C
Temperature
21° 27°

Weather

3 mm
Rainfall
5.1 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

August

August is warm with highs of 27°C and lows of 21°C. Almost no rain.

Comfort

24°
Feels Like Warm
24°C
Temperature
21° 27°

Weather

5 mm
Rainfall
4.6 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

September

September is mild with highs of 24°C and lows of 19°C. Almost no rain.

Comfort

21°
Feels Like Mild
21°C
Temperature
19° 24°

Weather

9 mm
Rainfall
4.1 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

October

October is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 15°C. Moderate rainfall (56 mm).

Comfort

18°
Feels Like Cool
18°C
Temperature
15° 20°

Weather

56 mm
Rainfall
4.2 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

November

November is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 12°C. Moderate rainfall (74 mm).

Comfort

14°
Feels Like Cool
14°C
Temperature
12° 16°

Weather

74 mm
Rainfall
4.2 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

December

December is cool with highs of 13°C and lows of 9°C. The wettest month with 87 mm of rain.

Comfort

11°
Feels Like Cool
11°C
Temperature
13°

Weather

87 mm
Rainfall
5.3 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

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