Unusual Guide
Who is Serifos
She’s an island on the western outskirts of the Cyclades. She looks like a small, rocky breath of land from a distance. One could say that she chose to be there herself, declaring her discrete nature in the clearest of ways. Without being grand or extravagant, she wins you over as soon as your gaze approaches her. But as the distance between you shortens, her extraordinary touches become more distinct.
Where to go,
what to see
The whitewashed houses, the bougainvilleas, the radiant cobalt blue front doors, the locals’ hanging laundry. Somewhere in between, dashes of greenery emerge to tie the stony to the human. From Troulos – Serifos’ highest peak – to its sandy shores, the island has a plethora of locations with a laconic charm that transports you to an Aegean of a bygone era…
Psili Ammos
The island’s most famous beach. A golden sandy beach without a single pebble was voted the best beach in Europe in 2003. Its shallow waters are ideal for small children. It also has several shady spots, which is pretty convenient even if you get there without an umbrella.
Livadakia
It is located a stone’s throw from Livadi. In fact, it is so close that many people choose to visit for one last swim before taking the ferry back home. The steps on its left side lead to the harbor. If you’re looking for a shady spot, you can also find several trees next to the golden beach.
Alevrakia
A small but enchanting beach, which you will find in the southern part of the island, quite close to the lighthouse at Akrotiri Spathi. Without any shade but with a landscape of wild beauty that matches the island’s character, it can easily seduce you and become your favorite destination during your stay.
Agios Sostis
It takes its name from a small chapel located on the nearby rocks – where a unique festival is held on the eve of the saint’s feast day, on the evening of September 6. Rocks surround the beach, but the sandy part in the middle is delightful, and the island of Vou is directly opposite.
Vagia
One of the three beautiful beaches of the Bay of Koutalas. A scenery of wild beauty, with coarse sand and colored pebbles, crystal clear waters, and a magnificent seabed. Its sunset, as the sun disappears behind the White Cape, is captivating. Remember your umbrella – natural shade is minimal.
Grias Castle
Situated high above Koutalas lie the ruins of Grias Castle, aka the Castle of the Old Lady, the remains of a small castle or settlement. From this vantage point, or the White Tower of Serifos, you can enjoy an excellent island view and watch the captivating Aegean sunset.
The Cyclops’ Throne
One of the locations worth visiting is the Cyclops Cape, which has a gorgeous and unique panoramic view of the island. There, you will find the Cyclops’ Throne -the locals call it Psaropyrgos. Feel free to climb and sit on it to get an idea of what it feels like to be a one-eyed mythical monster!
Aspros pirgos
An ancient monument on Serifos stands on a hilltop east of Chora. It is estimated that it was built in 300 BC with marble-made walls reaching 2 meters in height. Its position allowed land and sea oversight, avoiding pirate invasions. You can only explore its exterior, as the interior is under restoration.
Old Mines & Memorial
One of the most important attractions of the island. In Megalo Livadi are the half-ruined old mines of the island that were in operation until 1963. An almost eerie and otherworldly sight today, it was once the economic heart of Serifos. But the mines also have great historical significance. During a labor strike in August 1919, a fight between the miners and the police ended in the death of many strikers. After that, their demands for better working conditions and an eight-hour work per day -a rule that was immediately implemented countrywide – were accepted. Today, there is a memorial in Megalo Livadi dedicated to these miners.
Lighthouse
In the southern part of the island, on Spathi Cape, 65 meters above the sea, stands a stone lighthouse with a height of 9.7 meters. It was first opened in 1901 with oil as its source of energy. It remained switched off during the Second World War and was reopened in 1945. Since 1988 it has been operating as an electric lighthouse. You can access it by a dirt road from the port of Serifos.
Old Plystario
A short walk from the entrance to Kato Chora will take you to the path that leads to the Old Plystario. This is the old washhouse where women used to come to wash their families’ clothes. It was built here to make use of the stream that runs down this slope during the winter.
Windmills
The windmills in Mills Square are one of Chora’s most characteristic landmarks. They are located at the entrance to Ano Chora, while today, only three of the eight that existed at the site stand. The mills have vertical blades and a horizontal shaft mounted on the fixed building rather than a movable conical roof. This type is also known as a “mono-weather” since only a specific wind direction can move its blades.
In Serifos, there are more than 116 churches, many of which date back to Byzantine times. Some are built in remote places, and you can access them only through hiking paths, while others are located in the island’s settlements, welcoming visitors to come and discover their charm.
The Virgin Mary Skopiani
A church of outstanding beauty and architecture located on the northeast part of the island, right after Kallitsos. Its white walls contrast its beautiful blue dome. You should visit it only if you feel like hiking.
The Monastery of Taxiarches
This is the island’s most prominent and important monastery. It is located about 10 km north of Chora, it was founded around 1600, and its fortress-like architecture is quite imposing, even from a distance.
Agios Konstantinos
A picturesque white chapel, located at the top of Kastro, on the highest spot of Chora. Its location provides a fantastic view of the sea and the nearby islands. It was last renovated in 1928.
Folk Museum
It has been housed in a beautiful mansion in Kato Chora since 1976. Its exhibits include textiles, ceramics, porcelain, household utensils and tools, local costumes, and other objects. The Association of Serifians has created a small open theatre at the back of the house where various events are held.
Archaeological Collection
The Archaeological Collection of Serifos is located in Livadi. It hosts finds from the Classical, Hellenistic, and Roman periods. It includes statues, amphorae, inscriptions, and other objects found at various sites on the island, exhibited in its interiors and beautiful courtyard.
Traditional Festivals
These unique celebrations are almost exclusively related to a saint’s feast. For example, the 20th of July is the feast day of Prophet Ilias, and the 26th of July is the feast day of Agia Paraskevi in Chora. On the 14th of August, a feast is held dedicated to Virgin Mary. It lasts for three days, and according to tradition, the first couple who will dance around the church’s olive tree will get married the following year.
A Tale Of Two Towns
Serifos has not one but two Old Towns for us to explore! Kato Chora is mainly a residential area, a peaceful place ideal for a morning or evening stroll. You will find the Kato Piatsa (Lower Square), where the Church of Evangelistria, the Folklore Museum, and the local Theatre are located here. As for the Ano Chora’s (Upper Town) highlight is the Pano Piatsa (Upper Square) with the Town Hall, a neoclassical building dating back to 1908, and the imposing Agios Athanasios Church.
Hiking
Serifos is no exception to the Cycladic rule of having a path network that expands on the island’s barren land. It is doable for a hiker to know the entire island on foot. Alongside the island’s ancient paths, there are also some trails that were created when the mining activity of Serifos was at its peak so that workers could use them to move from and toward the mines from any place on the island.
Diving
As fascinating as the landscape of Serifos is above the sea, the scenery below the water’s surface is equally impressive. The Aegean Sea shares its secrets with anyone who wants to explore and discover them by diving into it. And the island, with its beaches, is one of the pelago’s best locations.
A Taste Of Serifos
Seaside taverns with an ever-changing menu, depending on the day’s catch. Small cafes with friendly staff and a cozy atmosphere. Bars with great cocktails and dazzling views. Serifos is not a sum of tastes. It’s an amalgamation of culinary experiences. And these are our suggestions.
If you want to enjoy an iced coffee and a tasty brunch with a view, there’s Frangosyko at Livadi. Serifos ‘ Yacht Club is a perfect spot for any time of the day, while Robinson serves excellent brunch. As for the traditional coffee spots, there’s Stratos at the Chora Square – an ideal choice for some local tastes and a Greek coffee, a beer, or a shot of tsipouro with meze. Vassileas is also located at Chora, and if you’re lucky enough, you’ll have the chance to enjoy a traditional rebetiko live act. As for the bars, there’s Gaidaros (Donkey) at Chora and Fragosyko (a cafe bar overlooking the marina and the port).
Now, let’s move to the main course: in Chora, you can enjoy some fine dishes in Plakes, Marathoriza (where you can also find mezedes – or small plates – and vegetarian options), Thalami (another seafood spot, more casual than Achinos). In Livadi, there’s Metalleio and Tootsie for souvlaki. As for the taverns on various island’s beaches, there’s Vito’s Akroyiali (right next to Sykamia), Takis in Livadi and Manolis (at Psili Ammos beach), and Porto Cadena (at Koutalas).
Psili Ammos
The island’s most famous beach. A golden sandy beach without a single pebble was voted the best beach in Europe in 2003. Its shallow waters are ideal for small children. It also has several shady spots, which is pretty convenient even if you get there without an umbrella.
Livadakia
It is located a stone’s throw from Livadi. In fact, it is so close that many people choose to visit for one last swim before taking the ferry back home. The steps on its left side lead to the harbor. If you’re looking for a shady spot, you can also find several trees next to the golden beach.
Alevrakia
A small but enchanting beach, which you will find in the southern part of the island, quite close to the lighthouse at Akrotiri Spathi. Without any shade but with a landscape of wild beauty that matches the island’s character, it can easily seduce you and become your favorite destination during your stay.
Agios Sostis
It takes its name from a small chapel located on the nearby rocks – where a unique festival is held on the eve of the saint’s feast day, on the evening of September 6. Rocks surround the beach, but the sandy part in the middle is delightful, and the island of Vou is directly opposite.
Vagia
One of the three beautiful beaches of the Bay of Koutalas. A scenery of wild beauty, with coarse sand and colored pebbles, crystal clear waters, and a magnificent seabed. Its sunset, as the sun disappears behind the White Cape, is captivating. Remember your umbrella – natural shade is minimal.
Grias Castle
Situated high above Koutalas lie the ruins of Grias Castle, aka the Castle of the Old Lady, the remains of a small castle or settlement. From this vantage point, or the White Tower of Serifos, you can enjoy an excellent island view and watch the captivating Aegean sunset.
The Cyclops’ Throne
One of the locations worth visiting is the Cyclops Cape, which has a gorgeous and unique panoramic view of the island. There, you will find the Cyclops’ Throne -the locals call it Psaropyrgos. Feel free to climb and sit on it to get an idea of what it feels like to be a one-eyed mythical monster!
Aspros pirgos
An ancient monument on Serifos stands on a hilltop east of Chora. It is estimated that it was built in 300 BC with marble-made walls reaching 2 meters in height. Its position allowed land and sea oversight, avoiding pirate invasions. You can only explore its exterior, as the interior is under restoration.
Old Mines & Memorial
One of the most important attractions of the island. In Megalo Livadi are the half-ruined old mines of the island that were in operation until 1963. An almost eerie and otherworldly sight today, it was once the economic heart of Serifos. But the mines also have great historical significance. During a labor strike in August 1919, a fight between the miners and the police ended in the death of many strikers. After that, their demands for better working conditions and an eight-hour work per day -a rule that was immediately implemented countrywide – were accepted. Today, there is a memorial in Megalo Livadi dedicated to these miners.
Lighthouse
In the southern part of the island, on Spathi Cape, 65 meters above the sea, stands a stone lighthouse with a height of 9.7 meters. It was first opened in 1901 with oil as its source of energy. It remained switched off during the Second World War and was reopened in 1945. Since 1988 it has been operating as an electric lighthouse. You can access it by a dirt road from the port of Serifos.
Old Plystario
A short walk from the entrance to Kato Chora will take you to the path that leads to the Old Plystario. This is the old washhouse where women used to come to wash their families’ clothes. It was built here to make use of the stream that runs down this slope during the winter.
Windmills
The windmills in Mills Square are one of Chora’s most characteristic landmarks. They are located at the entrance to Ano Chora, while today, only three of the eight that existed at the site stand. The mills have vertical blades and a horizontal shaft mounted on the fixed building rather than a movable conical roof. This type is also known as a “mono-weather” since only a specific wind direction can move its blades.
In Serifos, there are more than 116 churches, many of which date back to Byzantine times. Some are built in remote places, and you can access them only through hiking paths, while others are located in the island’s settlements, welcoming visitors to come and discover their charm.
The Virgin Mary Skopiani
A church of outstanding beauty and architecture located on the northeast part of the island, right after Kallitsos. Its white walls contrast its beautiful blue dome. You should visit it only if you feel like hiking.
The Monastery of Taxiarches
This is the island’s most prominent and important monastery. It is located about 10 km north of Chora, it was founded around 1600, and its fortress-like architecture is quite imposing, even from a distance.
Agios Konstantinos
A picturesque white chapel, located at the top of Kastro, on the highest spot of Chora. Its location provides a fantastic view of the sea and the nearby islands. It was last renovated in 1928.
Folk Museum
It has been housed in a beautiful mansion in Kato Chora since 1976. Its exhibits include textiles, ceramics, porcelain, household utensils and tools, local costumes, and other objects. The Association of Serifians has created a small open theatre at the back of the house where various events are held.
Archaeological Collection
The Archaeological Collection of Serifos is located in Livadi. It hosts finds from the Classical, Hellenistic, and Roman periods. It includes statues, amphorae, inscriptions, and other objects found at various sites on the island, exhibited in its interiors and beautiful courtyard.
Traditional Festivals
These unique celebrations are almost exclusively related to a saint’s feast. For example, the 20th of July is the feast day of Prophet Ilias, and the 26th of July is the feast day of Agia Paraskevi in Chora. On the 14th of August, a feast is held dedicated to Virgin Mary. It lasts for three days, and according to tradition, the first couple who will dance around the church’s olive tree will get married the following year.
A Tale Of Two Towns
Serifos has not one but two Old Towns for us to explore! Kato Chora is mainly a residential area, a peaceful place ideal for a morning or evening stroll. You will find the Kato Piatsa (Lower Square), where the Church of Evangelistria, the Folklore Museum, and the local Theatre are located here. As for the Ano Chora’s (Upper Town) highlight is the Pano Piatsa (Upper Square) with the Town Hall, a neoclassical building dating back to 1908, and the imposing Agios Athanasios Church.
Hiking
Serifos is no exception to the Cycladic rule of having a path network that expands on the island’s barren land. It is doable for a hiker to know the entire island on foot. Alongside the island’s ancient paths, there are also some trails that were created when the mining activity of Serifos was at its peak so that workers could use them to move from and toward the mines from any place on the island.
Diving
As fascinating as the landscape of Serifos is above the sea, the scenery below the water’s surface is equally impressive. The Aegean Sea shares its secrets with anyone who wants to explore and discover them by diving into it. And the island, with its beaches, is one of the pelago’s best locations.
A Taste Of Serifos
Seaside taverns with an ever-changing menu, depending on the day’s catch. Small cafes with friendly staff and a cozy atmosphere. Bars with great cocktails and dazzling views. Serifos is not a sum of tastes. It’s an amalgamation of culinary experiences. And these are our suggestions.
If you want to enjoy an iced coffee and a tasty brunch with a view, there’s Frangosyko at Livadi. Serifos ‘ Yacht Club is a perfect spot for any time of the day, while Robinson serves excellent brunch. As for the traditional coffee spots, there’s Stratos at the Chora Square – an ideal choice for some local tastes and a Greek coffee, a beer, or a shot of tsipouro with meze. Vassileas is also located at Chora, and if you’re lucky enough, you’ll have the chance to enjoy a traditional rebetiko live act. As for the bars, there’s Gaidaros (Donkey) at Chora and Fragosyko (a cafe bar overlooking the marina and the port).
Now, let’s move to the main course: in Chora, you can enjoy some fine dishes in Plakes, Marathoriza (where you can also find mezedes – or small plates – and vegetarian options), Thalami (another seafood spot, more casual than Achinos). In Livadi, there’s Metalleio and Tootsie for souvlaki. As for the taverns on various island’s beaches, there’s Vito’s Akroyiali (right next to Sykamia), Takis in Livadi and Manolis (at Psili Ammos beach), and Porto Cadena (at Koutalas).
A spark of originality away from the spotlight
Seventeen rooms, with four different types, at one of Aegean’s best-hidden gems: Serifos island. Nōstos gives you the opportunity to become a traveler. An explorer. In a sense, even a Serifian.
Its philosophy is a testament to authenticity in hospitality, with a minimalistic, enviro-friendly approach and the essence of an unspoiled Cycladic spirit. As you summon it, your mind is already there – and it’s having a great time…
About Nōstos
Nōstos is the projection of the owners’ aesthetics, experiences, and perception of what hospitality should feel like. It took a visionary firm like C-O Lab to implement it, but the result is the most detailed blueprint of Harry’s and Bianca’s mindset; that fine hospitality does not have to come with a 5* price tag. But it should definitely feel precious. After all, every trip should hold a special place in the memory vault.
And just like any other great memory, it should be unique, genuine, hearty, and lasting. It’s not just a time slot between check-in and check-out. It is a mosaic of moments of unwinding, relaxing, and enjoying life’s finest to the fullest. It is a place where you can enjoy a sense of privacy or a feeling of sharing, depending on your mood. It is a destination that will make the future you, thanking you for choosing to visit.
In a nutshell, Nōstos is an answer to a simple question that was coming up every time Harry or Bianca were experiencing something exceptional during a trip: “How would we do that at our hotel?”
A custom escapade
Every visitor has a different set of interests. Therefore, we at Nōstos are at their disposal to plan and propose a get-to-know-Serifos tour suited to it. It can be exciting, breathtaking, dazzling, or serene. But one thing is for sure: it will be unique.
Can Serifos become your next favorite destination in the Cyclades? Undoubtedly, as long as you’ll get to know the island the right way. All it takes is the right mindset and some proper guidance – which we’ll promise to provide you.
Enjoy your stay!