Serifos

The second island as we sail from Piraeus, Serifos is an island known for its sandy beaches and beautiful capital (Chora). According to greek mythology Perseus sailed from this island to kill Medusa (a mythical female beast with snakes instead of hair, turning to stone anyone who saw her face).

There are 7 villages: Chora (capital), Livadi (port) and Livadakia, Panagia, Kallitsos, Koutalas, Megalo Livadi (see map). Many might argue that this island is not so "lesser known" but it was comfortably populated (not crowded at all) even during the 15 August tourist season peak, and it hasn't suffered from tourism related investments.

The road network in Serifos is paved and in good condition although some parts are rather narrow (especially around Chora). There are of course many unpaved roads here and there but in general it's easy to go about if you have a car or motorbike. If not, forget it. The buses go from Chora to Livadi (port) and back every hour but there are scheduled bus trips to other villages only once or at best twice every day. There are no boats taking you to the beaches so if you're not on the bus stop at 10 sharp your only way out is taking taxis with set fares. This can get rather expensive (15 euros from Livadi to Koutalas, and 7 euros from Livadi to Psili Ammos), so do consider renting a car or motorbike because there are many scenic routes you'll want to visit. Be aware that in Serifos there is only one gas station and only one bank, both in Livadi (port).

Nightlife... hmmm... It's an interesting mix of quiet spots for a relaxing cup of coffee and clubs where you can dance. When I say clubs I don't mean 1000 people stomping, rather large bars with dance / pop music. The ones that will stay up till late are Yacht Club, Hook, Eden, Metalleio. Most are by the sea in Livadi (don't be fooled by the unpaved road). However, if you're looking for cafes to chill out by the sea there is Far Out bar in Livadakia (to the left of the port) with deck chairs overlooking the Livadakia beach. Up in Chora, there are cafes with a view to the port as well as nice tavernas in the town hall square.

Sandy beaches are not something hard to find here and if you venture into almost any direction you're likely to find one. Most of them are at the east and south of the island: Ganema and Psili Ammos are the most popular but be aware that the taxi will go up to Koutalas and you have to walk 20-25 minutes from there to Ganema. There are also Sykamia, Platys Gialos in the north, Kentarchos, Agios Sostis (beautiful), Lia (breathtaking), Avlomonas, Livadakia and Karavi in the east, Kalo Ampeli (small bay accessible only by sea), Vagia, Koutalas in the south and Avesalos in the west. Most of the above are not organized (no umbrellas and beach bars) while there are nice tavernas near Psili Ammos, Ganema, Sykamia, Livadakia and Avlomonas.

You can reach Serifos by conventional and HighSpeed boats. There is at least one boat every day that goes from Piraeus - Kythnos - Serifos and continues to Sifnos - Milos - Kimolos - Folegandros (Serifos belongs to the Eastern Cyclades route). Conventional boats from Piraeus make the trip in 4-4.30 hours while HighSpeed make it in just 2.30 hours and that makes it a convenient destination near Athens.

Unfortunately, a film was lost before I had a chance to develop it and I have only 10 pictures from this great island...