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. 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). 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.