Boasting uninterrupted views of the Aegean Sea and the beauty of the surrounding landscape, this stunning holiday villa in Serifos is the perfect getaway for those seeking privacy and tranquility.
Located in Kalo Ampeli, the property is just 200m from the sea, and a short drive and walk to a beautiful sandy beach that’s considered one of the best on Serifos island.
The elegant stone villa, which also has two smaller guest houses, is built on the cliff and sits poised over the sea overlooking the gulf of “Kalo Ampeli.” Offering maximum privacy and complete Cycladic ambiance – the villa and houses can be rented separately or together upon request.
The villa, which is a perfect mix of traditional and contemporary architecture features open and airy spaces with an array of windows that offer natural light and provide breathtaking views from each room. The master bedroom leads onto a terrace with panoramic views of the Aegean Sea.
Inside, the holiday home is adorned with stylish, modern furniture and appliances. The lounge is the ideal place to unwind after a day in the sun- with a comfortable sofa and a fireplace. There is also a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, and WiFi throughout. The kitchen is very well equipped, allowing guests to prepare breakfast, lunch or dinner at their leisure- and the dining table seats eight.
Outside on the large rustic chic balcony, guests can dine alfresco, or relax with a glass of wine in hand, as they enjoy the evening sunsets – or the majestic sea views in the morning.
The holiday home is in a fabulous position for summer getaways as Kalo Ampeli beach is close by and is one of the best protected beaches on the island; other wonderful spots for swimming include Ganema, Vagia and Psili Ammos, which has previously been named one of the best beaches in Europe (20 minute drive). Guests can also visit some nearby museums, old mines, sea caves and in 15 minutes you will arrive at the island’s centre, the Hora, and the Livadi village, where you’ll find a range of shops, restaurants, cafes and bars.
The home is ideal for both adults seeking a quiet and relaxed vacation, or for large groups of friends who want to enjoy quality time together while exploring all Serifos has to offer.
Given there are over 6000 beautiful Greek islands, of which roughly 227 are inhabited, deciding which one to visit is always a hard decision to make.
If you’re planning a Greek summer holiday for 2022, the editors at IN+SIGHTS GREECE rounded up their favourite Greek islands (based on recent visits) and recommend adding them to your Greek island getaway list for this year!
P.S. This list is in no particular order- they are all just as spectacular as each other!
Folegandros
The charmingly mysterious Folegandros, situated in the corner of the southern part of the Cyclades, entices with its deep blue waters that are in complete harmony with its steep mountains, picturesque Chora, and jaw-dropping sunsets. This Greek island exudes natural beauty and it’s a dreamy destination where you can completely relax and unwind in style.
Donousa
Part of the Small Cyclades, Donousa is perfect to explore by boat so you can get up close to the magnificent caves like “Spilia Tichou” with its beautiful stalactite formations- or discover “Fokospilia” a habitat of seals. Also, head over to the southeast of the island where you’ll find a mountainous village with breathtaking views of the Aegean Sea. And for the most beautiful beaches on the island, make your way to Livadi and Fikio.
Spetses
Located a little over two hours away from Athens, the luscious island of Spetses is a perfect weekend escape from the Greek capital. This idyllic, car-free island of the Argosaronic Gulf is a favourite spot for affluent Athenians and international jet-setters.
Skyros
Located in the Sporades islands, Skyros is only three and a half hours away from Athens; a destination untouched by tourism, it retains its tradition and authenticity. Whether you are an adventure seeker or looking to relax, Skyros offers a unique experience that entices you to unveil all its mysteries.
Serifos
The dreamy landscape of this almost untouched Cycladic island is composed of rugged hills, historic mining sites, breathtaking coves, picturesque settlements, classic Greek island architecture, and endless beaches. The wild beauty of Serifos will fill your soul, relax your mind, and steal your heart.
Naxos
Whitewashed houses, delicious food, unbeatable beaches. This is Naxos island in one sentence- one of our favourite Greek islands that never ceases to amaze. Beautiful beaches, ancient sites and museums; plus great food, atmospheric mountainous villages, and a cosmopolitan atmosphere for those who want to stay out all night. Naxos has something for every type of traveller and fulfills even the most demanding one!
Syros
Home to the beautiful town of Ermoupolis, Syros features stunning neoclassical architecture, old mansions, marble-paved streets, charming town squares, imposing churches, and historical monuments. Syros is not only rich in both history and culture, but it also boasts beautiful beaches including Galissas, Delphini, Kini, Finikas and De La Gratsia.
Hydra
A small island in the Saronic Gulf (just 2 hours away from Athens), Hydra island has a charming atmosphere and romantic allure. It’s aristocratic, yet authentic and features a rocky landscape with elegant, imposing stone mansions, narrow cobblestone alleys with colourful bougainvillea; plus impeccable sunsets.
Milos
Volcanic rocks, vast blue magic waters, stunning sunsets, jaw-dropping beaches, geological formations and picturesque settlements by the sea, all together narrate exquisite stories about this Cycladic island that blows your mind away every time you step foot here. Fast becoming one of Greece’s most popular destinations, there is still an authentic and untouched beauty about Milos island.
Paxos
Boasting spectacular azure waters and charming architecture, Paxos is one of Greece’s most beautiful islands. Located on the Ionian, it boasts some of the most stunning and exotic beaches in the world; as well as a wonderful natural landscape with lush vegetation. Combining a cosmopolitan feel with natural beauty, Paxoi is a Greek island that has been described as a “paradise on earth”.
Kefalonia
The largest of the Ionian Isles, Kefalonia remains pure and protected from mass tourism. What makes this place so special is the pride locals take in keeping their island clean, fresh, modern, yet warm and inviting, all while encouraging its natural charm and authentic beauty to shine through. From the main town of Argostoli where you’ll find a range of eateries, bars, and boutiques through to gorgeous fishing villages and quaint towns, there’s so much to see and do on this lush island.
Ikaria
Wild landscapes, diverse beaches, thermal springs, lively summer festivals in beautiful village squares, rugged mountains, and tavernas serving foods made from organic produce and local goods like goat’s cheese, honey, and meat are all part of the Ikaria experience.
Astypalea
The simplicity of this authentic island, which shares aesthetic elements of the Cyclades and the Dodecanese, is what makes this destination extra special! Astypalea’s magnificent Chora, the old port, picturesque windmills, an imposing Venetian castle built of dark stones, and stunning beaches with crystal clear waters are the main reasons to fall in love with this beautiful Greek island.
Crete
Greece’s largest island is always a good idea! Renowned for its breathtaking beaches, rustic natural beauty, delightful cuisine and its remarkable hospitality, there is so much to see and do here. The main places to visit are Chania,Heraklion,Rethymno, and Agios Nikolaos; it doesn’t really matter where you go, as it’s a magnificent island filled with rich culture, history and traditions.
Andros
An ideal Greek island year-round as it’s located just two hours from Athens, Andros is filled with lush vegetation, abundant water, and stunning beaches. The beautiful Cycladic isle owes its lush greenery to its rich underground and surface water resources. Here you can experience the island’s rich culture and culinary flair. Also make sure you visit one of the many historic monasteries and churches, the amazing museums and enjoy the endless nature and its hiking trails.
Tinos
The third-largest Cycladic island, Tinos is gifted with impeccable beauty. Crystal-clear waters, rare sorts of stone, architectural masterpieces, several charming villages with alleyways and bougainvillea, dovecotes, and the perfect environment to stimulate any artistic inclination- the island of Aeolus has it all!
Patmos
The Aegean island of the Apocalypse is known as the place where Saint John the Theologian wrote the Book of Revelation. Patmos is a nostalgic destination, offering wild beauty, a striking coastline, medieval Chora, a maze of alleyways filled with cascading bougainvillea, and beautiful doors. Patmos is an unspoiled island that you should explore at your own pace.
Karpathos
Also located in the Dodecanese, Karpathos is an island of untouched beauty that’s loved for its authentic customs and centuries-old traditions. Visit the ancient acropolis, caves, churches and see locals in their traditional dress. Offering beautiful views from authentic mountainside villages- here you’ll get to understand what Greek island life is truly about.
Rhodes
The largest island of the Dodecanese, Rhodes is home to one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, and the medieval Old Town of the City of Rhodes, which has been declared a World Heritage Site. Make sure you visit Lindos, which has one of the best microclimates in the Mediterranean is a must, as well as the beaches of Anthony Quinn and Kallithea.
Lefkada
This Ionian isle boasts remarkable natural landscapes, world-famous beaches, verdant mountains, delightful local cuisine, a noteworthy winemaking tradition, and an exciting range of things to see and do. Otherwise known as Lefkas, it’s the perfect spot for a summer holiday.
Symi
An absolute gem in the heart of the Dodecanese, Symi is a small but mesmerising Greek island, which lies in the north of Rhodes. Surrounded by deep green seas and covered in cypress trees, this beautiful destination is home to one of the prettiest ports in Greece, neo-classical mansions, and dreamy fishing villages. Many visitors arrive here on their private yacht and spend days (or weeks) enjoying the magical views surrounding them.
Kythira
This undiscovered island close to Athens is filled with history, captivating scenery, imposing castles, secret caves, medieval villages and beautiful beaches. Located off the south coast of the Peloponnese, Kythira also features delightful villages and lovely local delicacies that you’re sure to enjoy.
Buyers looking for a beachfront home on a Greek island are faced with a mixed market as asking prices on Serifos, Naxos and Paros rise rapidly, but drop on Skopelos and Patmos.
Demand has been picking up in Greece’s residential housing market in recent months as the economy rebounds from last year’s steep pandemic-induced recession and easing travel restrictions help attract foreign buyers.
Real estate agents say that buying activity from foreign nationals has been mostly focused on southern Athens, along the coastal area called the Athens Riviera, and the islands.
Data collected by Spitogatos.gr shows that the asking price for homes on the islands of Serifos, Samothrace and Poros topped the list jumping in the last year by 26.2 percent (to 2,649 euros/sq.m) 23.1 percent (to 1,066 euros/sq.m) and 20 percent (to 2,000/sq.m) respectively.
Next on the list come Antiparos, Naxos, Kythnos and Paros with hikes in selling prices reaching 17.6 percent (3,823 euros/sq.m), 15 percent (2,697 euros/sq.m.), 12.8 percent (2,255 euros/sq.m) and 12.5 percent (2,812 euros/sq.m) respectively
More than eight in ten potential home buyers on the Greek islands are foreign nationals, according to Georg Petras, CEO of Engel & Völkers in Greece, with strong interest coming from central European countries,
Strong interest is noted especially from Central Europeans coming from the DACH regions (45 percent from Germany, 15 percent from Switzerland and 10 percent from Austria) as well as the Benelux countries and the USA.
Price drops
On the downside, asking prices on the islands of Thasos, Ikaria, Skopelos and Patmos showed the biggest drop, falling 9.2 percent (1,309 euros/sq.m), 7.1 percent (1,300 euros/sq. m), 5.6 percent (1,062 euros/sq.m ) and 5.2 percent (3,359.7 euros/sq. m) respectively.
Next come Leros, Lesvos and Kea where asking prices dipped by 3.4 percent, 2.8 percent and 2.7 percent.
Demand solid demand for a holiday home in Greece, market experts warn that a recent property tax hike in the country may weigh on demand.
In June, the Finance Ministry announced an increase in the ENFIA property tax bill paid by property owners on popular islands, such as Mykonos and Rhodes.
The tax value of some homes on Mykonos, for example, jumped to 3,800 euros per square meter, from 1,200 euros. Sharp increases also appear in districts on the islands of Rhodes, Kos, and Kefalonia. The changes will take effect as of January.
This article was first published here.
For more Real Estate News & Views on Greece and Europe’s South, head to The Greek Guru.
The dreamy landscape of this almost untouched Cycladic island is composed of rugged hills, historic mining sites, breathtaking coves, picturesque settlements, classic Greek island architecture, and endless beaches. Discover our Complete Guide to Serifos.
Simple, authentic, and majestic. The wild beauty of Serifos will fill your soul, relax your mind, and steal your heart. Discover why this is one of the Cyclades’ best-kept secrets.
What you need to know before you arrive
-Serifos is located between Sifnos and Milos.
-The post office, travel agencies, bank (Alpha Bank), ATM, gas station are in the Livadi area. Groceries stores are in Livadi as well as in Chora.
Getting there
Stunning Cycladic Isle
Serifos is easily accessible by ferry from Piraeus port in Athens approximately 2 hours), and from some islands of the Cyclades, including Milos, Sifnos, and Kythnos. During summer, some extra routes are carried out from Lavrion port.
Tips for getting around
It’s better to rent a car or motorcycle in order to explore the island at your own pace and visit the many beaches of Serifos. During summertime, buses leave from Livadi to Ano Chora, every thirty minutes. Timetables are usually posted at the bus stops and tickets are sold inside the bus. If you want to book a transfer by taxi, you can call on +30 694 4473 044, +30 697 3801 051, or +30 694 4908 637.
Where to stay
If you have a car, it is better to stay in the picturesque Chora of the island. Otherwise, Livadi (the island’s port) is the best option in order to have easier access to transport and it’s closer to several shops and tavernas.
Best time to visit
The best time to visit Serifos is from May to October and especially during the summer season. The busiest summer months are July and August, so if you want to skip the crowds, you may choose June or September.
Climate- Warm and mild. Winds are frequent on the island though. Chora, sitting atop a hill is pretty windy, so if you go in the evening make sure to take a jacket.
Where to sleep
Stroll through the tiny alleys
–Captain’s House Serifos, an old house of a former Greek Captain, that dates back to the 19th century, situated in Kato Chora, next to the Primary School and the Folklore Museum.
–Rizes, located on a hill above the beach at Psili Amos and just two kilometres from Livadi. It features 14 apartments and two luxury suites.
–Coco-Mat Eco Residences, on Vagia beach, is a complex of 13 miners’ houses built in the early 1900’s- now an upscale, contemporary eco-friendly place to stay.
Where to eat
-Check out Traditional Greek taverns “Plakes”, “Aloni” and “Louis” at Chora.
-Seafood by the sea at “Lepi Lepi” at Livadi.
-Traditional cafe “Stou Stratou” at Chora.
-Fish tavern “Tis Kalis” at Livadi.
-Meat tavern at “Mpakakaki” at Livadi.
-Modern Greek cuisine at “Metalleio” at Livadi.
-Blue bamboo Thai restaurant at Livadi.
-For more traditional Greek taverns also add “Stefanakos” at Psilli Ammos and “Nikoulias” at Platys Gyalos to your list.
–Vatrahos, Gaidaros, and Aerino at Chora are all great choices.
Where to swim
–Agios Sostis with its soft sand. Next to the beach, there is a small chapel with the same name.
–Psilli Ammos, ideal spot to relax.
–Agios Ioannis, reminds me a lotof Psili Ammos.
–Platys Gyalos, a sandy beach with no tourist facilities.
–Sykamia, a beach away from mass tourism, ideal if you want privacy.
–Livadakia among the most picturesque beaches on the island.
Ganema Beach
–Karavi, located after Livadakia with sand and crystal clear water. Two old shipwrecks found at the entrance to the bay is what gives the beaches their name.
–Kalo Ampeli, one of the quietest southern beaches on Serifos.
–Vagia, a secluded beach on the southern side of Serifos.
–Ganema, a sandy beach with crystal clear waters on Koutalas Bay.
–Koutalas, with some trees that provide shade.
– Malliadiko, one of the most famous beaches of Serifos, with soft sand and transparent deep blue water.
Discover history
-According to mythology, Serifos was inhabited by the Cyclops, who is said to have built several of the monuments on the island, such as the White Tower and the Walls of Liomandras.
-Moreover, Akrisios, the King of Argos, was told by an oracle that his grandson would be responsible for his downfall, so he locked his daughter Danae in the palace. In spite of this precaution, Zeus, who was in love with Danae, managed to leave her with a child by appearing in the form of golden rain. Once Danae gave birth to her son Perseas, Akrisios put both of them into a box and threw it into the sea.
Town Square
-The box washed up on the shores of Serifos and was found by King Polydektis, who also fell in love with Danae. Wanting to get rid of Perseas, Polydektis sent him to kill Medusa, the mythological creature who turned people into stone by looking at them. With the help of the god, Perseas killed the monster. Athena gave him a shield with which he could reflect Medusa’s gaze and successfully attack her. Returning with the head of Medusa, Perseas turned Polydektis into stone.
-During the Prehistoric Times, tribes from Crete lived on the island. Phoenicians and Myceneans followed. In the 7th – 6th century BC, the Ionians used the iron on Serifos to become a great commercial and political center. During the period of the Persian Wars, Serifos was part of the Athenian Alliance. In 146 BC, Serifos came under Roman Rule and was used as a place of exile for those who were against the Romans. In the Byzantine Era, the island was used as a place of exile for political dissidents, while during the Venetian Rule, Serifos flourished commercially, because of the slaves that were brought to work in the iron mines. The Ottoman Rule was a time of great decline. Serifos took part in the Greek Revolution and was liberated along with the other Cyclades Islands in 1830. From then on, iron mining played a major role in the island’s economy, while agriculture, fishing, and tourism were also important factors in Serifos’ survival.
Culture & traditions of Serifos
Views from up top
-Rich and well-organised festivals by locals, the “Ktitores” (owners) as they are called in Serifos are festive events that are held by each church. The “ktitores” will serve guests the delicacies that they have been preparing all day long such as boiled goat with spaghetti, fava, salads, and local wine.
–Xylopanagia is the most important festival in Serifos. Its name comes from the “tsakomata” (fighting) with wooden sticks between men; for winning the heart of the most beautiful woman. The festival takes place on the 15th of August, around the old olive tree of the square at the most ancient church of Serifos, in the village of Panagia. According to the tradition, the couple that dances first around the olive tree in front of the church will be married within a year. Today this custom does not take place anymore, however, the festival is still one of the most important on the island, and all the locals celebrate it every year.
-Another important festival is that of Panagia of Liomantra, near the small homonymous settlement, which takes place four times per year.
Do as locals do…For breakfast, coffee, or a cocktail at night, go to the Yacht Club, an “all-day-every-day” place to be and the local’s favourite, since 1938.
Insider tips- Cars cannot go all the way up to Chora, and much of it is paved footpaths, so luggage and baby prams would need to be carried up and down.
Ideal time to spend here? I would recommend staying here for at least three days.
Favorite part?
Having a slow morning, and eating breakfast at kafeneio “Stou Stratou” in the main square of Chora, while admiring the neoclassical facade of the Town Hall and church. You will find a menu full of poetry.
What to avoid? Climbing the steps from Livadi or Kato Chora to Ano Chora, before the evening, as it is extremely hot. Try it only early in the morning or late in the evening.
The island’s historical windmills
Top activities
Hiking- You will find endless trails everywhere on the island, but do not forget to wear comfortable shoes and a hat.
Scuba Diving-Serifos Scuba Divers Club, located in Livadi, offers a dive into the crystal-clear waters of Serifos.
Windsurf and Kitesurf-The bay of Livadi (beaches of Livadakia and Avlomonas), the bay of Koutalas, and the beaches of Ganema and Vagia, are ideal for these water sports.
Every September Serifos Sunset Race is held and attracts runners and swimmers of all ages.
Where to shop
-Kerameio, a high aesthetic pottery studio, and shop. Here you can find handmade ceramics by local or other Greek artists.
-Charisma gift shop in Chora sells unique and contemporary Greek gifts inspired by local traditions and symbols.
-Theta concept store in Livadi showcases a mix & match of collections made by their artists, jewellery, design objects, coffee table books, etc.
What to see
Amazing scenery everywhere you go
–The Folklore Museum, housed in a building of traditional architecture at Kato Chora (founded in 1976), contains articles (most of which donations of the residents) from the daily life of the Serifians. The museum also contains textiles, ceramics, porcelains, utensils and tools, local traditional clothes, and other objects, while there is also the reconstruction of a traditional Serifian house. Behind the Folklore Museum, there is a small theatre with a capacity for 300 people, where several cultural events take place.
–The Archaeological Collection of Serifos, situated at the Mills’ square in Chora, contains findings of the Classic, the Hellenistic, and the Roman Era that came from various areas of the island. Some of the most important exhibits of the museum are a series of headless statues and a collection of amphoras.
-The mining ruins at Mega Livadi and Koutalas region (the soil of Serifos is rich in ore deposits). The mines have been on the island since 3000 BC and gave such prosperity and strength to the islanders that in the 6th Century BC, they created their own currency. After the end of the Greek Revolution, in 1830, Serifos reopened its mines, which started operating on a big scale. Working conditions in the mines were very harsh and thousands of workers lost their lives in the mine galleries due to the inhuman working conditions and the lack of safety measures. The mines of Serifos have now been abandoned since 1964 when they closed. A neoclassical building, once the mining headquarters, overlooks the bay.
-The picturesque Chapel of Agios Konstantinos stands over a Venetian castle built in 1434 (and renovated in 1928), on the highest spot of Chora. It offers an amazing panoramic view of the sea and the close islands, ideal for sunrise or sunset.
Polina, at a local cafe
–The White Tower, an archaeological site in the Mega Livadi region, supposedly built around the 4th – 3th centuries BC. Nowadays you can admire only the remains of the walls in surroundings, still unspoiled by building development.
-The Throne of the Cyclop, or else Psathopyrgos at Mega Livadi region, a great sunset spot. The Monastery of Taxiarches at Platys Gyalos and the Lighthouse at Spathi cape with panoramic view.
Take a day trip to… Sifnos. The ferry between the two islands takes just 50 minutes, so you can easily hop on a boat in the morning and enjoy the island that owes its reputation as a foodie island to Nicholas Tselementes.
Can’t leave until you…
-Visit the Chrysoloras Winery at Platys Gyalos, where the owner and winemaker Christos Chrysoloras makes bio-certified wine with local grape variety (called Serfiotiko), which produces a unique white wine.
– Walk from Chora and take the path that goes down to Livadi. You will pass by a number of blue-domed churches and chapels- it offers breathtaking views.
Spending a few days on a Greek island, staying at an original 19th Century stone house that once belonged to a great Captain, is definitely a unique experience.
Last September I was lucky enough to visit Serifos again after two years. Only this time I would spend my days and nights in an old Captain’s Mansion, ‘Captain’s House Serifos’, that was lovingly restored by Manos and Emmy, to return to its original form, retaining all those elements that take you to the past, when the Lord of the house was sailing the seas. Manos and Emmy decided to leave their hectic lives in the Greek capital and have a more relaxed and balanced life on the island of Serifos. They made over the house with their own hands, little by little, bringing it back to its original state.
We had to climb a few steps of Kato Serifos to face the old mansion, -next to the Primary School and the Folklore Museum- with the red vintage door and the red wooden shutters, as tradition dictated. In the Captain’s houses and generally in the houses of affluent people, the frames were usually painted red, in contrast to the blue uniformity of the Cyclades. The house belonged to Captain George Peloponnese (1868-1945), the grandfather of Manos, who built it in the late 19th century. Through this house, Manos and Emmy narrate their family history to people from all over the world, offering a real time travel, and their hospitality is truly special.
After enjoying a glass of iced tea with rosemary on the terrace of the Captain’s House overlooking Livadi, the port of the island, we opened the imposing red door next to the bell. An impressive corridor with vintage concrete tiles stretched out in front of us and our journey back in time began. The house is decorated with antiques and vintage furniture that belonged to Captain George. The hall is dominated by the photo of the Captain who looks at us sternly while his rosaries are spread out on the ornately carved buffet, which he definitely must have brought from a trip to Asia. It is like he is absent on a trip and will soon make his way back home.
The two bedrooms in the background with iron beds and vintage wooden wardrobes that are real ornaments welcomed us warmly with the sunbeams piercing through the shutters and spreading a golden light on the white sheets. There is another room, the dining room, before entering the kitchen, with embroidery, an impressive caravan, the chandelier dating from 1907 and a chest that challenges you to search, as if you will find a hidden treasure with secrets of the past.
Captain’s House has an equipped kitchen and a lovely bathroom, that are modern but retain elements of the past. In the kitchen, with its impressive black and white floor, for example, features a tiny marble sink that has been preserved, as well as an old wooden oven , which resembles a fireplace. Manos and Emmy would leave fresh eggs from their hens in our fridge, while various herbs and teas from Serifos were waiting in the cupboard to get into the vintage cups.
We loved this house because it made us feel like we were the protagonists of a historical film.
