Serifos is a mountainous island in the western Cyclades, between Kythnos and Sifnos. In myth the chest holding Danae and baby Perseus washed ashore here, and Perseus later returned with Medusa's head to turn King Polydectes to stone. Until the 1960s the island lived from iron mines, whose jetties, rails and tunnels remain at Megalo Livadi.
The dazzling white Chora climbs a crag to the ruins of the Venetian castle, with spectacular views over the port of Livadi. Beaches are many and often wild: sandy Livadakia and Psili Ammos near the port, more secluded Kalo Ampeli and Vagia, Ganema and Koutalas in the south. Inland is the fortified monastery of the Taxiarchis.
Getting there
Ferries from Piraeus take 2-4 hours; Serifos is linked to Sifnos, Milos and Kythnos. There is no airport. A bus links Livadi with Chora and some beaches.
See also Sifnos.