SERIFOS
(Area 73 sq. km. Distance from Piraeus 70 nautical miles).
Bare, undulating hills interspersed with small, fertile valleys
cover this picturesque island. The rocky coastline is deeply
indented with a succession of coves and bays. The curious rock
formations resemble human figures which call to mind the myth of
Danae, Perseus and Medusa, as if these prehistoric inhabitants
of the island had been turned to stone. Ferries call at Livadi,
the sheltered port on the eastern side of the island, where
there is a long, horseshoe - shaped sandy beach. Perched on the
top of a steep hill, Hora or Serifos, the main town of the
island, with its little cube-shaped houses and churches in the
island style, with its Venetian castle above, looks like a
fairytale town. The fortress-like monastery of the Archangels
(moni Taxiarhon), near the village of Galani, which houses some
fine wall-paintings and important books and manuscripts, is of
special interest. The village of Panagia (which takes its name
- meaning 'Our Lady' - from the dedication of a fine 10th
century church) commands a panoramic view of the whole island.
The greatest attraction of Serifos is its magnificent beaches
(Mega Livadi, Koutalas, Agios Sostis, Psili Amos, Agios Ioannis,
Sikamia). However, it is a charm all of its own something in the
unique 'atmosphere' of the island, which attracts an
ever-increasing number of visitors from Greece and abroad.
How to get there: By ferry from Piraeus Information: Piraeus Port
Authority, tel.: 01/422.6000. Useful telephone numbers: Automatic
dialling code: 0281. Police: 51300 ù Serifos Harbour Office:
51470.