Beaches of Serifos

Serifos, I’m told, has 72 beaches. I made it to four of them.

My first was Paralia Livadi (Livadi Beach). I didn’t swim here, but I was sitting on its sand within hours of my arrival, and I walked past it often during my two weeks on the island. It’s literally steps away from the tavernas and bars of Livadi.

My first swim on Serifos was here. I know — it’s not a beach. This is on the southern shores of Serifos, about as far away from Livadi as I got during my two weeks on the island. My home exchange partner took me here late one afternoon, along with two other Canadians who were also visiting her. We parked along the side of the road, then walked through the shrubbery down a rather steep hill to the cliff edge where we sat on the rocks and sunbathed and talked. I suspect it is one of those spots known only to locals and I felt really lucky to be there.

Paralia Agios Sostis (Agios Sostis Beach) is named after the church located beside it. (Agios is Greek for “saint.”) There are actually two beaches here as the headland gives you access to two coves.

The beach on this cove was deserted.

The beach on the other cove was where I spent my afternoons. There are no amenities at Agios Sostis and little shade. But the water is deliciously warm, even at the beginning of October.

My first visit was by car, but when I realized Agios Sostis was walking distance from Livadi, I returned a few days later on foot. I’m told it’s so busy here in the summer, it’s difficult to find a parking spot.

My favourite beach was this one, called Paralia Psili Ammos (Psili Ammos Beach).

The beach, lined with shade-providing tamarisk trees, is much longer than the one at Agios Sostis and the sand is much finer. (Psilli Ammos means “fine sand.”) There are also two tavernas where you can buy a cold beverage or a meal.

Because the cove is shallower than at Agios Sostis, the water was warmer. The bay is rather popular with the touring yachties — at one point, I counted eight sailboats anchored off shore.

Again, my first visit to Psilli Ammos was by car, but for my return visit, I walked overland from my home in the Chora. When I was ready to head home, I walked to Livadi to catch the bus up to the Chora.