Every summer, millions of tourists gather in Greece, depicting their visions of whitewashed houses, clear turquoise waters and picturesque sunsets. However, Santorini and Mykonos absorb much of the spotlight, and the crowds – many equally stunning destinations across the country are overlooked.
From hidden island gems to charming mountain villages, Greece offers far more than the familiar Instagram background. As overtourism began to strain the most popular spots, travelers expanded their searches and discovered the lesser known corners of this beautiful country. One of the best islands to start this exploration is the small but beautifully formed island of Celifos in the Cyclades Islands.
At just 28.95 square miles, Celifos is located in the Aegean Sea, south of its famous neighbor, Citonos, northwest of Sifnos. For those dreaming of the perfect Greek island holiday, not surrounded by tourists, this is the perfect destination for those who dream of a perfect Greek island holiday, as most vacationers don't even recognize that Serifos exists.
As soon as you arrive at Celifos, the port of Libadi, tourists will get a glimpse of its beautiful sandy beach against the impressive views of the capital Celifos (Chora), dotted with whitewashed houses on the hillsides each year.
The island is almost completely circle-shaped and boasts 74 beaches around the coastline. There, everything from water sports to secluded natural entrances perfect for relaxing. Many beaches have taverns nearby. This means you can enjoy traditional Greek meals cooked at home almost any time. The island's pride is Psili Ammos, awarded the award as the top of the 20 best beaches in Europe.
Chola village is divided into two regions: Kato Chola (bottom) and Anochola (upper). There is a ring road around the village, but most of the streets within the village are pedestrians. This means that tourists can take a quiet walk into restaurants, tavernas, shops and small squares.
If you are out for the challenge, take the labyrinth of stairs leading to Agios Constantinos Chapel above the Chola and reward you with the most incredible views of the surrounding sea.
The most impressive monument to visit in Serifos is Asprospyrgos, a Hellenistic marble watchtower built around 300 BC. From Chora to Megalibudi near Megachorio, it is on a hill just east of the road. There are at least four other ancient towers, including the megalithic poem saros pirogo or “cyclops sofa” on the southwest corner of the island.
Celifos is accessible from 2.5-hour high-speed ferries from Piraeus, Piraeus and other islands in the Cyclades group. The fact that the island does not have its own airport helps to preserve the hidden gem character. You can also extend your stay at a hotel like Perma Serifos for a more vibrant atmosphere like Kima Studio, for a more vibrant atmosphere like Kima Studio, or for a more quiet and traditional experience.
