Serifos: Sea – Sun – Local Cuisine – Tradition!

All beaches in Serifos are ideal to relax and enjoy some peaceful days under the sun. Only few beaches are organized with tourist facilities, such as Livadi and Livadakia. The majority of Serifos beaches are secluded and perfect for total privacy. Here you can find a list of the most beautiful beaches of the island!

Livadi Beach: The beach of Livadi is on the south-eastern side of Serifos, 4.5 km below Chora. It is sandy and pebbly and its one side is connected with other beaches. Livadi beach is surrounded by a lush green area with trees that provide shade, it has many beach facilities and it is quite close to the settlement. That is why Livadi is known as a tourist resort. In addition, it offers some nightlife activity, due to its many bars, clubs and traditional taverns where you can really experience a typical Greek night. In daytime, these facilities are taken advantage by those who enjoy the beach and the exquisite local cuisine and the view of the beach at the same time. In fact, the view of the Aegean Sea from Livadi beach is absolutely stunning. The access to Livadi is convenient since it concentrates a good number of local buses providing easy access to many parts of the island, especially to Chora.

Livadakia: 5 km south of Chora is among the most picturesque beaches on the island. It gets particularly popular due to its closeness to the port and its tourist facilities. Partly Organized

Megalo Livadi: 10 km south west of Chora is a lovely beach.Some trees line the beach and provide with some shade. Partly Organized

Psili Ammos: 8 km north east of Chora it is a nice beach, pretty secluded. It provides an ideal spot to relax. Non Organised

Agios Sostis: 7 km east of Chora this charming bay has soft sand and a relaxing ambience.

Koutalas beach: 11 km south west of Chora is a long beach with relaxing environment. Some trees line the beach and provide with some shade. Non Organised

Platis Gialos : 12 km north of Chora Sandy, Non Organised

Kalo Ampeli: 7 km south of Chora , is surrounded by a landscape of wild beauty.

Local Cuisine

Some of the traditional dishes of Serifos are: fennel pancakes, sun-dried tomatoes, chickpea soup with rosemary, fava bean puree that is also served in festivals, local sausages, skepastaria, sour skim-milk cheese, skim-milk cheese.

You must also taste the local wine, with the special taste and colour, as well as souma, which is a kind of raki.

Of course here you will also find sweets and marzipans, pasteli (honey and sesame bars) and spoon sweets (sweet preserves) that are delicious and made with pure products.

Tradition as a part of the life of the island!

Serifos still maintains its traditions and tries to keep its customs.

The most important festival is the one of Xylopanagia which takes place around the old olive-tree at the square, on the fifteenth of August at the most ancient church of the island, in the village Panagia. The name Xylopanagia comes from the “tsakomata” (fighting) with wooden sticks between men for the winning of the heart of the most beautiful woman. According to the tradition, the couple that would dance first around the olive-tree in front of the church would be married within a year. Today this custom does not take place any more, however the festival is still one of the most important ones of the island, and all the inhabitants come here every year to have a good time and dance for three good days.

One of the special customs of the island is the custom of Capetania, which takes place on the last Sunday of the Carnival and it has its roots back in the liberation fight. According to the custom, the residents of the island are divided into two teams and each one sets its leader, the Captain. Each team’s Captain organizes its group members (including the musicians) and they literally fight against each other. One group represents the Greeks and the other one the conquerors.

Kounies (Swings) is an Easter custom, which occurs almost in every island of the Cyclades complex. In the past, a big wooden swing at a central place used to be installed and the single men used to swing the girl they desired showing them their love. Nowadays, this custom revives and a big wooden swing, decorated with blooming wild flowers is installed on some narrow street of some settlement. After the Second Resurrection, the "swinging man" swings the couples on the swing. The people participating in this custom are dancing and singing.

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Home Sweet Home House has an exceptional sea view. Built in the traditional island style but decorated with modern furniture, this house is a one level residence and it can sleep up to three people. Ideal for a family with one children or one couple.

The house is located on the main road to Chora (city of Serifos) and has an amazing panoramic sea view.

There is a fully equipped kitchen for preparing your meals and the main space of the property where is the living room with one double bed and one bed sofa suitable for one person. In the house there is also a tiled bathroom with shower.

From the living room you can reach the balcony from where you can enjoy the stunning sea view.

Arrival Intsructions

During the summer time, Serifos is connected by coastal navigation with Piraeus and with the islands of the line of Milos daily, by speedboats and with conventional car ferries. The duration of the trip by a conventional car ferry is about four and a half hours and by the speedboats about two and a half hours.

It is also connected by coastal navigation with many islands of Cyclades (Ios, Kimolos, Mykonos, Tinos, Paros, Naxos, Andros, Folegandros, Amorgos, Anafi, Siros), as well as with Crete by Milos.

During the rest of the year, the frequency of the sea transportation is formed according to the season.

By Air:

The closest airports to Serifos are the airports of Milos and Paros. In case of an emergency, there is an organized helicopter airport near the capital Chora.

What if your next trip was to Sifnos?

What if your next trip was to Sifnos? Here you can find some reasons why you should say YES! to a possibility like that.

Beaches

Sifnos has several beautiful beaches with clear waters. You can enjoy your bathing in some of them, enjoying peace, especially in the early months of summer, when tourists are fewer. Those who will be disappointed are lovers of wild beauty, steep rocks, different colors and landscapes. The beaches do not differ from each other as they are almost all sandy or small pebbles and quiet waters, with no wild landscapes and easy access.

Platis Gialos is a very large beach, classified as one of the largest in the Cyclades. It is located in the southern part of the island, where we meet the homonymous settlement. At the golden sandy beach you can enjoy hours of relaxation. The waters of Platis Gialos are tranquil and crystal clear. Along the beach you will find many coffee shops, beverages and food.
Heronissos is a small closed bay with golden sand and quiet waters in the northern part of Sifnos. It is the ideal place for those who want to enjoy their swim in quiet, without voices and fuss. On the beach there are picturesque fish taverns where you can enjoy fresh fish.

The beach of Faros is located in the homonymous village near Apollonia. Swim in crystal clear waters and enjoy the sunbathing lying on the golden sands. Access to the beach is easy (by road).

The village of Vathi grows along the beach in the southwestern part of the island. You can enjoy swimming in the turquoise waters and stroll in the fine sand. It is an ideal place for children as the waters are quiet and shallow. There are many picturesque taverns serving local delicacies and fresh fish, as well as a small coffee house in the shade of which you can relax.

The unique Cycladic Gastronomy Festival in all Cyclades

Every year, at the beginning of September, Artemonas hosts the "Nikolaos Tselementes" Cycladic Gastronomy Festival. It is a three-day festival, which has become an institution and is internationally recognized. Representatives from the Cyclades islands along with representatives from one honored guest Aegean island meet in Sifnos to present their unique gastronomic and cultural traditions. Every island has its own booth at the central square of Artemonas, where amateur and professional cooks and chefs prepare and present recipes from their islands of origin. Visitors can taste those recipes, visiting the islands' booths.

At a specially formed corner of the square, the "Little Tselementedes" (6 to 12 year old kids), wearing aprons and colorful cook hats, participate in cooking games and contests that are specially created for their age.

The festival opens its doors for the public every day at 18.00, while at the end of each day, at 21.30, there are music and dance events with traditional tunes of Sifnos and the other islands.

The entrance to the festival is free and the food that is offered is for free too.

Parallel events:

Presentations of traditional customs, such as pottery and mat making, the representation of a traditional wedding etc.

A small bazaar with products and treats from the participating islands (at the central alley of Artemonas)

The "Giannis Atsonios" exhibition of folklore items (at the central alley of Artemonas, right opposite to the church of the Virgin Mary of Balis)

Exhibitions of photos, paintings etc. (at the primary school of Artemonas)

Exhibitions of photos, paintings etc. ("Marianthi Simou" cultural center)

Seaside cooking: During the three day festival, every morning under the responsibility of local associations, Sifnian recipes are being presented, at the seaside villages.

Theme Parks

Due to the wild beauty and uniqueness of the species, western Sifnos has been included in the NATURA 2000 network of the European Union. The total area of the region is about 20 square kilometers, and spreads over on the western side of the island, on the top of Profitis Elias and on its slopes.

According to the Ministerial Decree of 1976, the landscape has been characterized of outstanding natural beauty. The harmony of limited human intervention in combination with nature is really unique. Stone benches (stone walls), churches, threshing floors, ancient towers, the Acropolis of Agios Andreas complement the natural landscape.

The Natura area of the island hosts several rare, protected and important plant and animal species with more than 35 species of birds to have been recorded in the area. Also, in the protected species belongs a kind of small cedar that dominates throughout the region.

The Natura area of ​​Sifnos, apart from the important land wealth of the island, includes also part of the sea world since the seabed hosts colonies of the known marine plant poseidonia (poseidonia oceanica).

Sifnos 100 Years Traditional House welcomes you in Cyclades! BOOK NOW!

Beautiful idealic traditional cycladic house of 19th century, unique of its style in Sifnos island. Builted in 1920 and recently renovated. Made with thick stone walls, beamed ceiling and wooden floors, combines the authenticity of tradition with the comfort of a modern house. Located in a quiet neighborhood, but with easy access by car and close to bus stop and supermarket. It is 15 minutes away from idyllic beaches. The house has three bedrooms and small one with bulk beds, two large living rooms, a kitchen, a kitchenette, two bathrooms, two fireplaces, two terraces, one veranda with fantastic view and a small garden. It is fully equipped. There is a traditional builted oven in one of the terraces area.

Arrival instructions

During the summer time, Sifnos is connected by coastal navigation with Piraeus and with the islands of the line of Milos daily by speedboats and with conventional car ferries. The duration of the trip (from Piraeus) by a conventional car ferry is five hours and by speedboats about three hours. It is also connected by coastal navigation with many islands of Cyclades (Paros, Syros, Santorini, Andros, Folegandros etc), as well as with Crete by Milos. During the rest of the year, the frequency of the sea transportation is formed according to the season.

Mykonos: Synonymous to wild parties and lively atmosphere!

Mykonos is synonymous to wild parties and lively atmosphere and has the unique privilege to organize a set of exciting events including open-air concerts, theatrical performances and various art exhibitions. Artists from all around the world take part in the famous Mykonos Summer Festival. The annual Gay Festival is a special event in Mykonos, where thousands of gay visitors arrive from every part of the world. On the windy island of Mykonos, in the middle of September, you will have the chance to enjoy the Harvest Festival, which is held annually at the Agricultural Museum.

Mykonos has beaches suitable for all tastes!

Paradise (Kalamopodi) is a large sandy beach with thick sand, in the southern part of the island.

Super Paradise (Plintri) is the most famous beach of the island. It features wild parties. After the 1980s, it has established itself as the premier meeting place for 'VIPS'.

Agios Ioannis features a privileged view of Delos, the cape of Aleomandra and the canal between Mykonos and Delos. It is a sandy beach with taverns.

Agios Stefanos is one of the most popular beaches of Mykonos on the west coast of the island, with a unique view of Delos and Rhenia.

Agrari is an isolated beach, for those who do not love crowds.

Elia is one of the most beautiful beaches of the island, with fine sand and easy access. It is characterized as “Gay Friendly”.

Kalafatis and Agia Anna have crystal clear waters and fine sand. Agia Anna features a 'Diving Center', where you can take diving lessons or participate in exploratory excursions for beginners and advanced explorers.

Kapari is a small sandy beach next to Agios Ioannis.

Korfos is surely a paradise for windsurf enthusiasts because there is a lot of air in constant direction and at the same time its shallow bottom favors the creation of waves, especially for endless jumps and wave riding!

Megali Ammos is suitable for windsurfing for underwater fishing and for horseback riding by a riding school, just ten minutes’ walk from the center of Chora.

Ornos is one of the most crowded and "family" beaches of the island located in the southwestern part of the island.

Agios Sostis is a great, sandy beach - one of the most beautiful of Mykonos - in the northern part of the island.

Panormos is mainly preferred by the permanent residents of Mykonos.

Paraga is a small beach with beautiful scenery (Cape Drepanos).

Platis Gialos is the most crowded beach of Mykonos, suitable for families.

Psarou is one of the most beautiful and cosmopolitan beaches of the island, with sand and emerald waters.

Traditional Food of Mykonos

One of the most interesting of the many Greek preserved meat products is the highly aromatic louza of Mykonos. Another famous product of Mykonos is ‘Kopanisti’ which is a type of soft cheese with a peppery, spicy flavor. Resulting from the early stages of ‘Kopanisti’ treatment, after draining, ‘Tyrovolia’, is a soft white cheese used in most traditional pies of Mykonos. It is fresh but not spicy as ‘Kopanisti’. Furthermore, Mykonos sausages are considered the finest in Greece, as they have a large content of meat, and a significantly smaller amount of fat. Finally, the well-known amygdalota, which can be found in all Cyclades, are sweats made of almond. Very popular are also the handmade jewelry in the gift shops of Mykonos and the traditional textiles made of the local women. The textile tradition dates from the medieval times and continues till today.

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Little Paradise Mykonos House is a gem of the traditional Cycladic architecture.
Located just a few meters away from the beach offers from its outdoor dining area exceptional sea view.

As you enter the property you can see the beautiful, sand coloured living room and dining room. There is a two-seated couch with coffee table from where you can enjoy directly the seaview. At the same room there is a wooden dining table suitable for 6 persons. Walking through the living room on your left hand you can see the well decorated kitchen with blue elements. The kithcen is fully equipped with all the amenities.
The property has 3 bedrooms and a chamber that can comfordably accomodate up to 7 persons.
You can reach the chamber by a small staircase from the living room, there you can find a sofa bed that can be turned into two beds.
The rest of the bedrooms are located downstairs. The one bedroom has a single bed and a couch, the second one has two single beds and the third has also two single beds and an en-suite bathroom with shower.
The second bathroom has also shower and the third one has a buthtub.

At the exterior part of the house you can find chairs and beach- chairs to enjoy the greek sun and also a dining table suitabe for 5 persons. From the outdoor dining area you can take advantage of the stunning sea view.

Arrival Instructions

Mykonos has two ports: the old one and the new one. The old port is used only for trips to the island of ancient Delos. The new port is located just a few meters away from the town. Within the last decade the number of ships calling at the port of Mykonos is doubled. Between May and September arrive daily 10-12 ferries. During the summer season there are 2-3 cruise arrivals daily and weekends from 6 to 7. Should you require more information from the Port Authority for departures and arrivals to and from the port of Mykonos you can call at +30 22890 - 22218 & +30 22890 - 23922. The port authority is located in Mykonos Beach.

The arrival in Mykonos Island is very easy since the island is connected by air with the rest of the country. The frequency of service and the ticket’s price depend on the season.

Corfu: The greek island where East and West culture meet together!

Corfu is one of the Ionian Islands with unique beauty. Due to Venetians presence on the island it has many elements of the West culture (architecture, music, food), which are beautifully combined with the Greek culture.

One of the most beautiful places to visit is the Acilleion Palace, which can be found in the Village of Gastouri, 10km south west of the town of Corfu.

Achilleion is a palace built in Gastouri on the Island of Corfu by Empress of Austria, Elisabeth of Bavaria, also known as Sisi, after a suggestion by Austrian Consul Alexander von Warsberg. Elisabeth was a powerful woman obsessed with beauty, but was deeply saddened by the tragic loss of her only son, Crown Prince Rudolf of Austria during the Mayerling Incident in 1889. A year later in 1890, she had this summer palace built in the region of Gastouri, about ten kilometres to the south of the city of Corfu in formerly, the municipality of Achilleio, now part of the Corfu municipality. Achilleion's location provides a panoramic view of Corfu city to the north, and across the whole southern part of the island. 

Another place to visit is The Garden of People. It is a small park, a green space, located next to the Palace, on the edge of the Old Town, in Spianada. On the one hand, it faces the sea, the Old Fortress and Mandraki (the port of the fortress) and on the other goes to the road to the city's municipal parking lot in Spianada. It is also bordered by Bosekto, Corfu's other garden, which features a children's playground, as well as Panagia Mandrakina, the red small chapel with its ornate appearance.

The excellent view of the sea from the Garden of People and the tranquility and relaxation that it offers, make it especially tempting for those who wish to finish their walk beginning from the old town's paths (kantounia). Its benches are hospitable for those who simply want to gaze at the tranquil sea, under the natural shade of the trees.

Finally, if you still want to enjoy a coffee, soft drink or juice, in the Garden of People, on the back of the Palace, there is a municipal cafe with a very beautiful courtyard.

The ideal time of the year to visit Corfu is the Orthosox Easter. The celebration of Easter in Corfu is truly a unique experience carrying elements from the Roman Catholic community and Orthodox religion. On Holy Friday, the local bands and choir of the island accompany the procession of Epitaphios (the tomb of the Christ decorated with flowers) and the processions of all churches are gathered in Spianada Square, Corfu Town. Preparations start from the early morning hours for the Holy Saturday when locals celebrate the first resurrection throwing clay pots from their balconies in Corfu Town. This particular custom is very characteristic of Easter in Corfu.

  
The same combination of East and West can be experienced if you try the traditional food of Corfu. Because of its mild climate and the frequent rainfalls, Corfu has a fertile land which produces a variety of excellent agricultural products. The island is particularly famous for its olive oil, wine, cereals and the golden honey. The products of Corfu are used extensively in the local recipes. Below are some of the mouth-watering specialties of Corfu which have been influenced, over the centuries, by the Sicilians, the Venetians and the French that once occupied the island:

Pastitsado is a local specialty that derives from the Venetian Spezzatino and one of the favourite dishes of the island. It is made of beef and gravy cooked with tomatoes and accompanied with thick pasta.

Sofrito is a dish that consists of beef stewed in a white sauce and has Franco-Venetian origins. Savoro is the favourite dish during the celebration of March the 25th or during Palm Sunday and consists of fried fish served with a succulent rosemary sauce.

Bianco is a fish dish (usually Scorpion) cooked with lemon and garlic.

Kumquat is a liqueur and a traditional sweet (spoon sweet) made from a fruit similar to lemon. Kumquat has become today the trademark of the island, as it grows only in Corfu and in no other part of Greece.

Mandolato is a black and white nougat, another trademark of Corfu Island.

Ginger beer is the traditional refreshment drink of Corfu. It was brought by the English in 1860 and its production goes on till today.

The handmade ice cream of Corfu is pure heaven and offers succulent tastes following the fruits of the season.

Corfu is especially famous for its wines which have become a tradition for the island. No heavy industry is producing the tasty wines since they are all made from private vineyards owned by families or small associations. All the wines of Corfu have no chemical additives and the most popular of those are: Kakotrigis: a white wine that can be either sweet or dry, Moschato: a light and sweet white wine and Petrokoritho: a dry and crimson wine.

The Ionian Islands of Greece are known for their exotic beaches. Corfu, in particular, has a stunning coastline. Among the best beaches in Corfu are Agios Georgios, Dassia, Agios Stefanos, Kavos, Glyfada and Palaiokastritsa.

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Villa Psaropouli is a stone house of 119,2 m², featuring a private swimming pool of 90 m², within a plot of approximately 4000 sq.m. It is located 200 – 300 meters away from the central square of Dragotina village, which is a quiet village in a beautiful area at the South of Corfu. There is a private road at the end of the village, leading to the Villa.
This property, named after the old spring of Dragotina village, is secluded but also in close distance to the famous - for its nightlife – Kavos.

The villa welcomes guests with its warm atmosphere, providing at the same time constant contact with nature, since it is surrounded by trees. There are about 150 fruit trees and a well with excellent water.
The main house consists of a large 65 m² living room with marble fireplace and satellite TV, a dining room with dining table suitable for 6 guests, an open plan fully equipped kitchen with all modern amenities and a guest WC. Stepping up only 3 stairs, there are, one bedroom with double bed and a baby crib, one bedroom with two single beds and a baby crib and one bathroom with bathtub. The baby cribs provided are suitable for children up to 4 years old. All rooms are air-conditioned, but there are also floor fans available upon request.
For the ones that love exercise, there are an elliptical machine and a treadmill.
Outdoors, the property features a large and totally private swimming pool of 90 m², surrounded by a spacious sun deck setting with sunbeds and an outdoor shower.
By the pool, there is a large, pergola shaded lounge area, equipped with comfortable sofas with cushions, suitable for relaxing and enjoying the quiet and romantic atmosphere of the area. There is also, a specially designed area with BBQ, a traditional wood oven, an outdoor kitchen and laundry area.
A large parking area is available free of charge.
This property is ideal for families or group of friends who love space, nature and a quiet location in order to enjoy moments of comfort, privacy, tranquility as well as serenity.
The villa is located near the sandy Kanoula beach and near the famous, touristic villages Kavos and Lefkimmi (4 Km away), where you may find all necessary holiday facilities (shops, restaurants, banks, pharmacy).  Another beach nearby worth visiting is Agios Gordios, just 2,5 Km away.
Transportation from and to the airport is provided free of charge, but bear in mind that rending a car is advisable, in order to explore comfortably, the surrounding areas and the island.
Upon arrival you will receive a welcome basket with local products.
Daily cleaning of the pool and change of linen every two days is provided free of charge.

How to arrive to Corfu?

By Air: Daily flights to and from Athens take about 45 minutes. There are also flights to and from Thessaloniki and other Ionian Islands. During summer there are direct charter flights to many European cities. The airport "Ioannis Kapodistrias" is located 2 km away from Corfu town.

Seaplane: There are flights to and from Ioannina, Patras & Ionian islands (line Corfu - Paxos). The seaplane is based in Gouvia Marina about 4 km from Corfu city.

By car: Public buses operate daily and connect Corfu with Athens, Patra, Thessaloniki and other Greek cities.

By Ferry: Ferries connect Corfu with Igoumenitsa, Patras, Ag. Saranda, Bari, Brindisi, Ancona & Venice.

Cruises: There are cruises between Corfu, Paxos and Diapontia Islands (Erikousa, Othoni, Mathraki).

With your own boat: You may also visit Corfu with your own yacht. All amenities required are offered by the Marina in Gouvia, close to Corfu town, while in the town you can moor in the harbor of N.A.O.K. and the old port. Hosting also offers Marina Benitses, located a short distance from Corfu town.