There is something about Serifos that gets under your skin. It is rugged and dramatic, with a wild, windswept quality that feels completely at odds with the polished tourist machine you find on bigger Cycladic islands. The hilltop Chora, perched impossibly high above a sparkling bay, looks like something out of a dream. And yet, despite all of this, Serifos remains wonderfully, stubbornly quiet. Getting here takes a little planning, but that is honestly part of the appeal.
Like all the best Greek islands, Serifos has no airport. Every single visitor arrives by sea, and the ferry journey through the western Aegean, past rocky coastlines and deep blue water, sets the tone for everything that follows. The island’s port is at Livadi, a laid-back seaside village on the southeastern coast. From Livadi, the dramatic Chora sits about 4.5 kilometres up the hillside, visible from the moment your ferry rounds the headland and enters the bay.
Whether you are jumping on a fast catamaran from Piraeus, island-hopping from Sifnos, or threading Serifos into a longer western Cyclades itinerary, this guide covers every route, every operator, and the practical tips that will actually make your journey smoother.
Table of Contents
Quick Overview: What You Need to Know First
Before you start mapping out your route, here are the key facts about getting to Serifos.
- Serifos has no airport. The nearest airports are in Athens, Milos, and Santorini.
- All ferries arrive at Livadi port, on the southeastern coast of the island.
- From Livadi, Chora is about 4.5 kilometres uphill, roughly a 10-minute bus or taxi ride.
- Ferry connections run all year round from Piraeus, with increased frequency from June to September.
- In peak summer (July and August), up to 4 daily crossings from Piraeus are available.
- Booking ferry tickets in advance is strongly recommended from late June onwards.
Flying to Greece First: Choosing Your Starting Point
Since there are no flights to Serifos, your journey starts by landing at a Greek airport and then connecting to the island by ferry. Where you fly into will shape your entire route.
Athens International Airport (Eleftherios Venizelos)
This is the most popular entry point for international travellers, and for good reason. Athens is one of Europe’s most well-connected airports, with direct flights from cities across Europe, the Middle East, the United States, and beyond. From the airport, you have two main port options for catching a ferry to Serifos.
Piraeus port is the main hub and the one most travellers use. It sits about 45 kilometres from the airport. The quickest way to reach Piraeus is by metro (Line 1, the Green Line), which takes around 20 minutes from central Athens. From the airport itself, you can take the X96 express bus directly to Piraeus, which takes roughly 50 to 60 minutes depending on traffic. A taxi from the airport to Piraeus runs between €40 and €55, and the journey takes about 40 minutes outside of peak hours.
Lavrio port is the second option from Athens, sitting around 60 kilometres southeast of the airport. Magic Sea Ferries run a service from Lavrio to Serifos, and the crossing takes approximately 2 hours 20 minutes. You can reach Lavrio by KTEL bus from central Athens or by taxi in about an hour. This route is less popular but worth knowing about, particularly if you are looking for a quieter, cheaper departure experience.
Santorini Airport (Thira)
If you are building a broader Cyclades itinerary that starts in Santorini, you can reach Serifos by ferry from there too. It is a longer crossing at around 5 hours 50 minutes, but it fits well into a multi-island trip that works its way westward through the Cyclades chain.
Milos Airport
Milos has a small domestic airport with connections from Athens. If you are flying domestically within Greece and want to reach Serifos, flying to Milos first and then taking a short ferry across is a smart option. The Milos to Serifos crossing takes roughly 1 hour 10 minutes to 3 hours 10 minutes depending on the operator and vessel type.
Getting to Serifos by Ferry
This is where your trip really begins. Every route, every operator, and every price point you need to know is laid out below.
From Athens (Piraeus) to Serifos
This is by far the most common route and the one that most visitors will use. The Piraeus to Serifos ferry runs all year round, which is genuinely useful for shoulder season and winter travel. Here is the full breakdown.
- Seajets (high-speed catamaran): approximately 2 hours, running every day in summer, tickets from around €63.70
- Blue Star Ferries (conventional): approximately 3 hours 45 minutes, daily in summer, tickets from €37
- Fast Ferries (conventional): approximately 4 hours, 3 days per week, tickets from €37
Ticket prices for a foot passenger range from €31 to €64 depending on the operator, season, and how far in advance you book. A family of two adults and one car pays from around €125 on this route. Cabins and economy seat upgrades are available on some services, starting at approximately €59 to €73 extra.
From June to September there are around 14 weekly crossings from Piraeus, compared to about 7 per week in the quieter months between October and May. Ferries depart from Gates E6, E7, E9, and E10 at Piraeus, though you should always check the electronic display boards at the port as gates can change without notice.
Arrive at Piraeus at least one hour before departure if travelling on foot. If you are bringing a vehicle, allow at least two hours, especially in July and August when queues at the car deck can be significant.
From Lavrio to Serifos
This is a quieter, more budget-friendly route that not many people know about. Magic Sea Ferries operate up to 3 sailings per week from Lavrio to Serifos, with the journey taking approximately 2 hours 20 minutes. Tickets are considerably cheaper than the Piraeus options, with fares for 2 adults starting from as little as €12. If you want to avoid the chaos of Piraeus port and save some money at the same time, this is a genuinely good alternative.
From Sifnos to Serifos
Sifnos and Serifos are close neighbours in the western Cyclades, and the crossing between them is one of the shortest inter-island hops in the entire region.
- Seajets: as little as 15 minutes, tickets from €6
- Cyclades Fast Ferries / other operators: approximately 35 to 40 minutes
If you are combining Serifos with a trip to Sifnos (and you really should), this crossing is almost laughably quick. It is essentially a skip across the water, and the ticket price reflects that.
From Milos to Serifos
The Milos to Serifos route is a good option if you are coming from the airport in Milos or building a westward island-hopping route.
- Seajets: approximately 1 hour 10 minutes
- Cyclades Fast Ferries / Blue Star Ferries: approximately 2 to 3 hours 10 minutes, with 3 sailings per week
If you are combining Milos, Serifos, and Sifnos, this triangle of western Cyclades islands works beautifully as a one-week island-hopping itinerary. The ferry connections between all three are strong enough in summer to give you real flexibility.
From Kythnos to Serifos
Kythnos is Serifos’s northern neighbour, and the crossing is a short one.
- Seajets / conventional ferries: approximately 50 minutes to 1 hour 20 minutes, 1 sailing per week with Blue Star Ferries, more with Seajets
- Tickets from around €6 to €12 for a foot passenger
Kythnos is one of the most underrated islands in the Cyclades, so combining it with Serifos makes for a wonderfully off-the-beaten-track itinerary.
From Paros to Serifos
Paros is one of the Cyclades’ main ferry hubs, with connections to dozens of islands. From Paros to Serifos, you are looking at around 2 hours 5 minutes on Cyclades Fast Ferries, with roughly 2 sailings per week. Seajets also operates this route. It is a useful connection if you are coming from one of the more central Cyclades islands and heading west.
From Santorini to Serifos
The Santorini to Serifos route is a longer crossing but connects two of the Cyclades’ most beautiful islands.
- Blue Star Ferries: approximately 5 hours 50 minutes, 2 sailings per week
While this is not a quick hop, it works well as part of a longer itinerary that starts in Santorini and moves northwestward through the island chain. Seajets also operates some services on this route in peak season.
From Folegandros to Serifos
If you have been following a similar island trail to our Folegandros guide, the connection between those two islands to Serifos is also available.
- Seajets / Cyclades Fast Ferries: approximately 2 hours 30 to 3 hours 10 minutes, 2 sailings per week
It is a less common crossing but absolutely doable within a broader Cyclades trip.
From Syros, Mykonos, Naxos, and Beyond
Serifos is actually connected to a surprisingly wide network of Cycladic islands. Here is a quick summary of some additional routes.
- Syros to Serifos: approximately 2 hours 20 minutes, 3 sailings per week with Seajets
- Mykonos to Serifos: approximately 6 hours 45 minutes, 6 sailings per week with Seajets
- Naxos to Serifos: approximately 5 hours 10 minutes, 6 sailings per week with Seajets
- Ios to Serifos: approximately 4 hours 15 minutes, 2 sailings per week
- Kimolos to Serifos: approximately 2 hours, 3 sailings per week
Serifos is more of a destination you travel to with intention, rather than stumbling across on a quick day trip. But the connections from across the Cyclades are plentiful enough in summer to make it an easy addition to almost any Greek island itinerary.
Ferry Booking Tips: Making It Easy on Yourself
Getting your ferry bookings sorted in advance makes a real difference, especially for an island that is growing in popularity year on year. Here is what experienced travellers suggest.
- Book at least 3 to 4 weeks ahead in July and August: Serifos has become increasingly popular with Greeks and Europeans who want something quieter than Santorini or Mykonos, and summer sailings fill up faster than you might expect.
- Use trusted booking platforms: Ferryhopper, Ferryscanner, and Directferries are the most reliable options for comparing routes, times, and prices. Always confirm schedules directly with the operator close to your travel date as timetables can shift.
- Check your departure gate at Piraeus: The gate system at Piraeus is enormous and can be confusing. Display boards across the port show updated gate information. Do not rely solely on your ticket.
- Night ferries are worth considering: If you are booking a conventional sailing that departs in the evening, you can often add a cabin for around €59 and effectively combine your accommodation for one night with your transport.
- Children under 4 travel free: Worth knowing if you are travelling with young children. Children aged 5 to 10 are eligible for up to a 50% discount on most operators.
- Bringing a bicycle: Bicycles are typically accepted on conventional ferries to Serifos, often at no extra charge. If you plan to cycle on the island, check with your operator at the time of booking.
Getting from Livadi Port into Serifos
When your ferry docks at Livadi, you are at the base of the island. Getting up to Chora and around the rest of Serifos is straightforward, but worth planning ahead.
By Bus
Serifos has a local bus service connecting Livadi port with Chora. The bus is timed to meet ferry arrivals in summer, which is convenient. The journey from Livadi up to Chora takes around 10 minutes, though the road is steep and winding. The bus fare is very affordable, typically just a euro or two. Timetables expand in summer and contract in winter, so if you are visiting outside of peak season, check the local schedule in advance.
By Taxi
There are taxis waiting at the port when ferries arrive. A taxi from Livadi to Chora takes roughly 10 minutes and costs in the region of €8 to €12. If you have heavy luggage or are arriving late at night, a taxi is the easiest option. Some guesthouses and small hotels in Chora also offer a pick-up service if you ask in advance, which is worth doing.
On Foot
Walking from Livadi up to Chora is possible but it is a serious climb. The traditional stone path that zigzags up the hillside from the port to Chora is actually quite beautiful, but it takes around 45 minutes to an hour and is genuinely steep. Do not attempt it with heavy suitcases. If you are travelling light and feel like earning your first view of the Chora, it is a memorable way to arrive. Early morning or late afternoon is the best time to walk it, avoiding the midday heat.
By Rental Vehicle
Rental cars, scooters, and ATVs are available in Livadi right at the port area. If you plan to explore the island’s more remote beaches and villages, picking up a vehicle as soon as you arrive is the most practical approach. More on this below.
Do You Need a Vehicle on Serifos?
This is one of the most common questions people ask before visiting, and the answer really depends on what you want to do.
Livadi itself is a small, relaxed beach village that you can walk around easily. The port area has cafes, restaurants, a handful of shops, and a lovely beach within a few minutes on foot. If you are planning to spend most of your time in Livadi and make day trips to nearby beaches, you can manage quite comfortably without a vehicle. The bus handles the Livadi to Chora route well.
However, if you want to reach the more remote beaches like Ganema, Vagia, Psili Ammos, or Mega Livadi, and explore the western side of the island and the old mining settlements, you will need your own transport. The road network is not extensive but the island is bigger than it looks from the port, and the prettiest spots are often the hardest to reach on foot.
| Traveller Type | Best Option |
|---|---|
| Budget backpacker | Bus and walking |
| Couple on a relaxed beach holiday | Scooter or ATV |
| Family with children | Small rental car |
| Senior traveller or accessibility needs | Taxi or private transfer |
| Adventure explorer | Scooter, ATV, or hiking trails |
Scooter and ATV rentals in Livadi typically cost between €20 and €40 per day in peak season. Small rental cars are available but the supply is limited, particularly in July and August, so booking ahead is a good idea. Roads on Serifos are generally manageable, though some tracks leading to more isolated beaches are unpaved and bumpy. Take it slowly, especially on gravel roads.
Walking and Hiking on Serifos
One thing most travel guides do not mention enough is how genuinely brilliant Serifos is for walking. The island has a network of traditional footpaths and donkey trails that connect villages, beaches, and viewpoints across the hillside landscape.
The most famous walk is the ancient Kalderimi path that runs from Livadi up to Chora. It is paved with old stone steps and passes through the terraced hillside scenery that makes Serifos so striking. If you only do one walk on the island, make it this one, ideally at golden hour when the light across the Aegean is extraordinary.
There are also walking routes heading out from Chora towards the Monastery of Taxiarchon, one of the island’s most beautiful and oldest landmarks. The paths are generally well-marked, though carrying a map or downloading an offline trail map before you arrive is a sensible precaution. Summers can be very hot by mid-morning, so early starts are strongly recommended for any longer walks.
Boat Trips and Water Transport Around Serifos
In summer, small excursion boats operate from Livadi bay, offering day trips to beaches that are difficult or impossible to reach by road. This is a wonderful way to see the more hidden coves and sea caves along the island’s coastline.
Excursion boats typically run to beaches such as Sykamia, Platis Gialos, and other spots along the west coast. Prices for a day trip by excursion boat generally range from €15 to €25 per person and often include a stop for swimming. Ask at the port or your accommodation for the current season’s schedule, as these services are informal and vary from year to year.
Insider Tips From Travellers Who Know Serifos Well
A good look through travel forums, Reddit, and TripAdvisor reviews for Serifos reveals some genuinely useful advice that first-time visitors often wish they had known.
- Pack sensibly: Chora’s lanes are cobblestoned and steep. Large wheeled suitcases are a nightmare. A backpack or soft bag will save you a lot of frustration, both getting up to Chora and when navigating the village itself.
- Visit Chora at night: Several visitors mention that the Chora of Serifos is even more magical after dark, when the lights of the castle neighbourhood twinkle across the bay. If you are based in Livadi, the evening bus or a taxi up to Chora for dinner is absolutely worth it.
- There is an ATM at the port in Livadi: Handy to know when you step off the ferry and realise you need cash before heading up to Chora.
- Shoulder season is genuinely wonderful: May, June, and September see far fewer visitors than July and August, but the weather is still beautiful and the ferries still run well. Many regular visitors to Serifos strongly recommend these months over the summer peak.
- The Chora viewpoint is worth the effort: The view from the top of Chora, looking down over Livadi bay and across the Aegean, is one of the most spectacular in all of the Cyclades. Give yourself time to sit with it.
- Do not rush your onward connection: Ferry arrivals and departures on smaller Cycladic islands can run late. If you have an onward sailing from Serifos, do not book it too tightly after arriving. Give yourself a comfortable buffer.
Final Thoughts
Getting to Serifos is not complicated, but it does require a little thought and a touch of patience. The absence of an airport is not a limitation; it is what keeps this island honest and unspoiled. The ferry ride from Piraeus, with the white hilltop Chora coming into view as you approach the bay, is one of those travel moments that stays with you for a long time.
Plan your route, book your ferry with a bit of notice, and resist the urge to cram too much into your itinerary. Serifos rewards slow travel. It rewards people who want to sit on a terrace with a glass of local wine and watch the sun sink into the Aegean. It rewards the kind of traveller who is not in a hurry.
Take your time getting here. Then take even more time enjoying it.
