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Although it may not have the glory of Santorini, the fun of Mykonos or the culture of Syros, the island of Serifos (www.serifos.gr) combines endless beauties and remains in the hearts of visitors. This Cycladic Island has attracted our attention with its award-winning beach and dozens of other beautiful beaches, with its crystal clear waters and picturesque main town, Chora, which is situated above the harbour, and with its important minerals.

Photo: www.clickatlife.gr

The "iron" island and the mines

Serifos’ subsurface is rich in ores and minerals. The villages of Megalo Livadi and Koutalas, which are located in the southeast part of the island, between the magical beaches, were the economic centres of the island until the early 20^th century because of the nearby mines. Today, they are almost destroyed. The mines worked from 1880 until 1962, when they were closed due to the depletion of reserves, the high costs of operation and mainly because of the decline in metal prices in the world.

In the fishing village of Megalo Livadi, the centre of mining, there is a small museum and a memorial dedicated to four miners who were executed during a strike for eight-hour working time and wage increases. There are still traces of mining in these areas. The rails and wagons used for the transportation of excavated materials and the loading facilities have survived until this day.

Photo: www.clickatlife.gr

The award-winning ... and other beaches

The Psili Amos beach was awarded as the best European beach in 2003 by the Sunday Times newspaper. Other famous beaches are Lia, Agios Sostis, Livadakia, Sikamia, Baia, Sotiros, Kalo, Ambeli, Platis Yialos, Avlomonas and Koutalias. A local bus connects Chora and Livadi to some of the beaches.

The residents of Serifos and ... the local foreigners

Serifos is one of the few islands with sources of drinking water. Moreover, its rich subsurface contributed to its economic development in the past. The residents of the island are warm and welcoming, and receptive to the foreigners and tourists who enjoy the island.

Do not be surprised if Brigitte from Austria, who came to the island about 10 years ago, fell in love with it and remained to live on it, shows you around, or if you find out that the owner of the nice cafe "Stou Stratou" (www.stoustratou.com ) in the central square of Chora had been living abroad for many years before he settled on Serifos.

Some of the best campsites in Greece and other accommodation facilities

Because of the increasing number of camping fans, we must specify that some of the best campsites in Greece are on the island of Serifos. Coralli camping (www.corallicamping.gr) overlooks the sea, on the golden sands of Livadakia, and combines harmonious pristine scenery and a beautiful beach with all the comforts of a modern campsite. It offers a free parking lot, mini market, restaurant, pool and a bar. To those who prefer modern luxury hotels, we would recommend Rizes Hotel (www.hotelrizes.gr), overlooking the port of Chora. Amfitriti studios (www.studiosamfitriti.gr) and Indigo studios (www.indigostudios.gr) in Livadi are another good choice.

An interesting new festival

Last year for the first time, Serifos became a cultural destination too. The first festival of Serifos, which lasted for about 20 days, involved favourite musicians and artists who made the nights on the island interesting and romantic. This year's festival will be from 26 July to 20 August and it will involve Christos Tiveos, Manolis Famelos, Phivos Delivorias, Dimitris Papadimitriou and many more.

Furthermore, the international competition section of the Psarokokalo festival will visit Serifos from 3 to 9 June and will present selected short films from around the world.

Photo: www.clickatlife.gr

The tasty food on Serifos

On the island, you will find the freshest fish and other seafood. Be sure to try the surprisingly delicious loutsa (baked pork loin), revithada (baked chickpeas) and mizithra sour curd.

We would suggest that you go to the "Nikoulias" tavern in Platis Yialos to try chickpeas with rosemary and delicious meat dishes while enjoying the sea view at the same time. You should go to "Kiklopa" in Megalo Livadi to try local meats and delicious makaronada and to "Tis Kalis" in Livadi to try delicious fish and amazing appetizers.

The web site click@Life suggests you:

-Walk around the paved streets and windmills of the beautiful Chora in the morning when the majority of people are still asleep, enjoy Dimarheiou Square and climb to the Venetian fortress and the small church of St. Constantine to enjoy the beautiful views.

-Visit Aspros Pyrgos (White Tower) along the Livadi and Megalo Livadi road - a tower of the Hellenistic period, which was probably used as a watchtower - to enjoy the view to the south-eastern coast of Serifos. The small church near Aspros Pyrgos is dedicated to Saint Haralampi and parts of the tower were used in its construction.