Built in 1690 and closed in 1834, it is a restored fortified monastery that became the islanders’ prime refuge during the attacks of pirates. It is situated at the top of the hill above Chora and offers superb views. Nearby you can also visit Mavri Spilia, one of the largest in the Cyclades, which is accessible only by boat.
Archives
Episkopi
One of the top sights in the Greek islands and the most important attraction on Sikinos, Episkopi is a monastery complex that reflects a great part of the island’s history.
Local and delicious
In Serifos you can have marathotiganites (fennel pancakes), sun dried tomatoes, revithada (chickpeas baked in the oven with rosemary), fava (also made of chickpeas), xinomyzithra cheese and louza (type of sausage).
Activities in Serifos
Hiking is highly recommended in the island’s well-marked routes (try the most popular trail: Chora-Kastro-Livadi). Cycling, diving, windsurfing, sailing and fishing are also on the agenda.
Day trip to Sifnos
It takes less than an hour to reach the nearby cosmopolitan Sifnos, one of the most popular Greek islands.
Moni Taxiarchon
A monument of great architectural and religious value, situated close to the village of Galini. This fortified monastery was built in 1572 and it’s dedicated to Serifos’ patron saints, Michail and Gavriil. It features beautiful 18th c frescoes and other important relics.
More Serifos’ sites
At the area of Koutalas, you can also see the Hellenistic Lefkos Pyrgos (White Tower), the remains of the Gria Castle and the throne of the Cyclops (known as Psaropyrgos). Also, the cave of Cyclops (Cave Koutalas), a former ancient religious centre, with remarkable stalactites and stalagmites.
The old mines
The coastal settlements of Megalo Livadi and Koutalas are deeply associated with the island’s long and turbulent mining history.
Products & Specialties
Leros is famous for its delicious fresh fish (and salted fish), as well as different types of cheese (myzithra, ladotyro, krasotyro), cheese pie, thyme, pougia (type of sweets) and the local drink soumada (made of bitter almond).
Feasts & Festivals
The feasts of Agia Marina (17th July) and Panagia (15th August) are the two major ones on the island. There is also a Wine Feast that takes place in early August. The “Alindia” (marine sport races) and the “Boulafendia” (sport and art events dedicated to the memory of the native cardio-surgeon Boulafentis) are also held in August. On 26th September the island hosts various events to commemorate the sinking of the torpedo ship “Queen Olga”.