The slopes of Serifos’s land are full of paths, which were used daily by the residents in the past. Some lead to exquisite coves and others to majestic places –real hesychasteria. It is worth walking on the paths that lead from the helipad to Chora (the road of Plakes), from Kato Chora to Livadi, from Kentarhos to Chora. Four other interesting paths are from Aspros Pyrgos towards Koutala, from the village of Panagia towards Sykamia, from the small settlement of Pyrgos towards Sykamia.
There are maps that mention the paths of the island in detail, though before you begin walking contact the Municipality of Serifos and check out which ones are accessible and clean.
1. Helipad-Chora
It was called “road of Plakes” and it was the one the miners followed in order to reach the western areas of the island and get to work. It was built in 1858, it is well-preserved and it constitutes one of the most beautiful paths of the island.
The starting point is located just before the helipad with a signpost to Agios Georgios (the path to the village of Panagia begins on the right as well).
You walk on infertile mountainous landscape with scattered “cells” and 10 minutes later you find the beautiful chapel of Ai-Giorgis and in its courtyard you can stop to rest. Continuing you will go downhill the nice, wide, cobblestone path which was rebuilt in 1960, enjoying a wonderful view. In 20 minutes you will arrive at Ano Chora.
2. Kato Chora-Livadi
The path connecting Kato Chora to Livadi is popular mainly to the foreign visitors. The entrance to Kato Chora that you will find on the main road next to Kato water fountain leads easily to the path. As you pass through Varda district, you arrive at the church of Evagelistria. Continue straight following the signpost. The mansion with the big palm tree that you will find on your way houses the Folklore Museum and the chapel across is Agios Antonios. Further down and on the left you will see a Heroe’s Memorial. The beautiful building on the right with the tiles is the Elementary School. At the chapel of Stavros, the path is intersected with the asphalt road and it continues right across. Descending the well-preserved alley you will pass by Panagia Xekourastra, which calls for a stop. Until you reach the last chapel of Agios Isidoros (1670), you will be intersected with the asphalt road two more times and at that point the path ends. Continuing the route for 1.3 km, on the asphalt road, you will arrive at Livadi.
3. Kentarhos (Kallitsos)-Chora
The paved street that once connected Kentarhos or Kallitsos to Chora and served the rural needs of the residents in the valley of the old ‘mitata’ has suffered many damages over the years. Your starting point is the village Kallitsos northeast. You continue uphill to Vounaki offering a panoramic view to the pelagos and Serifopoula, you arrive at a col (in 20 minutes), where you can enjoy a wonderful view. You continue on a big paved street passing by the old ‘mitata’ and areas with big granite rocks. At the half of the road you will find the country church of Pano Stavros and you will enter an area with vineyards and dry stone-walls. You will pass by a little bridge, you will go uphill towards the country church of Agios Stefanos and afterwards you will see the water fountain located at Palio Pigadi, under the arch bridge. After one last ascent you arrive at Chora. Info Four other interesting paths start from Aspros Pyrgos towards Koutala, from the village of Panagia towards Sykamia, from the small settlement of Pyrgos towards Sykamia.There are maps that note the paths of the island in detail, though before you begin walking contact the Municipality of Serifos and check out which ones are accessible and clean (tel.: +30 22810 51210).
