Serifos, just 2 hrs. 15 mins from Piraeus by fast catamaran, is a small island of bare hills, fertile valleys and long, sandy beaches. The small, cosy port of Livadi is where all ferries dock. Set in a deep cut bay and with its pine-fringed beach backed by cafes, tavernas and tourist accommodation, Livadi is home to most of Serifos island’s tourist facilities including a bank and shops. Livadaki, a better tamarisk-shaded sandy beach, lies a short walk to the west of the harbour, offering snorkelling possibilities, water-sports and a taverna. Overlooking all this is the appealing, dazzling white Chora, set high above Livadi on a steep hillside. Quiet and atmospheric, Chora can be reached by using either the municipal bus or walking the cobbled 2 kilometres mule path. With breathtaking views across the valleys below, Chora’s alleyways lead to several tavernas near the village’s central square. All is topped by a ruined 15th century Venetian Kastro. Serifos’ most recent claim to fame is that one of its beaches, Psili Ammos, was voted as one of Europe’s most beautiful beaches in the Sunday Times. This sheltered, white sand beach with its two excellent tavernas can be reached by walking 50 minutes north of Livadi. There are at least seven more beaches dotted around the island, a reward to keen walkers seeking seclusion