Serifos

Serifos is one of the less-known and less-frequented Cycladic islands.  It is purportedly the island where the hideous Medusa was exiled.  Because of its many gargantuan caves and crags, it is also mythically associated with the Cyclops Polyphemus, who was duped by Odysseus.  Rugged, raw, underdeveloped, Serifos is a place to disappear to. While dry and quite barren, it does sport pristine beaches and hideaway bays.  Once on its shores your blood pressure drops, considerably. It is quite catatonic at times. But if you want a retreat from the dire ragings of the world, Serifos is the place to go.  To the east, vestiges of a once thriving iron ore mining industry can be seen and walked now with many footpaths.  Rusted old railway carts and even an old bridge stops in the middle of the sea--bygones of the 19th century's obsession with metal manufacturing.  I visited a solitary monastery (wo)manned by one igoumeni whose blessings followed me out the door into the chaotic world.  

The main town, Chora, sits in the middle of the island on a steep cliff. The little night life and dining options are there. Its picturesque stone houses spill out from the mountainside like white lava and make scenic holiday postcard material as you can see from the many pics in this project.