Island overview
Located on the southwestern part of Serifos, the bay Mega Livadhi is well sheltered from summer winds. The view of the bay with the small pier for fishing boats is magnificent especially if you head there before the sunset.
General information
The beautiful neoclassical building still overlooking the bay used to be the old mining company headquarters. Around the bay, there are the ruins of the old iron ore loading facility and the loading pier still stands in the N corner. In 1916 workers started a strike, demanding better working conditions and safety improvements. The strike was violently crushed by the police – four miners and four policemen were killed. As a result, working conditions improved slightly but it remained a dangerous job right up until closing the mines in 1963. Ashore you can see the memorial to the four miners.
Beach
Paralia Megalo Livadi
Mega Livadhi is a quiet bay, ideal for chilling and sunbathing on the Paralia Megalo Livadi. Called ‘black beach’ due to its dark color and muddy sand, the beach is narrow with shallow, calm water, and offers a lot of shade which makes it perfect for families with kids.
Places of interest
Memorial
Before the sunset head to the edge of the beach where you can see ruins of the old mine’s headquarters. A few meters away stands the Memorial to the miners that lost their lives in the 1916 strike which is an important part of the island’s history. In the small settlement, there is the church of Agios Ioannis Prodromos, with beautiful frescos from the 17th century.
Where to eat
Restaurant Kýklōpas
Grab a bite in a local restaurant, Kýklōpas, located on the beach with a great view of the sea. You can chill, enjoy tasty and fresh Greek food, and have a swim in between courses. When it gets busy, the waiters can be quite slow and a bit clumsy but you’re on holiday and should try to understand the true meaning of the Greek “siga, siga” (Slowly Slowly)
