Over 70 beaches scallop the dramatic coastline of Serifos, but just a handful are suited for kids. The good? The main draw of dreamy Greek beaches are still accessible, without having to tread through 100 meters of thorny high bushes to reach. Resisting overdevelopment, its coastal gems retain most of their pristine beauty. And while a few beaches offer just the right amount of amenities, you might have to pack a picnic to some. Here’s where to head to with fussy company:
LIVADAKI
The protected port-cove of Livadaki is where you will find the calmest pool-like beach, even on gusty days. But neighbouring Livadakia, with similarly sheltered waters, is more inviting in turquoise crystal clarity. Apart from offering shade, a line of trees with low slung branches serve as a climbing attraction for kids (ours, at least). If you prefer the comfort of padded sunbeds, the camping grounds of Coralli (public parking is right behind) has an earth-toned cafe-bar complete with a pool you can use when you rent sunbeds for €10 a pair (as of 2025). A thoroughly convenient setup for families.
PSILLI AMMOS
A dreamy bay with golden sand and aquamarine waters, Psilli Ammos (“fine sand” in Greek) promises a good time for small splashers with shallow waters that stretch out for more than 30 meters. And you will be in the company of many. While it’s not organised, a string of mature Tamarisks line the shore from end to end for you to throw your towel under.
There are two taverans on the beach. Stefanakos (a very good one that packs out early) has private parking and a beach bar with sun-dappled lounge seating you can plant yourself under. They also serve bolognese pasta if that is the only thing your child eats). Manolis is the other taverna that sets-up shop above the beach every summer.
With sand of the grain size that’s perfect for sandcastle building, this is where we spend the longest days at the beach. Its other appeal? On windy days, because of its shallow waters, it works up a gentle succession of waves the kids find classic joy in jumping over.
AGIOS SOSTIS
A double sided beach that takes your breath away when sighted from above, a 100-metre walk down a dirt road from parking at the top will bring you to this picture perfect cove. With its namesake church looking over stunning turquoise waters, the sheltered coastal indent ensures waters that are calm and crystalline. Under this blistering summer sun, the trek back up requires a bit of grit from kids. The hack? Dad can chauffer the car load all the way down to shore and sort out parking up above. The beach is also just a 5-minute drive from the port, so we suggest you take away bougatsas, coffees, and anything else you need. An early huddle of beachgoers start to mushroom under its five Tamarisk trees, so you’ll need to snag these early if thats your plan for shade. Otherwise, bring umbrellas.
GANEMA
Not an obvious pick, Ganema has a few good things going for it: With its southerly position (along with other sheltered coves like Vagia), this is where you want to be when the northern Meltemi winds blow brutally. One kilometer long, it’s also one-part pebbly, and one-part sandy, allowing finicky children to take their pick. Little D doesn’t enjoy sand between her toes, so we headed to the pebbly side where a mini mountain stack of boulders beckons to mount them. The girls cannot resist the rock-scaling fun.
The best thing about Ganema (arguably) is Grandma’s. Walk all the way to the opposing end of the beach from where you park (along the road by its entrance), and you will find a family-run café-taverna with bistro chairs huddled under the generous cover of oversized tamarisks. On our first trip when we rented beachfront accomodation here, most of our mornings were spent with iced chocolates and coffees while the kids built bridges with twigs, and castles with pebbles by their tables. If you’re staying for lunch, their menu is a simple, but well-executed selection of burgers, pizzas, sandwiches, and seafood classics.
While pristine, the waters at Ganema (along with the islands other southern beaches) are darker, and get deep relatively quickly. Also because of its sheer length, it’s best visited with older children.
