From the Rugged Iron Mines of Serifos to the Historic Trails of Sifnos: A Journey Through the Heart of the Aegean.
Note: This is a self-guided hiking adventure, offering you the freedom to explore at your own pace with full logistical support. We handle the transfers, ferries, car rentals, and daily hiking meals so you can focus entirely on the trail.
Serifos and Sifnos represent two distinct but harmonious faces of the Cycladic world. Serifos, often called the “Iron Island,” strikes the visitor with its raw industrial heritage, abandoned mines, and a Chora that is arguably one of the most dramatic architectural feats in the Aegean. In contrast, Sifnos is the island of measure and elegance, famous for its centuries-old pottery tradition and a world-class network of stone-paved trails that connect white-washed villages and ancient towers.
This self-guided adventure is designed for those seeking a deep, authentic connection with the land. With private car rentals included on both islands, you have the total freedom to reach secluded trailheads or hidden coves after your walks. We handle every logistical detail—from airport transfers and ferry tickets to daily hiking “lunch boxes”—allowing you to immerse yourself fully in the landscape and the whispering history of the paths.
Day 1: Arrival & The Historic Path to Chora
- Private transfer from Athens City or Airport to Piraeus Port
- Board the ferry to Serifos
- Arrival at Livadi port and pick up your rental car
- Check-in at Hotel
- Hike: The Ancient Staircase (Livadi – Chora – Livadi)
- Hike Details: Distance: 4.5 km | Duration: 2h | Ascent/Descent: 273m | Difficulty: Easy
- Experience: Follow the beautifully preserved stone-paved mule track that winds its way up to the spectacular Chora. Explore the white-washed alleys and the Venetian Castle for a panoramic view of the bay before returning to the harbor
Day 2: The Grand Loop of the North
- Pick up your Lunch Box from the hotel
- Drive to the entrance of Chora
- Hike: Peaks, Monasteries, and Hidden Valleys (Chora – Kentarchos – Panagia – Chora)
- Hike Details: Distance: 16 km | Duration: 6h | Ascent/Descent: 718m | Difficulty: Difficult
- Experience: A demanding but rewarding day exploring the mountainous heart of the island. Visit the picturesque village of Kentarchos (Kallitsos) and the historic village of Panagia, passing through a landscape of wild peaks and deep blue Aegean vistas
Day 3: Echoes of the Iron Mines
- Pick up your Lunch Box
- Drive to the southwestern mining district (Akonidia)
- Hike: The Miners’ Heritage Trail (Akonidia – Koutalas – Akonidia)
- Hike Details: Distance: 7 km | Duration: 3h 30min | Ascent/Descent: 428m | Difficulty: Moderate
- Experience: Explore the industrial ruins that gave Serifos its nickname. Walk past abandoned mining galleries, rusted machinery, and stone loading docks down to the calm Bay of Koutalas for a refreshing break
Day 4: Crossing to Sifnos & The Medieval Path
- Check-out and return your rental car
- Board the ferry to Sifnos (approx. 45 min)
- Arrival at Kamares port and pick up your new rental car
- Check-in at your Hotel in Apollonia
- Hike: Neoclassical Mansions and the Fortress of Kastro (Apollonia – Artemonas – Kastro – Apollonia)
- Hike Details: Distance: 8.2 km | Duration: 3h 30min | Ascent/Descent: ~330m | Difficulty: Moderate.
- Experience: Start your Sifnian adventure directly from Apollonia. Walk through the noble mansions of Artemonas to the medieval fortified capital of Kastro. Visit the famous Church of the Seven Martyrs before returning to your hotel
Day 5: The Wild Heart of Sifnos
- Pick up your Lunch Box
- Start your hike from Apollonia
- Hike: Sifnos Trail 06 – The Insiders’ Loop (Panagia Toso Nero)
- Hike Details: Distance: 14.4 km | Duration: ~7h | Ascent/Descent: 635m | Difficulty: Moderate/Challenging
- Experience: A deep exploration of the island’s central and western backcountry. Hike to the highlands for a stunning “aerial” view over Kamares port and visit the remote, serene chapel of Panagia Toso Nero
Day 6: Ancient Terraces and the Bay of Fykiada
- Pick up your Lunch Box
- Drive to Platys Gialos
- Hike: Sifnos Trail 04 – Cedars, Olive Trees, and the Sea (Platys Gialos – Fykiada)
- Hike Details: Distance: 10.7 km | Duration: 4h 30min | Ascent/Descent: ~400m | Difficulty: Moderate
- Experience: Walk through rare cedar forests and ancient olive groves to reach the secluded bay of Fykiada, accessible only on foot. A perfect day for nature and sea lovers
Day 7: The Wuthering North & Farewell Swim
- Pick up your final Lunch Box
- Drive to the northern part of Sifnos (Kambanario)
- Hike: Trails 09 & 09a – The Northern Backcountry to Cherronissos
- Hike Details: Distance: 4.1 km | Duration: ~2h | Descent: 320m | Difficulty: Easy
- Experience: Explore the rocky and atmospheric northern tip of Sifnos. Visit the ruins of an ancient tower and a seasonal lake before arriving at the traditional fishing village of Cherronissos for a final swim
- Drive to Kamares port and return your rental car
- Board the evening ferry back to Piraeus
- Private transfer from Piraeus Port to Athens City or Airport
Highlights
⭐ Serifos Chora: One of the most dramatic hilltop villages in the Cyclades.
⭐ Mining Heritage: Discover the unique industrial ruins of the “Iron Island”.
⭐ Medieval Kastro: Explore Sifnos’ ancient capital perched over the Aegean.
⭐ The Wuthering North: Experience the wild beauty of Cherronissos village.
⭐ Full Logistics: Two rental cars and daily lunch boxes for a stress-free adventure.
What’s Included
✅ Accommodation: 6 nights in hand-picked hotels with breakfast
✅ Daily Lunch Boxes: 6 packed meals prepared specifically for your hiking days
✅ Transportation: All private land transfers in Athens and all Ferry tickets
✅ Car Rental: 3 days in Serifos and 4 days in Sifnos (Pick-up/Drop-off at the ports)
✅ Ferry tickets (Agia Roumeli – Palaiochora)
✅ Navigation: Detailed hiking maps and access to digital guides
✅ Extended Hiking Pack: A curated library of over 10 alternative and additional routes with GPS tracks for maximum flexibility
✅ Restaurant suggestions in all places you will visit throughout your tour
✅ Taxes: All local taxes and climate resilience fees included
Not Included
❌ Lunches (other than the provided lunch boxes), dinners, and drinks
❌ Flights to/from Greece
❌ Fuel for the rental cars and optional extra insurance
❌ Personal expenses & optional activities
❌ Entrance fees to archaeological sites or museums
❌ Transfers that are not mentioned in the itinerary
❌ Travel insurance
Enhance Your Journey (Tailor-Made Options)
Make your journey even more comfortable or extend your stay with our bespoke add-ons. Contact us for a personalized quote.
- ✨ Private English-Speaking Guide: Transform your self-guided tour into a fully guided experience with an expert local mountain leader.
- ✨ Private Sea Transfer (Day 4): Skip the ferry and cross from Serifos to Sifnos in style with a private RIB boat transfer.
- ✨ Sifnian Pottery Workshop: Spend an afternoon with a local master and learn the ancient secrets of Sifnos’ famous ceramic art.
- ✨ Scuba Diving Adventure: Explore the hidden shipwrecks and crystal-clear reefs of the Western Cyclades with a discovery dive.
✨ Aegean Water Sports: Add a day of action with sea kayaking, SUP, or windsurfing in the protected sandy bays of Platys Gialos or Vathy in Sifnos. - ✨ Extended Stays: Add extra nights in the historic city of Athens to explore the Acropolis, or extend your island stay to discover hidden beaches.
- ✨ Traditional Gastronomy Upgrade: Pre-book your dinners at our hand-picked traditional tavernas to ensure you taste the very best of local Cycladic cuisine every night.
- ✨ Half-Board or Full-Board Upgrade: Pre-booked and pre-paid dinners at our hand-picked traditional taverns, ensuring you taste the very best of authentic Cretan gastronomy every night.
Best Time to Visit
This tour is best experienced from May to June and September, when the weather is mild and the landscapes are at their most vibrant. Summer months (July-August) are very hot, and exposure to the sun makes the challenging hikes much more demanding.
Difficulty Level
Moderate to Challenging – Suitable for active hikers comfortable with rocky terrain and significant elevation gains. While some days are easy strolls, Day 2 in Serifos and Day 5 in Sifnos require good physical condition.
Pricing
Please note that prices are subject to change and vary based on the season, availability, and the number of participants in your group.
The following are indicative prices:
For a booking of 2 people sharing a double room: €945 per person
For a precise quote tailored to your specific travel dates and group size, please contact us.
📩 For bookings & inquiries, contact us at explore@pathsofgreece.gr!
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