Vassilia on the Beach

Vassilia on the Beach is a family-run studio complex sitting directly in front of Livadakia Beach in the Livadakia bay area of Serifos, roughly a kilometre south of the main port settlement of Livadi. The property has been operated by the same family for around 30 years, and its 14 rooms — each finished in a style that references Cycladic whitewashed architecture — face straight onto the golden sand and the blue-green water of the bay.

The category tag in the original listing reads "beach-bars," but the property is clearly an accommodation: the website, booking platforms, and all web references describe it as a studio and rooms complex. What the label does capture is the essential character of the place — you are, in a very literal sense, on the beach. The transition from your room to the shoreline is a matter of steps rather than a walk.

With a rating of 4.9 from over 1,000 Google reviews, Vassilia on the Beach sits among the most consistently well-regarded places to stay on the island. That score, sustained over a large number of reviews, points to something beyond a lucky run of good seasons.

What to Expect

The complex consists of 14 studios, each described as having its own distinct interior style while remaining within the whitewashed, blue-shuttered visual language common across the Cyclades. The rooms are positioned to take full advantage of the sea view, and the beach of Livadakia — a wide, gently shelving bay with fine golden sand and calm, clear water — begins immediately in front of the property.

Livadakia is one of the most family-friendly beaches on Serifos. The water deepens gradually and the bay is sheltered from the prevailing northerly winds that can make other parts of the island choppy in summer, which suits the property's stated identity as a family accommodation. The beach itself attracts a relaxed, unhurried crowd: there are no water parks or jet-ski operators here, and the pace reflects that.

The website describes the property as a family business built with close personal attention to guests. The phrasing about returning visitors — "same faces, friends now" — appears to reflect a genuine pattern: a loyal summer clientele that books the same studios year after year, which is a recognisable rhythm for small-scale Greek island accommodation at this level of quality.

The studios are self-catering, which is standard for this category in the Cyclades. Livadi village, about a 10-to-15-minute walk north along the bay, has supermarkets, tavernas, and a port where the ferries dock, so provisioning is straightforward.

How to Get There

Serifos is served by ferry from Piraeus, with journey times of roughly two to two-and-a-half hours on the faster services. The ferry docks at Livadi port. From the port, Livadakia beach and Vassilia on the Beach are approximately a 10-to-15-minute walk south along the waterfront road, following the bay around to the quieter southern end.

If you are arriving with luggage, a taxi from the port to Livadakia is a short ride. The island has a small taxi service; arranging a pickup in advance or asking the accommodation to assist is advisable during peak July and August arrivals.

There is limited roadside parking near the Livadakia end of the bay, which is useful if you are renting a car or scooter on the island — both of which are practical ways to reach more remote beaches such as Psili Ammos or Agios Sostis.

The property's coordinates place it at approximately 37.139°N, 24.514°E, which maps to the southern curve of Livadakia bay.

Best Time to Visit

Serifos has a compressed tourist season running from late June through early September, with July and August being the busiest and hottest months. The island is less developed than Mykonos or Santorini, which means it does not have the same volume of peak-season crowds, but accommodation at properties like Vassilia on the Beach fills quickly. Booking several months ahead for July and August is the practical approach.

Late June and early September offer a reasonable compromise: the sea is warm, daytime temperatures are high but not extreme, and the island is notably quieter. The meltemi wind, which blows from the north across the Cyclades in summer, affects some of Serifos's more exposed beaches but is largely deflected at Livadakia bay by the surrounding hills, making it one of the more reliably calm swimming spots even on windy afternoons.

May and October are possible for visitors who tolerate cooler sea temperatures, but most accommodation on the island — including this property — operates on a seasonal basis, so confirming availability outside the main summer window is worth doing directly.

Tips for Visiting

• Contact the property directly at [email protected] or +30 694 691 0840 to confirm availability and current rates, as pricing varies by season and room type.
• The beach directly in front of the property is accessible to non-guests as a public beach, which is standard in Greece. If you want a guaranteed sunbed arrangement, ask the property about what is available for guests.
• Livadakia beach has calm, shallow water near the shore — it works well for families with young children or anyone who prefers a gentle entry.
• A rental scooter or car opens up the rest of Serifos considerably. The island's road network is limited but manageable, and beaches like Vagia, Lia, and Psili Ammos are worth the drive.
• Livadi port's tavernas and cafés are a short walk north. For the best evening meals, check current local recommendations on arrival — the small-island restaurant landscape changes season to season.
• The 30-year family operation means that repeat guests often have specific room preferences. If you are returning, mention your preferred room or view when booking.
• Serifos Town (Chora) sits on a dramatic hilltop about 5 kilometres from Livadi and is accessible by bus or on foot. It is worth at least one visit, ideally in the early evening when the light is lower and the temperature drops.
• The ferry schedule to and from Piraeus varies by season. Check the current Blue Star Ferries or Sea Jets timetable before finalising your travel dates, and aim to arrive on Serifos with a day or two of buffer before a critical onward connection.

Facilities and Location

The property sits in Livadakia, the quieter beach zone south of Livadi village. The 14 studios are described as fully equipped and finished in a Cycladic style. Given the self-catering format typical for this type of Greek island property, expect kitchen or kitchenette facilities, air conditioning (standard for Aegean summer accommodation at this level), and private bathroom facilities per unit. Each room is presented as having its own stylistic character within the broader Cycladic aesthetic framework.

The beach frontage is the defining facility: Livadakia Beach begins directly at the edge of the property. The bay is sandy, the water is clear, and the outlook across to the open Aegean and the surrounding low hills of Serifos is unobstructed.

The property has active social media presence on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok, which is a practical way to see current-season photos of the rooms, beach conditions, and the general atmosphere before booking.