Serifos: Cycladic Island Embraces Architecture and Craft Revival
Serifos, a rugged Cycladic island once known for iron mining, is experiencing a cultural and architectural revival. Ceramicist Natasa Kalogeropoulou established her studio Kerameio on the island in 2014, crafting stoneware tableware and selling works by other Greek makers. Mold Architects founder Iliana Kerestetzi designed Homa, a series of holiday villas built into hillsides above Vagia Beach, inspired by the island's mining history. C-O Lab has designed sleek holiday homes and Greece's first Zen monastery on Serifos. Interior designer Ioli Chiotini furnished Seriphos Estate with elements referencing Cyclops mythology and traditional beehives. The island's abandoned iron mines, closed in the 1960s, left a layered history that now informs new architectural projects. Donkeys remain part of local agriculture. The article appears in Wallpaper*'s June 2026 Travel Issue.
Key facts
- Ceramicist Natasa Kalogeropoulou set up Kerameio studio on Serifos in 2014.
- Kerameio produces stoneware tableware and sells works by other Greek makers.
- Mold Architects founder Iliana Kerestetzi designed Homa, three conjoined villas above Vagia Beach.
- Homa's design echoes the iron miners' world, built into hillsides with terraces and pools.
- C-O Lab has designed holiday homes and Greece's first Zen monastery on Serifos.
- Interior designer Ioli Chiotini furnished Seriphos Estate with Cyclops-inspired mirrors and beehive-referencing lighting.
- Serifos's iron mines operated until the 1960s and left abandoned infrastructure.
- Donkeys are still used in local agricultural practices on Serifos.
Entities
Artists
- Natasa Kalogeropoulou
- Iliana Kerestetzi
- Ioli Chiotini
- Hester Underhill
Institutions
- Kerameio
- Mold Architects
- C-O Lab
- Wallpaper*
- Seriphos Estate
- Homa
Locations
- Serifos
- Cyclades
- Greece
- Chora
- Livadi Bay
- Vagia Beach
- Agios Ioannis Beach
- Athens