The Ultimate Guide to Syros, Greece - What To Do, See, & Eat!
/
Syros, a gem in the Aegean Sea, is a captivating Greek island that combines history, culture, and natural beauty. As the capital of the Cyclades archipelago, Syros stands out for its unique blend of traditional charm and cosmopolitan atmosphere. The island's main town, Ermoupoli, is a picturesque blend of neoclassical architecture, narrow alleys, and vibrant squares.
For all of these reasons, Syros quickly became our favorite of all the Greek islands and in this guide you’ll find out why you shouldn’t skip it when you visit Greece!
Is it worth going to Syros?
Absolutely! Honestly do not skip this beautiful island! It’s only a 45 minute ferry ride from Mykonos and while Mykonos may be more well - known than Syros, Syros is unlike any of the other islands. Syros offers a distinctive experience with its blend of historical charm, cultural richness, and natural beauty. If you appreciate exploring towns with neoclassical architecture, wandering through narrow alleys, and immersing yourself in a vibrant local atmosphere, then Ermoupoli, Syros' main town, is exactly what you’re looking for.
Not only does Syros offer the neoclassical architecture that the other islands do not, it is much more local and less touristy than that of the more popular islands like Mykonos and Santorini. Here you’ll truly be able to immerse yourself in Greek culture and local life while still being able to take advantage of fantastic restaurants and shopping,
What is Syros island known for?
Syros Island is known for several distinctive features that contribute to its unique character within the Cyclades archipelago:
Neoclassical Architecture: The main town of Syros, Ermoupoli, is renowned for its well-preserved neoclassical architecture. Strolling through its narrow streets, you can admire elegant buildings, mansions, and squares that showcase the island's historical and cultural richness.
Cultural Scene: Syros stands out for its vibrant cultural scene, with theaters, museums, and galleries that reflect its artistic heritage. The Apollo Theater, resembling La Scala in Milan, is a notable cultural landmark, hosting various performances and events.
Historical Significance: The island has a rich history, evident in archaeological sites and museums. The Archaeological Museum of Syros displays artifacts that provide insights into the island's past, including its role during the ancient and medieval periods.
Authentic Atmosphere: Syros offers a more cosmopolitan and less touristy atmosphere compared to some other Greek islands. Its authenticity is reflected in the local way of life, charming villages, and warm hospitality.
Beautiful Beaches: Syros is also known for having some beautiful beaches with crystal-clear waters and sandy shores. While it may not be as famous for its beaches as some other Greek islands, Syros does offer a variety of coastal spots that cater to different preferences.
Some of the best beaches to visit while in Syros are:
Galissas Beach: Located on the western side of the island, Galissas is one of the most popular beaches on Syros. It features golden sand and shallow waters, making it suitable for families and those looking for a relaxed beach experience.
Kini Beach: Just a 15 minute drive from Ermoupoli is Kini beach. The clear, shallow waters here make it suitable for swimming and wading, as well as a top pick if you have smaller children.
Agathopes: One of our favorite beaches as well for its shallow waters making it family friendly. But also, you can reserve day beds at Ono Beach Club which has a fantastic menu to enjoy delicious food and cocktails on the beach.
Vari Beach: Situated near Ermoupoli, Vari Beach is known for its clear waters and scenic surroundings. It has a mix of sand and pebbles and offers a tranquil setting for visitors seeking a quieter beach atmosphere.
Megas Gialos Beach: This beach is another option for those looking to escape the crowds. Megas Gialos has a calm ambiance, sandy shores, and is framed by hills covered in greenery.
While Syros may not have as many beaches as some larger Greek islands, its coastline provides a more laid-back and authentic experience. Whether you prefer popular and organized beaches or more secluded coves, Syros has options to suit everyone’s needs.
Cultural Events: The island hosts cultural events and festivals throughout the year, attracting artists, musicians, and performers. These events contribute to Syros' dynamic cultural environment.
Religious Heritage: Syros is home to various churches and religious sites, including the imposing Orthodox Cathedral of Saint Nicholas in Ermoupoli.
What are the top things to do in Syros Greece?
There’s so much to do in Syros, Greece to fill your days on the island. Here are some of my top recommendations:
Explore Ermoupoli: Wander through the capital of Syros, Ermoupoli, to admire its neoclassical architecture, charming squares, and historic buildings. Don't miss Miaouli Square and the impressive Apollo Theater.
Visit Ano Syros: Explore the medieval quarter of Ano Syros, perched on a hill above Ermoupoli. Stroll through narrow alleys, visit churches, and enjoy panoramic views of the island.
Take a Wine Tour at Chatzakis Winery: This was by far one of my favorite things we did during our time in Syros. You can call or email the winery to arrange a tasting. We sampled about 5 different local Greek wines here and they were all delicious. You’ll also get a tour of the winery which has stunning views of Syros and the sea.
Hike to The Church of Agios Stefanos: One of our favorite hikes here to a beautiful church carved into the cliffside. The hike is moderate and steep but worth the trek. Once you arrive down at the cliffside church you can even ring the bell or if you’re brave enough hop in for a swim.
Visit Ono Beach Club: Ono Beach Club is located about a 20 minute drive from the city of Ermoupolis. You can easily take a taxi there and reserve a daybed ahead of time which includes service. Sit back and relax with your cocktail and enjoy the calm and shallow waters here along with some delicious food.
Take a dip at Vaporia: Just a quick 15 minute walk from the port of Ermoupoli is Vaporia. You’ll find locals and tourists here sunbathing or taking a dip in the sea. It’s absolutely stunning here and the perfect postcard view to take a photo.
Relax on Kini Beach: Spend a day at Kini Beach, a picturesque coastal spot with golden sands and clear waters. Enjoy swimming, sunbathing, and indulging in fresh seafood at the local tavernas.
Discover Galissas: Another beautiful beach destination, Galissas offers a family-friendly environment with shallow waters. Explore the village, relax on the beach, and savor traditional Greek cuisine.
Visit the Archaeological Museum: Learn about Syros' history by visiting the Archaeological Museum of Syros, which houses artifacts from the island's ancient and medieval periods.
Attend Cultural Events: Check the local calendar for cultural events, festivals, and performances. Syros hosts various cultural activities, attracting artists and performers throughout the year.
Explore Traditional Villages: Venture beyond the main towns to discover the island's charming villages, each with its own character. Ano Mera and Posidonia are among the villages worth exploring.
Visit the Industrial Museum of Ermoupoli: Gain insights into Syros' industrial past by visiting this museum, which showcases the island's role in the development of industry in Greece.
Enjoy Local Cuisine: Indulge in the delicious Greek cuisine at the island's incredible restaurants.
What are the best restaurants in Syros?
Syros is home to several excellent restaurants offering a variety of delicious Greek and Mediterranean dishes. Here are some of our absolute favorites you can’t miss out on when visiting the island:
Best Restaurants with a View:
To Plakostroto - This restaurant is family run and they make you feel like family when you sit down. The food here is absolutely delicious and the views are stunning. Tip: You’ll need to have a car or take a taxi if you’re staying in Ermoupolis. Be sure to come to enjoy the sunset here.
Ciel - Located right next to Vaporia, you can enjoy a delicious meal and take a dip in the sea. It is also stunning at night as well!
Hermes Hotel: The view here is unmatched. Enjoy a book and some coffee and enjoy the crashing of the waves along the rocks.
Best Restaurants Close to the Port:
40 Tales Fox: One of the best restaurants in Syros in my opinion! Everything I have had here has been absolutely amazing. They also offer delicious cocktails as well.
Mammo Wine Bar: If you’re looking for good vibes, cocktails and a variety of food options, Mammos Wine Bar has you covered. We also loved their vegan menu with dumplings and veggie burgers.
Zoe’s: Looking for something the whole family can agree on, Zoe’s offers a variety of burgers, salads, chicken nuggets, and vegan options too!
To Tsipouradiko tis Mirsinis: If you’re in the mood for delicious traditional Greek cuisine, this is the place! You won’t be disappointed by anything on their menu. They even offer complimentary ice cream at the end of your meal as well.
Best Restaurants for Breakfast:
Epta: Definitely don’t skip Epta for breakfast while you are here. Their french toast is not to be missed! Get here early though as it is always typically full.
Box of Bush: You’ll find the best coffee on the island here as well as delicious, healthy options. The owner is so kind and put such attention to detail in all of his menu items.
Corner Cafe: If you want New York style bagels, don’t skip this place. The bagels here are delicious as well as the banana bread! The owner is also the sweetest human being alive!
Best Casual Restaurants:
Armadillo: Perfect to grab a quick bite to eat, coffee or juice and get some work done with their high speed wifi.
Jar: Great selection of healthy options like smoothie bowls and avocado toast.
Best Quick Service Restaurants:
Django Gelato: If you’re coming with kids this will probably be your daily stop as their gelato is absolutely delicious!
Khin Khao: Not in the mood for Greek cuisine and craving something different, check out Kin Khao for some tasty Thai food.
Kings of Pasta: If you’re looking for something quick and comforting you can order some pasta to go at the Kings of Pasta window. The truffle pasta is the best!
Giancarlo pizza: You can taste the flavors of Italy here as the owner is originally from Italy and creates authentic Italian pizza and the buffalo mozzarella cheese is out of this world!
Street Food: Want a quick Gyro for the road, the Street food stall has delicious gyros you can grab and go with. They also offer vegan gyros as well!
Most Romantic:
Mazi: Don’t pass up a chance to eat at Mazi. This restaurant is absolutely so beautiful inside as it is built in a ruined building with beautiful flowers and vines. This is an absolute must!
Ousyra Restaurant: Ousyra is an authentic, mouth-watering Mediterranean cuisine Restaurant with the perfect ambiance for a romantic dinner.
Avant Garden: The scenery here is absolutely stunning and the food is like artwork. Be sure to grab a table here during your stay in Syros.
What’s the best way to get to Syros Greece?
You can get to Syros a couple of different ways:
By Air: Flights to Syros Airport (JSY): Syros has an airport, Syros Island National Airport (JSY), which is connected to Athens International Airport (ATH) with regular flights. Flight duration is approximately 30-40 minutes from Athens.
By Ferry: Ferries from Piraeus Port in Athens are the most common way to reach Syros. Depending on the ferry company the ferry time is around 2-4 hours. I recommend booking your ferry tickets with Blue Star Ferry for the most economical ticket and smoothest ride or Sea Jets for the quickest ride. If you’re already island hopping, you can easily catch a ferry from nearby islands like Mykonos or Santorini.
(Tip: Always check the weather forecast, especially the wind forecast as Ferry companies could cancel if the weather conditions are not safe to operate. So if you’re traveling by ferry be sure you have )
(Tip: You can also compare ferry ticket prices and times on Ferry Hopper but be sure to purchase the ticket from the ferry company directly to avoid additional processing fees)
Where should I stay in Syros?
If you’re looking to visit Syros without wanting to rent a car, staying in the city of Ermoupolis will be your best option as the city is very walkable and has everything you need such as shops, restaurants, pharmacies, and grocery stores. If you want to explore the beaches, you can easily grab a taxi or take the bus to nearby Kini beach. Here are some hotels in the area to consider:
How should I spend a day in Syros?
If you are coming from Athens or a nearby island, you’ll want to get to Syros as early as possible so you’ve got a full day to explore.
Arrive: If you’re arriving via the ferry you’ll arrive in the port of Ermoupolis which has plenty of restaurants within walking distance.
Breakfast: Enjoy a delicious breakfast at one of the restaurants along the port such as 40 Tales Fox or Mammos Wine Bar.
Explore: the city of Ermoupolis by strolling through its neoclassical streets, visit Miaouli Square, and admire iconic landmarks such as the Apollo Theater. Be sure to grab a quick dip at Vaporia and a cocktail at Ciel. Be sure to grab a photo here too, it will be absolutely Instagram worthy!
Excursion: Plan a fun excursion either to hike to the Church of Agios Stefanos or enjoy some time at nearby Kini or Galissas beach.
Lunch: Enjoy some traditional Greek cuisine and drinks at To Tsipouradiko tis Mirsinis.
Shopping: Enjoy the beautiful boutique shops in the city of Ermoupolis and shop for souvenirs.
Sunset Dinner & Wine Tasting: Book a wine tasting at Chatzakis Winery Syros right before sunset and end your night with a romantic dinner and stunning views at To Plakostroto
Should I rent a car in Syros?
You do not need to rent a car in Syros as most of what you’ll want to do and see will be within walking distance in the main town of Ermoupolis however if you do decide to rent a car I recommend using Maistrali Car Rental for the best rates and service.
How many days in Syros do I need?
Plan to stay in Syros for at least 2-3 nights to get the most out of this beautiful island before heading to your next destination on your Greece vacation.
Does Syros have a nightlife?
While Syros is certainly not known for it’s nightlife or could compare to that of Mykonos, there are a few bars here that offer a great atmosphere, but if you’re looking to dance Mykonos is more your speed. Some of the bars I recommend with great drinks are:
MouSouTou: The owner here is so kind and truly loves what he does. I recommend getting the Gin & Tonic here!
Barrio: For the best music, I definitely recommend coming here. The drinks are also great as well as the service. The DJ will also take requests.
Suerte: If you’re looking to party here early, the crowd doesn't get started until much later in the evening around 11pm (remember the Greeks eat late) but this place is right on the port and very convenient for a cocktail or two.
What are the hidden gems in Syros to see?
If you’re looking to make the most of your trip to Syros with some unique experiences check out my top recommendations:
Chatzakis Winery: This was by far one of my favorite things we did during our time in Syros. You can call or email the winery to arrange a tasting. We sampled about 5 different local Greek wines here and they were all delicious. You’ll also get a tour of the winery which has stunning views of Syros and the sea.
The Church of Agios Stefanos: One of our favorite hikes here to a beautiful church carved into the cliffside. The hike is moderate and steep but worth the trek. Once you arrive down at the cliffside church you can even ring the bell or if you’re brave enough hop in for a swim.
Ono Beach Club: Ono Beach Club is located about a 20 minute drive from the city of Ermoupolis. You can easily take a taxi there and reserve a daybed ahead of time which includes service. Sit back and relax with your cocktail and enjoy the calm and shallow waters here along with some delicious food.
Where can I buy groceries in Syros?
If you plan on staying for a while in Syros like we did with Boundless Life (a program for families to live abroad with their children) you may be on the hunt for a good grocery store. I recommend checking out the grocery store near the port called ΚΡΗΤΙΚΟΣ. It is a three story grocery store and has everything you need. I also recommend ΑΒ Βασιλόπουλος and there is also a Lidl about a 15 minute walk from the main port of Ermoupolis as well with a good selection of foods and specialty products. There’s also a wonderful market daily with fresh produce right by the main square. Keep in mind that most stores and markets will be closed on Sundays.
Where can I wash clothes in Syros?
If you’re in need of getting some clothes washed, I highly recommend bringing them to Magic Wash Self Service Laundry. If you don’t have change, they have a vending machine outside the laundromat where you can purchase snacks or detergent and break your cash into change to use the machines.
Can I use my credit card in Syros?
Yes, most places will take credit cards but some places may have a minimum amount you need to spend in order to use your credit card. There are plenty of local ATMs near the port to pull money out. Be sure you’re using a credit or debit card without any foreign transaction fees when traveling abroad. We like to use our Capital One 360 Checking Card and Venture X Credit Card to build points and avoid foreign transaction fees.
What’s the best way to get around Syros?
Syros is very walkable if you are staying in Ermoupolis. But you can also catch a cab at the port or call Hermes Taxi to dispatch one to your location at +30 2281 084222. Be sure you’ve downloaded WhatsApp before your trip or have an E-Sim from companies like HolaFly so you can use your phone abroad.
I hope you have found this guide of Syros Greece useful and have a wonderful time on this hidden gem of an island! It’s truly such a magical place and I hope you have the best time exploring its beauty!
This post contains affiliate links, which means I’ll receive a commission if you purchase through my link, at no extra cost to you.
