by Areti Vassou
Syros is the Queen of the Greek Islands! There are 6,000 islands in the Greek Archipelagos, scattered in the Aegean and Ionian Seas, of which only 227 islands are inhabited. It is safe to say that Greece is the top island-lover summer destination!
Most people are familiar with Santorini and Mykonos island but the majestic beauty of Cyclades has one hidden gem that only well-travelled souls can name. The island of Syros.
Most Greek islands have unique coastlines and beaches. Syros has a variety of beaches for all the tastes. Sandy or family destination or trendy and full of tavernas and coffee shops. If you are anything like me then a quiet sandy beach that feels like heaven on earth is probably your top requirement for your summer vacations.
Syros has plenty of sandy quiet beaches, perfect for a family or for people that like to hear the sound of waves. Although you may think that Syros is not a popular tourist destination you will be surprised how difficult it is to find one room during summertime.
When an island is in the center of Cyclades then it’s perfect for island hopping. Flights go daily to and from Athens. It is only 3.5 hours away from Athens and less than an hour away from Mykonos, and Tinos. Is really close to Paros, Naxos, Andros, Santorini and almost all must-visit-summer-destinations-in-Greece!
Discover Syros Island
You can visit and discover Syros through daily transportation. It is connected to all major airports and ship home ports of Greece & Europe. Mainly it is one of the safest travel destinations in Greece. You can leave your car unlocked in the center of the capital city and no one will bother to take anything.
Syros is next to Mykonos and Tinos but it has an aristocratic charm dear to all the visitors mainly from North Europe and the USA. All slow living and hygge movement supporters are drawn by Syros mentality and way of living. Of course, the festivals and the vivid art scene, with the majestic beauty of the 1,300 Neoclassical buildings, and the incredible cuisine makes this island a top must-visit-destination in Greece.
My family has roots in Syros and I have been spending my summers there almost all my life. There is zero criminal activity in Syros. You feel safe without any effort!
Live like the Locals in Syros
The capital city of Syros is Ermoupolis. And Syros is the capital of Cyclades and that’s the reason it’s called the Queen of Cyclades. You can find interesting museums to visit, plenty of art exhibitions and global festivals that attract people from all around the world. Also the historical and unique Apollon Theater will make you feel like you are in Milan Scala, as it is a smaller model of the Teatro alla Scala.
After attending the famous Festival of the Aegean, you will discover that this island can make you think of the possibility to live forever walking its romantic streets. In this island you feel like you are back home. It feels like a warm and friendly nest.
Wear your sneakers and walk up to the hill of Ano Syros, also called the Old Town of Ermoupolis. The view and the sunset are spectacular! Don’t forget to carry your own bottle of chilled water because all this walking under the hot sun can exhaust you.
The buildings have charming shades of pastel, with vivid colors on the shutters. In case you love bougainvillea then you will be surprised how many different shades of this flower exists.
Your walk will end at the top of the hill in front of the doors of St George’s Cathedral. The first time I visited it, I thought that I was somewhere in Italy. Take a moment to admire the breathtaking view… the entire Aegean Sea is calling your name!
Best Beaches in Syros
The most popular beaches in Syros are located on the southern side of the island and accessible by car. Some of them are sandy and others are pebbled, but they all have crystal blue waters. The most organized Syros beaches are Vari, Galissas, Megas Gialos, Kini and Poseidonia, lined up with family hotels, seaside taverns and beach bars. Syros beaches can be accessed by bus from Ermoupolis, the main town of the island. You will find below a list with the best beaches in Syros island.
Galissas – Megas Gialos – Kini – Vari – Foinikas – Delfini – Agathopes – Azolimnos – Ampela – Fabrika
My Favorite Spot in Syros is Vari
Vari bay is located on the south-eastern coast, is the most sheltered beach of Syros, ideal for families with children. Well organized, offering umbrellas, sunbeds and provides the opportunity for water sports.
The nearby village contains a variety of traditional and modern restaurants with fresh fish. A walk around the area is simply only offering the best sunset views. Vari is easily accessible from the Ermoupolis as well as being a focal point for excursions throughout the island of Syros.
Vari beach is only 20 minutes away by car from Ermoupoli. There are wonderful hotels with friendly prices ready to accommodate the visitors all year long. My family prefers Atlantis Syros Hotel for the amazing view and their great services. It is only 5 minutes walking distance away from the beach. The rooms are sparkling clean and the breakfast will make you ask for more. Traditional and homemade goodies for everyone!
Syros Atlantis Hotel in Vari
Syros Atlantis Hotel is located 80 meters away from the famous Vari Beach. The bay of Vari is an organized sandy beach with shallow waters. It offers everything a guest can want such as, a picturesque natural landscape, azure waters, easy access, summer & water sports, sunbeds and umbrellas and traditional Greek taverns. The beach even has thick sand perfectly suitable for aspiring sandcastles architects.
This family hotel has a dedicated concierge team that aims to cater to the guest’s every desire. They pay attention to all the details, cleaning standards and they put health regulations at the top.
During breakfast, you won’t believe how many local products and traditional recipes are available for you to choose from.
The team of Syros Atlantis Hotel wants to remain loyal to their Cycladic traditions and offer their guests a healthy and tasty local breakfast. And they bake it in their oven!
For coffee lovers, this is the place to be! In their serene and sunny garden you will be able to sit and relax while enjoying their specialty coffees, homemade pastry as well as healthy traditional snacks.
In case you want to explore the island then they can recommend you the best routes and activities for you. Go for an unforgettable boat tour, enliven romance with a sunset daily cruise, partake in a series of delicious cooking courses, embark on thrilling hiking and climbing excursions, relax with soothing massages or yoga and celebrate a special day with a private party. You name it and consider it done! They know all the ropes!
How to reach the island of Syros
You can reach Syros by airplane or by fairy connection. There are daily flights to Syros from Athens Airport El.Venizelos.
- Athens Airport, Spata area. Tel: (30) 210 3530000
- Syros Airport. Tel: (30)22810 81900
The maritime connection to Syros is very well organized. There are daily fairy services connecting the port of Syros with the port of Piraeus, Rafina and Thessaloniki.
The duration of the voyage is 4:30 hours with the ferries while with the flying dolphin it is 2:30 hours from the port of Piraeus and 2 hours from the port of Rafina.
More information:
- Piraeus Central Port Authority, tel: (30)210 4226000
- Rafina Port Authority, tel: (30)22940 22300
- Syros Port Authority, tel: (30)22810 88888
- BLUE STAR FERRIES, tel: (30)210 8919800
- G. A. FERRIES,tel: (30)210 4582640
- HELLENIC SEAWAYS: (30)210 4199000
For private aviation or yachts there are plenty of options through Choose Yafy Private Transportation: (+30)6945249898
One last local secret
Visit the traditional taverna Talaras in Mega Gialos and you will taste the real Greek island food. Also try the local cheese San Michali. This unique cheese has a salty taste and it is made with a secret recipe by the Catholic community.
Great post 😁
Thank you!