What to do
Beyond the postcard-perfect views, you'll find seaside villages, hidden coves, winding alleys, local flavours, and some of our favourite spots to spend a lazy summer day. Whether you're here for a long weekend or a full holiday, these are our favourite places and experiences that are worth adding to your itinerary.
Sun, Sea & Salt
Galissas beach — One of the largest and most popular sandy beaches on Syros. Whether you're looking for beach bars or a quiet spot under the trees, there's something for everyone.
Kini beach — Our favorite seaside village on the island. Perfect for an all day outing, with beautiful waters, beach bars, seafood taverns, and some of the most stunning sunsets in Syros.
Delfini beach — One of the island's most beautiful beaches, with crystal-clear waters and rugged Cycladic scenery. It can get quite windy, but it's well worth the visit. If you like hiking, there's a 3 km trail from Kini.
Komito beach — A small organised beach, popular among watersports enthusiasts!
Asteria & Vaporia beach, Ermoupoli — Our every day go-to! Locals consider these the best waters on the island, right in the heart of town. Two swimming platforms sit on the rocks overlooking Vaporia and the Aegean Sea. There's also a beach club with sunbeds and a bar. The sunbeds come at a premium, but you can always enjoy the view with a coffee or a drink from one of the tables.
Strolling Around Ermoupoli
Apollon Theater — A miniature version of Milan's La Scala and one of the island's most iconic landmarks. If you're lucky enough to catch a performance or concert, it's even more special.
Chiou Market Street — The heart of everyday life in Ermoupoli. Wander among small shops, local products, and long-established family businesses. Don't miss a stop at Prekas Grocery Store for pastelaries (sun-dried figs stuffed with almonds) and other local delicacies.
Vaporia neighbourhood — The most photographed neighborhood on Syros. Elegant 19th-century mansions perched above the sea, narrow alleyways, and breathtaking views of the Aegean. Best enjoyed early in the morning or just before sunset.
The flavours of Syros — Meat lovers should definitely try louza (cured pork marinated in wine and spices) and the island's famous fennel-and-garlic sausages. Cheese enthusiasts shouldn't miss San Michalis, Syros' signature aged cheese, as well as the spicy local kopanisti.
Miaouli square & Ermoupoli Town Hall — The grandest square in the Cyclades, framed by palm trees and the impressive Town Hall designed by the renowned architect Ernst Ziller.
Ano Syros — The island's medieval settlement. Lose yourself in its winding alleyways, visit the Markos Vamvakaris Museum, and climb up to Saint George's Cathedral for the best panoramic views of Syros.
Loukoumia & Halvadopita — Syros' most famous sweets. Around the port you'll find countless variations, each with its own character. Some are delicate and subtly flavoured with mastic, like Kanakaris'; others are packed with almonds, like Korres'; light and airy like Denaxas'; chewy like Leivadaras'; or denser and more substantial, like the halvadopita made by Sykoutris. It's worth sampling a few different producers to find your favourite.
Desperate Design Lab — One of Ermoupoli's most unique concept stores. Discover handmade jewellery by our friend Zefi, handcrafted bags by Irini, and carefully selected Greek fashion brands such as Nidodileda, Mallory the Label, and Milkwhite.
Xylo Eyewear — Handmade wooden sunglasses designed and crafted in Syros. A great choice for those who appreciate distinctive design, sustainability, and beautifully made objects with a story behind them.
Day Trips & Experiences
Hatzakis Winery, San Michalis — Taste Cycladic wines while enjoying one of the most spectacular views on the island. At sunset, you can see almost all of the Western Cyclades and, on especially clear days, even the southern coast of Evia.
Makryonitis Syros Distillery, Vari — Tour the distillery and sample locally produced spirits. A great stop for anyone interested in tsipouro, craft distilling, and small-batch production.
Remote Beaches & Saint Stephen's Chapel — Whether by boat or via Syros' hiking trails, it's worth exploring the island's wilder side: Lia, Marmari, Amerikanou, Grammata, but, particularly, the tiny chapel of Saint Stephen perched dramatically on the rocks.
Gyaros Island — Perhaps the most historically significant island in the Cyclades. A boat trip around Gyaros combines dramatic landscapes, fascinating history, and a glimpse into a place that served as a place of exile for decades.
