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Looking to visit Syros on while island-hopping around Greece? Known as the capital of the Cyclades, Syros is the perfect place to explore when you want to go off the beaten track and experience a quieter, yet still ridiculously beautiful Greek island. Here’s your guide on how to get there, the best time to visit, top things to do on Syros, where to eat (especially if you’re vegan!) and more.

Must-Have Travel Guide to Syros, Greece | The Wanderful Me

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After visiting ten Greek islands — Syros, Corfu, Paros, Aegina, Naxos, Mykonos, Santorini, Skiathos, Skolepos and Crete — I can confidently say that Syros is by far one of my favorites!

With a more laidback atmosphere and far less tourists compared to islands like Mykonos and Santorini, as well as more affordable restaurants, a ton of cultural activities, a super colorful capital city and awesome things to do, Syros is a must if you’re island hopping around the Cyclades.

Syros is the capital of the Cyclades, which is a group of about 220 islands in the Aegean Sea known for their stunning beaches, dramatic landscapes (hello, Milos and Santorini!), ancient historical sites, white-washed villages and captivating Greek culture.

Unlike Mykonos and Paros, however, which are filled with picturesque white-washed villages, Syros — more specifically its capital, Ermoupoli — is ridiculously colorful.

While I, myself, have flocked to those islands to see the traditional blue-and-white stucco towns that dot the coastline, I adore Ermoupoli’s vibrant cityscape that features buildings in varying shades of yellow, pink, orange, red, blue and white.

This was really refreshing after exploring the islands of Paros, Naxos and Mykonos, which tend to have that more quintessential blue-and-white theme found in parts of Greece!

Anyways, if you’re seeking a more relaxed island that’s free of hefty tourist crowds but still has a lot of great things to do, definitely check out Syros. I like to think of it as the hidden gem of the Aegean, as it doesn’t draw nearly as many visitors as neighboring islands!

Psst, when planning you Greece trip, make sure you check out my blog on 25 important things to know before traveling to Greece!

A Must-Have Travel Guide to Syros, Greece

To help you get started on planning your trip to Syros, here’s my handy dandy guide on how to get there, where to stay in Syros, how to get around, the best things to do, when you should visit Syros, how to visit on a budget and more.

How to Get to Syros

Getting to Syros from either Athens or nearby islands is super easy! Personally, I traveled to Syros via ferry from Naxos, which took around 1.5 hours on the fastest ferry.

If you’re traveling to Syros, you can get to this island via direct ferry from popular Greek destinations like:

  • Athens (Pireaus port)
  • Mykonos
  • Paros
  • Milos
  • Santorini

As well as less popular islands such as Tinos, Sifnos, Serifos and Andros. Note that many of these direct routes only go on certain days, so make sure to adjust your itinerary accordingly.

When booking ferries in Greece, I like to use Ferryhopper. Their site is super easy to navigate and you get your e-ticket either directly in the app or as an email. I also find that Ferryhopper generally has the best prices!

If you’re short on time, Syros also has a small, local airport (Syros Airport Dimitrios Vikelas). SKY Express flies direct from Athens to Syros four times per week on Sundays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays. I always use Skyscanner to book flights.

That said, I highly recommend choosing the ferry over a flight. Not only is it more sustainable, you will also get far better views and have a more local experience.

If you’re starting your trip off in Athens, Greece, don’t miss out on reading my blogs on 13 awesome things to do in Athens, 5 ridiculously fun things to do in Athens and exploring the many ancient ruins of Athens!

Where to Stay in Syros

I recommend staying in Ermoupoli, the main town on the Greek island of Syros. Ermoupoli is where the main port is located and there are a wide range of accommodation to choose from, from affordable local hotels to more luxurious stays.

Plus, the town is super walkable and you’ll find countless restaurants and cafes to try. There’s even a nice free city beach to relax and swim at (Vaporia Beach)!

Here are some of my accommodation recommendations:

How to Get Around Syros

If you want to explore the island, you have a several transportation options.

  • Public Bus — This is by far the most affordable option, with one-way tickets costing between 1.60 EUR-1.70 EUR. The buses, referred to as KTEL, operate all over the island, going from Ermoupoli to popular destinations like Azolimnos and Kini. That said, they run on a very limited schedule. Check out the public bus details here.
  • Scooter or Car Rental — This option makes the most sense if you are comfortable driving and want more freedom to explore. Scooter rentals range from $10-20 per day and car rentals range from $30-40 per day. Alternatively, you also have the option of renting an ATV — like a four-wheeler — if you can’t drive a scooter or car.
  • Private Taxi — Definitely the most expensive option but available if you need to get somewhere and are unable to take the bus or rent a scooter/car.

Personally, a scooter makes the most sense to me, as they are easy to operate and you can go wherever you’d like around Syros!

Best Things to Do on Syros Island

Though Syros may be small, there are so many great things to do around the island! Whether you’re into walking around cute towns and villages, eating your way across the island, hiking to cool viewpoints, exploring historical sites or simply soaking up the sun on one of its many beaches, there is something for everyone on Syros.

Explore Ermoupoli’s Neoclassical Charm

Wander the marble-paved, narrow streets of Ermoupoli, the island’s capital, known for its stunning neoclassical architecture, colorful mansions, colorful harbor, numerous local restaurants and lively town square, Miaouli Square.

Don’t miss admiring the Town Hall of Ermoupolis. I recommend grabbing a pastry from a local bakery and sitting in Miaouli Square, watching the world go by!

Relax at Galissas Beach

This sandy beach on the east side of Syros is perfect for swimming, sunbathing and enjoying a laid-back day by the sea. With calm waters and nearby tavernas (aka local Greek restaurants), it’s a family-friendly spot where you can unwind and soak up the Greek sun.

Though there are some restaurants nearby, I do recommend bringing you own water bottle and snacks to stay hydrated and well-fed!

(Psst, if you prefer a more… open and unrestricted beach — aka a nudist beach — definitely check out Paralia Armeos! This beach is just down the road from Galissas Beach.)

Climb to Ano Syros

A very popular thing to do in Syros, Ano Syros is a medieval hilltop village offering panoramic views of the Aegean Sea. Its maze-like alleys, traditional whitewashed homes and the iconic Church of St. George make for a wonderful experience.

Visit Agios Nikolaos Church

This grand, blue-domed, Greek Orthodoc church near the harbor is an architectural masterpiece. Step inside to admire its stunning interior and take in the views from the nearby Vaporia district, often called the “Little Venice” of Syros.

Top tip: when checking out Agios Nikolaos Church, don’t miss out on walking to Vaporia Beach! This is a very pretty city “beach” that offers gorgeous views of Syros’s colorful coast.

Taste Local Flavors

Syros is such an underrated gem for really delicious and affordable Greek restaurants! Taste Syros’ famous loukoumi (aka Greek delight — similar to Turkish delight) and halvadopita (nougat pie) from a local sweets store.

For a more savory bite, try freshly caught seafood at a seaside taverna while watching the sunset. You can find so many great seafood restaurants lining Syros’ harbor.

As a vegan, I ate at the following Syros restaurants:

  • Το Μικράκι — delicious fava dip, stuffed zucchini flowers and tomato salad
  • To Petrino — more delicious fava dip and stuffed peppers and tomatos
  • The Corner Cafe — great coffee, fresh juices and fabulous New York-style bagels
  • Epta — good for breakfast (I had coffee and the avocado toast without egg)

Go on a Day Trip to Kini

This charming fishing village is the perfect getaway for a quiet beach day. Watch the fishing boats come in while sipping a coffee at a cozy seaside cafe or eating a delicious Greek salad at a traditional taverna. And don’t miss Kini’s famous Mermaid Monument!

Enjoy a Sunset at Delfini Beach

A bit off the beaten path, Delfini Beach is ideal for watching an unforgettable sunset. Its peaceful setting and crystal-clear waters create the perfect place to end a fantastic day on the Greek island of Syros.

Hike to Capuchin Monastery

If you’re into history and incredible views, don’t miss out on hiking to Capuchin Monastery, a historic attraction near Ano Syros. It’s serene environment surrounded by nature and breathtaking scenery is not to be missed!

Syros Travel FAQs

What is the best time of year to visit Syros island?

My favorite time of year to visit the Aegean Islands is definitely late May, beginning of June, late September or early October.

Crowds are minimal and the weather is still warm enough to swim and sun bathe but not too hot in that you’ll overheat while walking around mid-day.

The cost of traveling Syros this time of the year is also much cheaper compared to peak season.

Is Syros expensive?

Compared to other Greek islands, definitely not! I would say Syros lands low- to mid-range on the cost scale, but this really depends on what time of year you visit and what kind of traveler you are.

As mentioned above, hotels can be quite affordable. This is especially true if you choose a local hotel and visit outside of high season, which is end of June through August, with peak season in July and August.

Regarding other daily expenses, you can expect to spend the following on food, transportation and sightseeing.

  • Food — Enjoy local tavernas and gyros shops for affordable Greek food. Expect to spend around $25-40 per day on food. I spent around $25 per day, eating a small breakfast and lunch and a larger dinner (usually with a local Syros beer). Note that I’m vegan, so expect seafood and meat dishes to be more expensive.
  • Transportation — Utilizing the KTEL public bus is by far the cheapest mode of transportation at just ~$2 one-way. Scooters and car rentals are around $10-40 per day.
  • Sightseeing — Many attractions on Syros island are either free or low cost, which means you can expect to spend very little while sightseeing!

Plan for most of your budget to go towards accommodation and food when visiting Syros island! As well as transportation if you’re planning to rent a scooter or car.

How much are hotels on Syros island?

Fret not, you’ll find that accommodation on Syros, like hotels, BnBs and small apartments, are very affordable, especially when comparing them to other, more expensive Cyclades islands like Mykonos and Santorini.

Accommodation costs on Syros vary based on several factors such as hotel star rating, location and season. Here’s a general guide of what you can expect to pay while staying on Syros:

  • 1-Star Hotels: $50-70 per night
  • 2-Star Hotels: $70-90 per night
  • 3-Star Hotels: $90-115 per night
  • 4-Star Hotels: $115+ per night

Personally, I visited Syros mid-October and paid €100 ($104 USD) for three nights in a small hotel room in central Ermoupoli (Habit hotel). My friend and I split the cost so it was only €17 per person per night! Pretty good deal.

Can you visit Syros on a budget?

If you’re wanting to visit Syros on a budget, or just Greece in general, my biggest tip is to visit during shoulder season! I’m not kidding when I say you’ll save hundreds. Accommodation, specifically, increases significantly during peak season (June-August).

As mentioned above, my favorite time to visit Greece is May, the beginning of June, end of September and beginning of October. This is “shoulder season” and when you’ll find much better prices for accommodation and even scooter/car rentals.

Some of my other budget travel tips are:

  • Only eat dinner in a sit-down restaurant. For breakfast, grab some food from a grocery store or a light pastry from a local shop and for lunch, grab a cheap gyro. This will help you save a ton of money on food.
  • Engage in free or low-cost activities, such as visiting beaches or exploring villages.
  • Book ferries and cars in advance, as this may help you secure better prices.

Sites I use include Ferryhopper for ferries, Booking.com for accommodation and DiscoverCars for rental cars.

Is Syros a party island?

Definitely not. I’d say Syros is pretty quiet. If you visit, expect relaxing beaches, minimal bars and clubs, and laid-back tavernas and cafes. Though there are a few clubs and bars, it’s not crazy partying like you’ll find on Mykonos or Ios.

Is Syros worth visiting?

YES! A thousand times yes. Its colorful capital, incredible affordability, ease of getting around, plethora of delicious restaurants, historical sites and beautiful beaches are all definitely worth exploring.

Plus, it’s great affordability makes it a particularly awesome choice for budget travelers who want to have a real and authentic Greece experience.

I hope this travel guide helps you plan the best trip to Syros island in Greece! Without a doubt, this is one of my favorite Greek islands and I sincerely hope you love it as much as I do (if you visit, of course).

Have questions about visiting Syros? Stick ’em in the comment section below and I’ll answer them as quickly as I can!

Sophie xx

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