Syros Island is at the heart of the Cycladic group which includes its famous sisters Santorini, Mykonos, Naxos and Paros. Yet tourism has never been a focus for Syros. It’s capital, Ermoupoli, is the legal and bureaucratic centre of several island groups. Without the financial imperative of tourism, the island is geared towards benefiting locals and visiting Athenians. Syros then is a perfect choice for visitors who prefer natural, unspoilt beauty, well managed clean beaches, pure water and peaceful sunbathing. It helps that prices are considerably lower than brand name islands like Mykonos and Santorini.
- GallisasOne of the few beaches organized for summer visitors, with great family amenities. Natural tree shade, sunbeds and fancy loungers. A safe nude beach for families is a short climb over the hill to a tiny private beach. It’s a respectful beach, a left over from the hippie sixties.
Food is easy to find in Gallisas: the excellent ‘Sunsets’, a quality taverna ‘Savvas’ and a marvellous childrens shaded play area at the ‘Green Dollar’. The beach is sandy, shallow and perfect for children. - FinikasThe second natural harbour after Ermoupoli, with a lovely marina visited by equally lovely yachts in summer. Several excellent tavernas, a bakery, quality provisions store, car and bike hire. The beach is sandy, flat entry. The tavernas and services stay open all year making this area perfect for visiting all year round.
- KiniSmall beautiful bay, pebble beach and two excellent restaurants on the waterfront. The ‘Perla’ a day tripper boat operates from the harbour and a thirty minute walk around the coast takes you to Delphini, a long, sometimes deserted beach with good swimming.
- PoseidoniaThe second oldest settlement on the island, with many gracious neo-classical mansions, sitting above a necklace of beaches starting with:
- Bulgaria – five minutes walk to the Good Life, sandy/pebble mix, and wind protected. This bay hosts the Diving School, wind surfing, boarding hire etc
- Fetouri – keep walking down the coast from Bulgaria to this tiny sandy beach with umbrellas and loungers
- Agathopes – the closest in style to Mykonos with restaurants, coffee shops, fancy beach lounging and sandy beaches
- Comitos – a sandy beach, last stop before natural bushland takes over. A secluded, quiet beach.
- AmbelaOne of two amazing destination beaches for swimming/lunch sessions. Lots of parking, sandy beach, shade and umbrellas and a reliably good taverna overlooking the beach.
- AchladiThe second destination lunch and swim beach. Excellent food, clear water for scuba diving and a circular bay. Greek island relaxing at its best.
NOTE. There is one month when you can expect tourism in Syros, that is August. Most of the year, these beaches are very accessible.
