When you picture the perfect Greek island beach, chances are you imagine golden sand, calm turquoise water, and a laid-back taverna just a few steps away. That’s exactly what you’ll find at Azolimnos Beach, one of the most popular and family-friendly beaches on Syros.
One of the reasons the beach is so popular (besides the fact that it is gorgeous) is that it is the closest beach to Ermoupoli, the island’s capital. In Ermoupoli, you can find Asteria Beach, which is absolutely beautiful, but mainly a platform and not a beach in the true sense of the word.
Being only a short drive (10 minutes) from Ermoupoli, Azolimnos became one of our favorite go-to spots during our time in Syros, whether for a quick dip after work or a long, slow Sunday by the sea.
Although many tourists go to the better-known and larger beaches of Galissas or Kini, which are absolutely worth visiting, I can highly recommend that you come to Azolimnos as well.
In this complete guide, I’ll share everything you need to know about Azolimnos Beach: how to get there, what to expect, the best restaurants, and why it’s worth a visit.
How to get to Azolimnos Beach?
Azolimnos is located on the southeastern coast of Syros, just 5 km from Ermoupoli. It’s one of the closest beaches to the capital, making it incredibly convenient for anyone staying in town. In other words, close enough that you’ll have no excuse not to visit, even if your plan for the day was “do nothing.”
You can get to Azolimnos Beach by:
- Car: If you have rented a car, it will take you around 10 minutes to reach Azolimnos from Ermoupoli. There is parking available near the beach (although it can get busy in summer, so come early enough).
- Bus: Regular buses connect Ermoupoli with Azolimnos, especially in summer (check the bus timetable here). There are two lines, one going clockwise, the other one going counterclockwise. Make sure you take the right bus, which goes from Ermoupoli straight to Azolimnos (only 15 minutes). If you take the wrong one, it will take you past all the other beaches first, before you end up at Azolimnos, an hour later. To take the bus back, just wait at the bus stop sign.
- Taxi: Just like anywhere in Syros, you can easily get to Azolimnos Beach by taxi. Taxis usually wait around Miaouli Square or by the port. Or you can also call Syros Taxis or Hermes Taxis.
- Walking or cycling: If you’re feeling active, you can hike or cycle to Azolimnos Beach. You can follow the main road, but it is nicer to follow the smaller road along the water. Be aware that there is not a lot of shade, so it might get hot in summer.
Read more: How to get to Syros Island in Greece
Best time to visit Azolimnos Beach
The best time to visit Azolimnos Beach really depends on what kind of traveler you are. If you’re after warm seas, long swims, and that classic Greek summer vibe, then July and August are your months, but be ready for a livelier crowd and buzzing tavernas.
For those who prefer a quieter, more relaxed atmosphere, June and September are ideal: the water is still wonderfully warm, but the beach feels more spacious, and you won’t have to race anyone for a sunbed.
If you’re not too fussed about swimming, May and October can also be magical, with mild weather perfect for walks, seafood lunches by the shore, and enjoying Azolimnos without the summer rush.
During the winter months, you can still come to Azolimnos to enjoy the beach, but bring everything you need yourself as there are no sunbeds or umbrellas, and even most tavernas close.
Read more: Best time to visit Syros
What to expect at Azolimnos Beach
Think crescent-shaped bay, golden sand, and shallow turquoise water. Add a few tavernas, sunbeds with umbrellas, plus the hum of Greek conversations in the background, and you’ve got Azolimnos.
Things you need to know about Azolimnos Beach:
- Shallow, calm waters: Great for families with kids and less confident swimmers. Our daughters loved to float around while we were relaxing on the beach.
- Deeper waters around the piers: The fun thing about Azolimnos Beach is that, although shallow in the beginning (great for small children), it gets deeper further on, which allows you to jump in the water from the piers. Needless to say, that was a hit with our children.
- Amenities: Sunbeds and umbrellas are available, usually linked to the nearby tavernas and cafés. However, there are also a few free umbrellas provided by the municipality. You can also find a couple of showers to wash off the salt after your dip in the Aegean, changing booths, and toilets.
- Free space and shade: If you prefer to spread out your own towel the old-fashioned way, there are sections where you can sit without renting a bed. And the best part is that there are quite a lot of tamarisk trees along the beach, providing some very welcome shade. Or you could sit under the free umbrellas.
- Beachfront vibe: You’ll find tavernas, cafés, a tiny supermarket, and small hotels lining the coast, so everything you need is just a few steps away.
It’s a social beach, but it doesn’t feel overcrowded (except perhaps in peak August). There’s always a relaxed, holiday-like energy.
Read more: What to pack for the Cyclades
TIP: Azolimnos is a fantastic beach, most of the time, unless there are strong northern or north-eastern winds blowing. Especially in summer, when the northern Meltemi winds are blowing, you might want to pick a different beach, such as Vari or Achladi Beach.
Things to do around Azolimnos Beach
While most people come here to swim and sunbathe, Azolimnos has a few extras worth mentioning:
- Snorkeling: The clear water and rocky areas at the edges of the bay are great for snorkeling and spotting small fish.
- Water sports: Occasionally, you’ll find options for paddleboarding or kayaking in the summer.
- Walk to the chapel: Above Azolimnos, there is a small chapel you can walk to (only a 10-minute walk), following the road north, along the water.
- Enjoy a drink or meal: You can’t come to the beach without enjoying some delicious food or drinks. Multiple restaurants line up along the beach, from local tavernas to more fancy beach clubs. Below we list our favorite ones.
- Day trips: If you are staying at Azolimnos, it is a great base to explore nearby beaches like Vari, Megas Gialos, or even go further south to Possidonia, either by car, bus, or taxi.
Where to eat in Azolimnos
One of the best things to do at Azolimnos is to have a delicious meal or drink. And you don’t have to leave the beach to find it. The waterfront is lined with some traditional tavernas, seafood restaurants, and beach clubs.
Here are our favorite restaurants and beach bars at Azolimnos Beach:
- MerSeana: One of the best, more up-level restaurants in Azolimnos. They serve delicious food (definitely try the homemade burger) with a smile. Be sure to book your table in high season, especially if you want to overlook the sea.
- Kahuna: Definitely the best beach bar in Azolimnos Beach. Come here to spend the afternoon in the comfy lounges, have a cocktail in style, or try the absolutely delicious food (which can compete with the best restaurants on the island).
- O Kontos stou Rafogianni: A cozy taverna right by the beach, known for delicious traditional Greek food at affordable prices. We can highly recommend a visit here!
- Azo Blue: Another beach bar at the northern part of the beach, where they offer sunbeds and umbrellas, overlooking Azolimnos Beach. They offer food, but the coffee is especially very good here.
Read more: Best restaurants in Syros
TIP: Most restaurants close during the winter months, so make sure to bring your own food and drinks if you are visiting Azolimnos Beach.
Where to stay near Azolimnos
If you’d like to stay right by the beach, Azolimnos has a mix of small hotels, guesthouses, and apartments. It’s quieter than Ermoupoli but still well-connected, making it a good choice for families or anyone wanting a beach holiday with easy access to the capital.
Some of our favorite accommodations in Azolimnos include:
- Kois Studios: If you are looking for the perfect stay, this is it! Only a few steps away from the beach, you get beautiful rooms and the most genuine welcome by the friendly host.
- Dias Studios: These nice small studios are a great value for money, especially considering the location right by the beach and restaurants.
- Villa Cycladic View Syros: If you want to go for the ultimate, luxurious stay for your family or group, then you have to come to this fabulous villa with a private pool overlooking the Aegean Sea.
Read more: Where to stay in Syros
Is Azolimnos Beach good for families?
Absolutely! In fact, Azolimnos is one of the most family-friendly beaches on Syros. The shallow water, soft sand, shade, easy facilities, and being close to Ermoupoli make it a stress-free place to spend the day with kids.
Our girls loved the fact that they could both play and float in the shallow waters or jump from the piers. And we loved that the tavernas were right there when it was time for a lunch break.
Our final thoughts on Azolimnos Beach
Azolimnos Beach may not be the most dramatic or large beach on Syros, but that’s exactly its charm. It’s easy, welcoming, and full of life. A beach where locals and travelers mingle, children play safely, and fresh seafood is never more than a few steps away.
If you’re staying in Ermoupoli, Azolimnos is the perfect spot for a beach day without the hassle of longer drives (although everything is pretty close on the island). And if you’re traveling as a family, it’s one of the most convenient and enjoyable places to spend time on the island.
We love to come to Azolimnos when we are visiting Syros, and we are sure you will too!