A complete guide to the most popular and hidden beaches in Syros
If you are looking for the best beaches on Syros, one of the beautiful Cycladic islands in Greece, you have come to the right place. There are many fun things to do in Syros but one of the experiences you can definitely not miss is visiting some of its beaches.
What the best beach in Syros is for you, however, will depend on what you are looking for. Whether you want some relaxing family time on the beach, an active day of water sports and hiking, a romantic sunset, or a delicious drink and meal at one of the beach bars and restaurants, the island’s coastline has something for everyone.
Some of the best beaches in Syros include Galissas, Kini, and Vari, but there are many more to be discovered. A couple of Syros beaches are easily accessible from the main town, Ermoupoli. For others, you need a car or taxi. But a lot of them aren’t even reachable by car, meaning you can only hike there or take a boat.
Depending on the season you visit Syros, your experience will be different as well. In summer, the beaches are very crowded, in winter they are empty but equally as beautiful!
Let’s dive into the most popular beaches in Syros but also some less crowded and hidden beaches, and other things you need to know to plan the perfect beach day, such as how to get there.
All of the following Syros beaches are well-known in Syros and attract lots of locals and tourists, especially in the high season (from May – September). During these months, you can find all kinds of amenities here, such as tavernas, bars, umbrellas (free and paying), sunbeds, showers, etc.
In the low season, finding places that are still open can be harder. If you want to have a drink or meal then, it’s better to bring a picnic.
TIP: The water at most beaches in Syros, is very calm. However, always be mindful of strong currents if you swim deeper into the sea (ask locals whether it is safe). Also, make sure you have enough sun protection, especially during the high season.
Asteria Beach
This picturesque spot lies in the center of Ermoupoli, the capital of Syros, and offers a great escape from city life if you want to enjoy the Aegean Sea. Don’t picture a sandy beach, as it is mainly a concrete platform, a walkway, and a small pebble beach.
But it is a fantastic place to enjoy the crystal-clear waters and scenic surroundings. You need to walk down quite a few stairs to reach Asteria Beach. You can come here to relax, do some yoga, swim, do some sunbathing, etc. During summer, you can also have a drink, meal, or sunbed at Ciel Beach Bar.
Galissas Beach is a popular destination, especially among families. It is one of the longest beaches on Syros, and its sandy shores make it ideal for a relaxing day by the ocean. Galissas Beach usually has calm waters that are perfect for swimming, even for small kids because it’s so shallow.
During the high season, lots of local taverns and cafes provide food and refreshments. Yamma is one of our favorite restaurants here. There’s even a small supermarket. During this time, you can also rent sunbeds and umbrellas. The beach is also accessible for those with mobility issues.
TIP: Next to Galissas Beach lies the small Chapel of Santa Paku. The walk to the chapel is worth it for the view alone. If you want, you can continue your walk to Armeos Beach.
Kini Beach
Kini Beach, in the picturesque seaside town of Kini, is considered to be one of the best beaches on Syros because of its beautiful golden sand beach and clear blue waters, making it perfect for swimming and sunbathing. But Kini is also known for its fantastic sunsets!
Although Kini Beach lies on the other side of the island, it is only 20 min to get here from Ermoupoli. During high season, the area is lively, with local shops and restaurants offering fresh seafood and traditional Greek dishes. But even during winter, some places are open, such as Marino’s place.
Finikas Beach
Finikas Beach is the only beach in Syros (except for Ermoupoli) that has a small harbor, making it a hub for water sports (such as windsurfing) and sailing competitions. But besides that, its sandy beach makes it also inviting for people who want to spend a lovely day at the beach.
Finikas is one of the villages on the island that is lively all year round. During summer, there are many local taverns open that offer freshly caught fish and other delicacies. But even during winter, you can find a supermarket and some local restaurants that remain open.
Agathopes Beach
Agathopes Beach is one of the beaches in Syros that is popular both with youngsters and families. The shallow waters and clear blue waters make it perfect for swimming, even for small kids. Even on windy days, the water is usually still very calm.
But Agathopes Beach is also known for its two beach bars, Ono and Calma. So if you are looking for lively beach vibes with music, this is your place to be. The beach bars make it quite busy and loud here. During winter, it gets very peaceful.
Megas Gialos Beach
Megas Gialos Beach also has a long stretch of sand. The clear waters are safe for swimming, making it family-friendly. There are some local taverns and shops (only open during high season).
But one of the things that makes Megas Gialos Beach most recognizable, is the lovely church, with typical Cycladic white walls and a blue dome.
Vari Beach
Vari Beach is a small beach, sheltered from the wind by the rocks around the bay it lies in. It is a prime choice for families seeking a relaxing day by the sea. The beach features a calm, shallow shoreline, perfect for younger children to play safely.
Nearby tavernas provide delicious meals, allowing families to easily grab lunch or snacks without having to wander too far.
TIP: If you love beach volleyball, this is the place to be. All summer long, there is a beach volleyball court at Vari Beach.
Azolimnos Beach
Azolimnos Beach is the best sandy beach in Syros close to Ermoupoli. It only takes a 15-minute drive to get here. It boasts a beautiful sandy coastline, ideal for beach lovers and families.
The beach offers shallow waters and some trees for shade, making it perfect for children to play. The kids can build sandcastles and enjoy family fun in the sun.
Local tavernas provide a range of food options (mainly in high season), catering to both adults and kids.
TIP: One of the downsides of Azolimnos Beach is the wind. It is better to choose another beach on a very windy day.
Less-crowded Syros Beaches
If you are up for a beach day in Syros but want a less-crowded experience, Syros also has a few beaches that are still reachable by car or scooter but are less frequently visited than the popular beaches we discussed above. Here are a few of our favorites:
Delfini Beach: although close to Kini Beach, fewer people visit Delphini Beach. You can get here by car (but it’s bumpy) or walk from Kini Beach. In summer there is a small beach bar.
Komito Beach: a smaller beach, close to Agathopes Beach, where you can find many water sports (snorkeling, diving, jet skiing, rides, etc.) and a bar in summer.
Lotos Beach: only 5 minutes walking from Kini Town, you can find this lovely, quiet beach perfect for swimming and a relaxing day.
Voulgari Beach: this quiet beach is located below Finikas and gives a beautiful view towards the village. There are no amenities here (except some free umbrellas in summer).
Achladi Beach: on the other side of Vari Beach, you can find Achladi Beach. It has crystal blue waters, a free parking lot and you can even find a small beach bar here in summer.
Fabrika Beach: this small beach has no shops, bars, or amenities, but is reachable by car or by foot (one kilometer from Vari Beach). The perfect place to relax.
Santorinii Beach: follow a small road from Fabrika Beach to get to this lovely secluded beach. There are no amenities here, so bring your own food and drinks.
Ampela Beach: a lovely small beach (walking distance from Megas Gialos) with soft sand and crystal-blue waters. It is often less windy here. In summer, there’s even a small tavern open by the beach.
Hidden beaches on Syros (only reachable by foot or boat)
Want to go off the beaten track? Then you might want to go to some of the beaches in Syros that are only reachable by foot or by boat. You usually can’t find any amenities on these beaches, so make sure to bring your own food, drinks, blanket, chairs, or shade to enjoy a lovely beach day.
Some of them are still a bit crowded in summer due to the many boats or proximity on foot to a more popular beach, but they are remote and deserted the rest of the year.
TIP: Make sure you bring good walking shoes for some of the hikes, as they go over rocky steep paths. Don’t do them with flip-flops. You also might want to consider water shoes for the pebble and rocky beaches.
Armeos Beach: accessing Armeos Beach requires a short hike down a rocky path leaving from Galissas Beach, which deters larger crowds. The surrounding landscape features rugged cliffs, good for snorkeling. The beach is also known for nudism and often people are camping here.
Aetos Beach: a hidden beach in the northern part of Syros, known for its crystal-clear waters. You can get here by boat or hiking from Delfini Beach (over Varvarousa Beach) or Papouri village.
Varvarousa Beach: one of our favorite hidden beaches in Syros, only a 30 to 45-minute walk from Delfini Beach over a rocky (sometimes steep) path with beautiful views.
Kokkina Beach: you can drive to the beach from Finikas, but to actually access it, you need to go over a rocky path. It’s a great place for snorkeling.
Americanou Beach: another one of our favorite Syros beaches. Although most people get here by boat during the high season, we also enjoyed hiking here from Kampos village a lot. You can also camp on the beach (bring your own gear).
Grammata Beach: close to Americanou Beach (follow the coastal path over the rocks), you can also find this small beach.
Marmari Beach: another northern beach in Syros, also a 45-minute walk from Kampos village. During summer, you can also take a taxi boat.
Lia Beach: this beautiful, mostly sandy, secluded beach is a 1-hour walk from Kampos. A great place to enjoy the scenery and have a relaxing day without the crowds.
TIP: Whichever beach on Syros you go to, make sure you leave no trace. Carry out all trash. Waste can harm marine life and spoil the beach.
How to get to the beaches on Syros?
Getting to the beaches in Syros and traveling around the island is straightforward. As mentioned before, all of the popular beaches are reachable by public transport. For the more remote ones, you will need to rent a car, charter a boat, or hike there.
Public transportation on Syros
Syros has a well-organized and very affordable public bus service that connects the main town Ermoupoli with various other towns and beaches. The KTEL bus line operates regular schedules, making stops at popular beaches like Galissas, Kini, Vari, and Posidonia.
Buses run at frequent intervals, especially during the summer season. During winter, there are usually only one or two buses running daily. You can find the most recent bus timetables here. You can purchase your tickets at kiosks or on the bus.
Car rentals, motorbikes and taxis
Renting a car (or motorbike) is a popular choice for those looking to explore the Syros beaches. Several local rental agencies offer a variety of vehicles, making it easy to find one that suits your needs.
Things to know:
Most rental shops are located in Ermoupoli near the port. Other rental companies will also deliver your vehicle to your accommodation in Ermoupoli.
It’s advisable to book in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons.
You should note that roads can be narrow and steep in some areas (especially up north).
Taxis are also available and can be hailed or booked in advance. Go to Miaouli Square or the port in Ermoupoli to find a taxi. Hermes Taxi (+30 2281 084222) and Syros Taxi (+30 22810 88222) are the two biggest companies driving around Syros.
If you only have one, two, or three days in Syros, we would advise you to stay in Ermoupoli for your Syros trip. However, if you have more time, also try to stay near one of the Syros beaches, especially in the high season.
Here are a couple of our favorite beach accommodations on Syros:
Pino di Loto Boutique Bed & Breakfast (Kini Beach): whether it’s the beautiful location, the pool, the incredible rooms, or the lovely owners, you will have a fantastic stay here!
Anassa Cycladic Village (Galissas Beach): a very peaceful place (with olive trees), perfect for families, with a calm pool area and cafe/restaurant, a playground, and comfortable cabins and tents.
Oro Suites (Kini Beach): a family-run business with beautifully styled, comfortable rooms, a delicious breakfast, and a small pool overlooking the sea.
Villa Maria Fabrika (Fabrika Beach): only a short walk from Vari Beach, this very spacious villa lies next to Fabrika Beach. It has various seating areas inside and outside and a breathtaking view of the ocean.
Hopefully, this article about the best beaches in Syros has helped you to find the perfect beach(es) for your trip to Syros. Let us know your experiences in the comments and happy Syros travels!
