Best day trips from Syros

Explore the Cycladic Islands and Aegean Sea from Syros

Syros, the capital of the Cycladic islands and situated in the heart of the island group, is an excellent base for doing some epic day trips to nearby islands and experiencing unique adventures.

As you know, we are absolutely in love with Ermoupoli, Ano Syros and the beaches around the island. Syros is elegant, authentic, and just the right size to feel like home without getting cabin fever. But let’s be honest, sometimes you get that little itch. The one that whispers, “Hey, what’s over there across the water?”

So if you are staying in Syros for a bit longer, but you’re craving more culture, quiet beaches, or a taste of glitzy island life, there’s a day trip that will suit you. Here are our favorite day trips from Syros that we’ve personally tried or are saving for future adventures.

Read more: How to get to Syros

Tips for planning day trips from Syros

Planning day trips from Syros is a bit like putting together a Greek meze platter. You’ve got plenty of delicious options, but timing is everything. Here are a few essential tips before you start planning:

• Check the ferry schedules in advance: Some routes change with the wind, literally, and depending on the season. Most of these day trips are not possible in the low season. Furthermore, not all islands have daily connections, so a little flexibility helps. Check multiple days before you decide when to go. Use Ferryscanner or stop by the port in Ermoupoli for up-to-date info.

• Start early: Try to get the early ferry and start your day early to make the most of your time. Again, check the ferry schedules properly as some days a ferry leaves at 7 am, while on other days the earliest ferry only leaves at 11 am.

• In high season, book in advance: Popular destinations like Mykonos, Milos, and Delos may require advance booking, especially in peak tourist season.

• Don’t overlook local boat tours from Syros itself: They offer you way more flexibility than going by ferry. And they’ll show you the secret sides of the island most tourists miss. We always book our tours with Captain John from Spira Cyclades (+30 6977394343). He is the best! Tell him Heleen and Jurgen sent you :-).

• Check the prices: There can be a huge difference between the prices of fast ferries (such as SeaJets) and slower ferries (such as Blue Star or Artemis). Make sure to check all the options and different days if you are looking for the most budget-friendly option.

Read more: Best time to visit the Cyclades

Boat tour around Syros: Yes, the island is that pretty

I know, we are talking about day trips from Syros, yet the first day adventure we want to highlight is actually just hopping on a boat tour around Syros itself.

You get to see beaches you can’t reach by car (like Varvaroussa, Grammata, or Aetos), swim in ridiculously clear water, and explore hidden gems, such as Agios Stefanos.

There are half-day and full-day options, and most tours even include food and drinks. It’s great for kids, too! We went on a boat trip with two families, with kids from 3 to 14 years old.

TIP: As mentioned before, our favorite boat tour company in Syros is Spira Cyclades (+30 6977394343). John is a very experienced sailor and has lived on Syros his entire life. He will show you the best spots around the island, or can also take you to one of the islands below, so you can discover the other islands from a local’s point of view. If you book a tour, please say hi from us ;-).

Mykonos: A blend of history and glamour

How to get there: Ferries (SeaJets and Blue Star Ferries) to Mykonos operate multiple times a day from Syros and back, and the trip takes anywhere between 30 minutes to 1 hour and 30 minutes, depending on whether you take a fast ferry or not.

Read more: How to get from Syros to Mykonos by ferry

One of the most obvious day trips from Syros is its famous neighbor, Mykonos. Just a short ferry ride away (less than an hour if the sea gods are in a good mood), this island is where beach clubs, designer shops, and windmills collide.

You could easily stay on the island for a couple of days, but if you just go for a day trip to Mykonos, you’ll still get a nice feel of the island vibe. Visit the charming old town (Chora) in the morning, eat some delicious food, and go to the beach in the afternoon. You could also visit Delos after lunch (see next chapter).

If you want to get everything out of your visit, consider booking a guided tour through Mykonos’ old town with a local, or even a 4-hour tour around the island, visiting a couple of highlights and hidden gems.

Read more: What to do for one day in Mykonos

Delos: A step back in (mythical) time

How to get there: From Syros, you’ll need to hop over to Mykonos and take the ferry from there (usually about 30 minutes) or book an organized tour from Mykonos to Delos. You can also book a boat tour from Syros with Spira Cyclades to combine Mykonos and Delos.

Ever wanted to walk where Apollo and Artemis were allegedly born? Welcome to Delos, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which is one of the most important archaeological sites in Greece.

The ancient sacred island now consists of ruins, columns, mosaics, and statues, but you can still feel how important this place must have been for the old Greeks.

There’s no accommodation, no beach towels, and no iced lattes here, just pure history. Bring water, a hat, and your imagination.

Read more: Our complete guide to planning your visit to Delos Island

Rineia: Like Delos, but peaceful and blue

This is the hidden gem of the Cyclades. Rineia is technically right next to Delos, but couldn’t be more different. It’s an uninhabited island with no crowds, no ruins, just stunning water, empty beaches, and that “I’m in a Greek fantasy” kind of vibe.

You can only get there by boat, usually as part of a Delos + Rineia combo tour from Mykonos. Or even better: charter your own boat from Syros with Spira Cyclades and make it an adventure.

Tinos: The quiet, artsy sister

How to get there: Ferries run frequently from Syros to Tinos, with a travel time of about 15-30 minutes. Unfortunately, the schedule isn’t always great for day trips, so you will only have a couple of hours, or you will need to consider staying for a night.

Tinos is the opposite of Mykonos in many ways, and we love it. It’s one of the best Cycladic islands to visit, if you ask us. Think sleepy villages, marble sculptures, wild landscapes, and a strong sense of tradition. If you only have one day in Tinos, you’ll most likely focus on visiting the main town.

It’s famous for the Panagia Evangelistria Church, where pilgrims crawl on their knees (literally) up the long carpet to the church for blessings. But Tinos isn’t just about religion. It’s full of creative vibes. Many of Greece’s most famous sculptors came from here. And the food? Let’s just say your taste buds will thank you.

Paros: A blend of tradition and modern vibes

How to get there: Ferries from Syros to Paros run regularly in high season, and the trip takes around 1 to 1.5 hours. Your best option for a day trip is the Artemis, which leaves early from Syros to Paros a couple of times a week and is the most budget-friendly.

Paros, the effortlessly cool cousin in the Cycladic family, blends postcard-perfect villages, golden beaches, and that laid-back, slightly bohemian vibe that makes you forget what day it is.

If you have one day in Paros, you can take the bus, a taxi, or rent a car at the port and head to Naoussa. With its whitewashed alleys and trendy waterfront bars, it feels like Mykonos’s more chill sibling. Later, drive to Lefkes village, nestled in the hills, which is pure Greek charm with cats lounging on stone steps and grandmas chatting on balconies. Or head to one of the popular beaches.

Read more: What to wear for the Cyclades

Kea (Tzia): An Underrated Cycladic Gem

How to get there: Ferries to Kea from Syros are less frequent, so check the schedule ahead of time. The trip takes about 2 hours. Every Monday, there’s an early ferry leaving from Syros, and a later one returning, giving you around 6 hours on the island.

Kea (or Tzia, as the locals call it) is the low-key Cycladic island you’ve probably never heard of, but should definitely get to know. Kea rewards you with hiking trails, charming stone villages like Ioulida, ancient ruins at Karthea, and some of the most peaceful beaches we’ve ever napped on.

It feels more like a secret island escape than a tourist hotspot, which means fewer crowds, slower vibes, and more time to sip your freddo espresso while watching goats cross the road like they own the place.

Naxos: A perfect mix of nature, history, and gastronomy

How to get there: Ferries from Syros to Naxos run daily in high season, and the trip takes around 1 to 2 hours. They are mainly operated by SeaJets, but sometimes also by Blue Star Ferries or Artemis.

Naxos is like the Cycladic island that secretly has it all but doesn’t feel the need to brag. It’s the biggest in the group, just far enough from Syros to count as an adventurous day trip, but totally worth the early start. With wide sandy beaches, lush valleys, ancient ruins, and a cozy old town built around a Venetian castle, Naxos somehow manages to please both beach bums and history buffs.

The island is also a hit with families, for example, the kids running around the Portara (that iconic marble doorway to nowhere) while the parents admire the local food. Naxos is famous for its cheese and potatoes.

Sifnos: A food lover’s paradise

How to get there: Ferries from Syros to Sifnos are available a few times a week, and the trip takes about 5 hours. Twice a week, it is possible to do a day trip from Syros to Sifnos, but you’ll only have 5 hours on the island and be on the ferry a lot longer. We would advise you to stay on Sifnos for 1 or 2 nights if you want to visit.

Sifnos is the Cycladic island that foodies whisper about like it’s a well-kept secret, and honestly, we kind of hope it stays that way. Known for its mouthwatering cuisine, chic yet traditional villages, and laid-back charm, Sifnos is a dream trip.

The whitewashed village of Apollonia is perfect for lazy strolls and shopping in the pottery shops. Don’t miss Kastro, a cliffside village with stunning views and medieval vibes, or a swim at Vathi Beach, where time seems to slow down. Just make sure you arrive hungry because Sifnos takes its cooking seriously.

Other Cycladic islands to visit

Syros lies in the center of the Cyclades and, therefore, is a great base to explore the Cycladic islands. However, not all of them are well enough connected to make a day trip from Syros. So, if you want to visit, for example, Andros, Milos, Amorgos, or Santorini from Syros, you will have to stay the night or a couple of nights.