Being among some of the most popular beaches in Syros (especially for families), you can’t miss Galissas Beach when you are planning a trip to the Greek island of Syros. Picture a sandy beach, crystal clear shallow waters, and a lovely village setting.
Located on the west coast of the island, between the beach towns of Kini and Finikas, Galissas has a lot to offer. Although we came for a lazy beach day, we ended up staying way longer than planned. There are many things to do at Galissas Beach and around Galissas village, more than we initially anticipated.
In this article, you’ll find out why Galissas should be on your Syros itinerary, especially if you like sunsets, sand between your toes, and eating delicious food.
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How to get to Galissas Beach
If you’ve had enough of Asteria Beach, Galissas is only about 8 km (15 minutes) from Ermoupoli, the capital of Syros, so it’s super easy to get there. If you have rented a car to explore Syros, there is parking right by the beach. During summer, come early enough, because it does get full.
Syros also has a surprisingly decent bus network, and Galissas is well-connected, especially in summer. Check the KTEL Syros schedule, but also take it with a grain of Greek island spontaneity :-).
Last but not least, you can grab a taxi in Ermoupoli (from Miaouli Square or the port) or wherever you find yourself on the island. If you call Hermes Taxi (+30)2281084222 or Syros Taxi (+30)2281088222, they will send a taxi over.
Best time to visit Galissas
If you want perfect beach weather without feeling like a sardine on a sunbed, aim for May-June or September-early October. During these shoulder months, Galissas is warm, sunny, and blissfully uncrowded, like a private slice of Greek paradise.
August is the peak season, and while the vibe is lively, it can get a little too toasty and busy for our taste. Still nothing compared to how busy Syros’ famous neighbours, Mykonos or Paros, get.
In winter, Galissas Beach is deserted, and you will have the beach all to yourself. Be aware, though, that almost nothing is open and there are no amenities on the beach. Bring everything you might need yourself.
Read more: Best time to visit the Cyclades
TIP: Do you want to avoid the crowds? Walk to Armeos Beach, only 10 minutes from Galissas Beach (more about Armeos Beach further down in this article under the best things to do in Galissas).
What to know before you go
Here are a few things that are good to know if you plan to go to Galissas Beach:
- The beach is organized: there are sunbeds and umbrellas for rent (in high season), even some public umbrellas, but also plenty of free space if you prefer to flop on a towel.
- It’s family-friendly: lying in a protected cove, the water is shallow, calm, and very kid-approved (our daughters gave it a 10/10 for floatie action).
- There’s a changing area, showers, and even a lifeguard: basically, this beach has its act together. Which is also why it has been rewarded with the Blue Flag Award, an international eco-label awarded to beaches that meet high standards of cleanliness, water quality, safety, and environmental management.
- Wear sandals or flip-flops, not because of rocks, but because the sand gets very hot in summer.
- There is some shade: the tamarisk trees provide some shade along the beach, especially on the left side, if you walk onto the beach. However, there is not enough shade for everyone, so you need to rent an umbrella or bring your own if you want to escape the sun!
- Get active: if you are feeling energetic (or want to justify all the souvlaki), there are a couple of sports you can do in the waters and on the sand of Galissas Beach, such as snorkeling and beach volleybal.
Read more: How to get to Syros by ferry or plane
Best things to do in Galissas
Swim in the crystal-clear water and relax on the sandy beach
There’s something magical about Galissas Beach that makes you instantly forget your to-do list, your inbox, and even what day it is. The bay is protected, the waves are gentle, and the water is so shallow and transparent you’ll catch yourself staring at your own feet like they’ve suddenly become interesting.
The sand is soft enough to nap on (trust us, we tested it thoroughly), make sandcastles with the kids, read a book, or play a game of beach ball. Before you know, you will have spent the entire day enjoying one of Syros’ best beaches.
TIP: We said it before, but Galissas truly is one of the best beaches to go to if you visit Syros with kids. The waters are so shallow, kids can play for hours in the water. But also the surroundings are great, with the option to go to the pool of Dolphin Bay, or the playground of Green Dollars Cafe or Anassa Cycladic Village (more info further in this article).
Walk to the Agia Pakou chapel
A tiny white church on a hill that looks like it was placed there by a postcard designer. The short hike takes maybe 10–15 minutes, and the views are a chef’s kiss. Go for sunset. Trust us.
Perched on a rocky hill at the edge of Galissas Beach, Agia Pakou Chapel looks like it was plucked straight out of a postcard. This tiny whitewashed church is as charming as they come, with its classic Cycladic curves and a front-row seat to the most breathtaking views of the bay.
The walk up is short (around 10 minutes) but pretty steep at the end. Once at the top, you’ll be rewarded with a stunning view over Galissas and Armeos Beach, a refreshing sea breeze, and the kind of peace that makes you want to whisper, even if you’re the only one there. Don’t forget to look inside the chapel as well.
TIP: Come here around sunset. Not only will you escape the heat, but the views will be even more fantastic!
Find the secret Armeos beach
Just a short walk west of Galissas Beach (go up the hill towards and back down again), tucked behind the hill near Agia Pakou chapel, you’ll find Armeos Beach, a quiet little cove that feels like Syros’ best-kept secret. It’s not flashy or organized (no sunbeds, no beach bars), but that’s exactly the charm.
The mainly rocky beach Armeos has a laid-back, off-the-radar vibe that attracts those looking for peace, privacy, and the occasional skinny dip. Yep, it’s unofficially nudist-friendly, so don’t be surprised if your fellow sunbathers are a bit more free-spirited.
Stay around for the sunset
Being on the west side of Syros Island, the sunsets at Galissas beach are next-level gorgeous. As the sun dips behind the horizon and melts into the Aegean, the whole sky turns shades of orange, pink, and gold.
The best spot? Either on the beach or up by the little Agia Pakou chapel, where you get a panoramic view and a gentle breeze. It’s the kind of moment that makes everyone stop talking, put their phones down (well, after a few photos), and just soak it all in.
Hike to Agios Stefanos
If you’re up for a little adventure (and don’t mind a bit of a rocky path), the hike to Agios Stefanos Chapel is a must. This tiny chapel is dramatically tucked into the side of a cliff above a secluded cove, and getting there feels like you’re on a treasure hunt.
From Galissas, it is about an hour’s walk (you could also take a taxi to get to the trailhead). The trail isn’t super long, but it’s uneven and can be slippery in places, so wear decent shoes (no flip-flops unless you’re feeling daring or have excellent travel insurance).
Once you arrive, the view is pure magic: turquoise waters, rugged rocks, and a peaceful little white chapel. Bring water, a camera, and maybe a snack. You’ll want to sit and soak it all in for a while.
Read more: Best hikes in Syros
Spend a day (or a couple) at Anassa Cycladic Village
Tucked away on a hillside just above Galissas Beach, Anassa Cycladic Village is where boho charm meets Cycladic chic. You’ll find a pool, olive trees, and even the occasional friendly cat who clearly owns the place.
Either spend a couple of nights here in one of their amazing bell tents, huts, or bungalows, or just come here during the day to enjoy their food, the little playground for the kids, or one of their workshops.
Peaceful, stylish, and run by lovely people who treat you like family, Anassa is perfect for travelers who want a bit of luxury without losing the island’s laid-back soul.
Spend a day at the pool of the Dolphin Bay Hotel
Sometimes, you just want to skip the sand-in-your-shoes situation and head for poolside bliss. At Galissas Beach, you can do that at the Dolphin Bay Hotel. You can either decide to stay here or just come for a couple of hours when you visit Galissas.
The water is perfectly refreshing, the slide a lot of fun for the kids, the sunbeds are comfy enough, and the view over Galissas Bay still gives you full beach vibes. While you get to enjoy a drink from the pool bar, the kids can have an ice cream. There is even a separate children’s pool for the smaller kids (bonus: no sand in their eyes).
Our favorite restaurants in Galissas
- Hitana Syros: one of best beach bars in Syros, offering sunbeds, great music, and excellent service from Stavros and Haris!
- Galissea Cafe-Snack-Bar: lovely bar (with a pool table), offering surprisingly good coffee and drinks, besides ice cream and a few things to eat. Very friendly staff, always in for a chat.
- Green Dollars: next to the Dolphin Bay Hotel, you can find this fun cafe with friendly staff for the entire family. Good selection of beers, drinks and some food for the parents and a little playground for the kids.
- Yamma All Day Bar: very friendly service, paired with a delicious, homemade, and thoughtfully curated menu. The setting is relaxed with a Mediterranean-Boho charm, but the vintage VW bus turned into a bar is the coolest feature of this bar!
- Benois Restaurant: if you are looking for delicious local meals with a nice twist, you need to come to the restaurant of Hotel Benois. Try the squid with quinoa or pork chop. Come here by sunset for a nice view.
Read more: Best places to eat in Syros
Where to stay in Galissas
It might be small, but there is no shortage of charming accommodations in Galissas:
- Anassa Cycladic Village: a little piece of heaven, only 500 metres from the beach, with extremely friendly hosts, a nice breakfast, a refreshing pool, and the best atmosphere! We highly recommend this spot (also for families)!
- Remvi: beautifully and stylishly renovated hotel, with a great pool, friendly staff, and close to the beach. Make sure to try the breakfast as well!
- Hotel Benois: classy, clean, with a beautiful pool, fantastic rooms, and just steps from the beach. Also, the staff and the on-site restaurant deserve their own fan club. For anyone who wants to pay a little more for a perfect and a bit more luxurious stay.
Read more: Best places to stay in Syros
Our final thoughts on Galissas Beach in Syros
Let’s be real—Galissas isn’t flashy. It’s not trying to win any nightlife awards or impress influencers with neon drinks. But that’s what makes it magical. It’s the kind of place where you can slow down, breathe, and feel like you’ve accidentally wandered into a simpler, happier version of life.
We came to the beach. We stayed for the village vibe, the sunsets, the taverna meals, and the glorious nothing-to-do-ness of it all. So yes, Galissas. Go there. Bring sunscreen, a camera, and a healthy appetite. And if you see someone chasing their hat down the beach while holding a frappé, it’s probably us. Say hi!