One of our absolute favorite things to do on Syros? Hiking. Yup, give us a sturdy pair of shoes, a bottle of water, and we’re happy hikers. Syros may not be the first island that comes to mind when you think of dramatic trails and rugged adventures, but don’t be fooled! This gem in the Cyclades has some truly beautiful hikes that are both scenic and fun.
The best part? For some, you don’t even need to rent a car or take a taxi. If you’re staying in the capital, Ermoupoli, or the charming medieval village of Ano Syros, you can literally walk out your front door and walk straight to the start of the trail.
Read more: Where to stay in Syros
That’s exactly what we did when we decided to hike from Ano Syros to Alithini in a loop, and spoiler alert: we loved it (even our kids). This hike combines gorgeous views, lovely churches, and just the right amount of “wait, is this the path?” moments to keep it interesting. Let us take you along!
How to get to Ano Syros?
If you’re staying in Ermoupoli or Ano Syros (lucky you!), the start of the trailhead is behind the old medieval town. If you find yourself in the old streets of Ano Syros, you will have to walk down a bit to get there.
To get to Ano Syros from Ermoupoli, you’ve got three easy options. You either walk or take a taxi. Alternatively, there’s a free mini-bus that runs frequently between Ermoupoli and Ano Syros, especially in the warmer months.
Read more: How to get to Syros island
TIP: If you first want to visit Ano Syros, follow our free walking tour, that takes you from Ermoupoli through Ano Syros (up many stairs). If you have already visited Ano Syros, you can also avoid the stairs a bit, and go around Ano Syros to the back, where this hike starts.
What to know before you go on this hike
Before you set off on the Ano Syros to Alithini loop hike (around 3-4 kilometers long, 2-2.5 miles), there are a few things you’ll want to keep in mind:
- Wear decent walking shoes. Part of the path includes rocky and uneven terrain, and other parts are on the road.
- There is almost no shade along the hike. The best season in Syros to hike is from October to April. If you are in Syros during the high season, avoid hiking during the hottest time of the day. Come in the early morning or late afternoon. In winter, you can hike at any time.
- Bring plenty of water, some snacks, sunscreen, and a hat if you are hiking between April and October. There are a couple of cafés near the track, but they are often only open in the late afternoon or evening.
- Along the way, follow the red dots that mark the trail. However, they are not always clear. So, while most of the trail is straightforward, it’s a good idea to download an offline map or use an app like AllTrails or Maps.me, just in case your “let’s just follow this goat path” instinct kicks in.
Read more: Hike from Papouri to the remote Varvaroussa Beach, Delphini Beach to Kini
Part 1: Hike from Ano Syros up to Staurós Chapel (Alithini)
Go to the start of the trailhead, behind Ano Syros. You will see an old stone bridge over a dried-out river. That is where you want to go.
Once you cross the bridge, turn to the left, and hike up the ancient cobblestone path leading you up the hill towards the village of Alithini. Walk towards the Staurós Chapel on your right, and stop here.
This small chapel is especially beautiful for its location. From here, you have a fantastic view over Ano Syros and Ermoupoli. Take your time to enjoy, and then walk a bit further away from the road towards Agios Ioannis Church (catholic), another hidden gem in Syros.
But the fun isn’t over yet. Walk past the church on the left side (there is no path) and you’ll end up at a cave, marble stone, and another little chapel. From here, again, you have a fantastic view. This could also be a nice spot for a picnic or to rest a bit after walking up.
TIP: Are you a bit hungry and looking for a great lunch, drink, or snack? Close to Staurós Chapel, in Alithini, you can find Empati restaurant and a bit furter O Mitsos. Both restaurants are only open from the afternoon (4-5 pm), but from 1-2 pm in the weekend. They are also great to watch the sunset.
Part 2: Hike to Agia Paraskevi
Go back to the main road and go to the right, towards Agia Paraskevi. Part of the path is unpaved, part is an asphalt road (asphalt) going steeply up towards the church. This part is only a short walk. On the way, you also see old windmill ruins.
Agia Paraskevi, in Alithini, was built in 1600 on top of the mountain, overlooking Ermoupolis. The Orthodox church has a beautiful dome that was renovated in 1792.
Today, Agia Paraskevi lies inside the beautifully maintained private property of the shipowner Athanasios Martinos, but the site is usually open daily in high season, so you can visit the church. Local people also organize weddings here.
It’s an absolute gem in Syros and beautiful to walk around. After your visit, walk past the church to continue your hike. Don’t forget to look back, though, as the views are incredible!
Part 3: Hiking back from Agia Paraskevi to Ano Syros
Leave the church behind you and follow the road until it ends, towards the small white/blue building. If you go straight here, the trail towards the main road starts.
It’s an uneven path that takes you all the way down in the valley and up again towards the road, close to the Bengéra restaurant (only open in the evening, except on Sunday from noon). In some parts, the path lies between two stone fences.
Once you get up on the road, you need to go to the right and follow the main road (be careful for cars) towards the back entrance of Ano Syros.
On the way, you will pass Anemomylos Windmill, an authentic Cycladic windmill that has been transformed into an accommodation, one of the most unique stays in Syros.
Once you get back to Ano Syros, it’s time to relax and enjoy a drink or bite in one of the lovely restaurants in Ano Syros. From here, you can walk back down to Ermoupoli or take a taxi or bus back.
We hope you enjoyed this hike! Check out more hiking in Syros and enjoy your travels in the Cyclades!