So, you’ve landed on Syros with just one day to explore. Good choice! The Greek island of Syros is one of our favorite places in the Cyclades and Greece, and we think everyone should visit. We’ve spent over half a year on the island and know every corner.
There are many things to do on Syros, from visiting the capital Ermoupoli or the medieval town of Ano Syros, to exploring the beaches, going on a boat trip, or doing some of the amazing hikes. And then we are not even talking about the delicious coffee and local Greek food you can eat here.
If you have a bit more time, we advise you to stay for 2-3 days or more. However, there are many reasons why you might only be coming for one day to Syros. Maybe you arrive by cruise ship to Syros, maybe you are island hopping around the Cyclades, or maybe you plan a day trip from the popular neighboring islands, such as Mykonos or Tinos. In any case, we have you covered in this article.
For our one-day itinerary of Syros, we are staying in Ermoupoli and Ano Syros. It includes our free walking tour, a splash of history, a touch of beach bliss (or a sweat-inducing hike), and plenty of stairs and laughs along the way. Wear comfortable shoes, have a decent appetite, and come with an open heart ready to be charmed.
Be careful when you visit, though. You might fall in love like we did and soon realise that one day is not enough to explore all the island has to offer.
Read more: How to get to Syros from Athens or the other Cycladic islands
Morning: Explore Ermoupoli, the capital of Syros
Start your day in Ermoupoli, the island’s charming capital, a place you can’t miss when visiting Syros. Try to arrive early, either by plane or by ferry. The drive from the airport is only 15 minutes, and the ferries arrive in the center of town. If you can’t arrive early, try to book one of our favorite accommodations in Ermoupoli so you have a little bit more time.
Read more: The best things to do in Ermoupoli
Grab a freddo cappuccino from one of the many coffee bars near the port and head to Miaouli Square, the heart of Ermoupoli. Here you can admire the stunning neoclassical architecture of the town hall and the surrounding buildings, visit the small Archeological Museum located on the left side of the town hall, and just take a bit of time watching the locals and pigeons start their day on the square.
TIP: One of our favorite coffee and snack places is Thessalonikia Bougatsa & Pizza! Definitely try their spinach pies, fresh orange juice, and homemade energy balls.
After that, head to the Apollo Theater, a miniature version of La Scala in Milan. Explore the inside and the small museum to learn about its history and cultural significance.
Continue your journey towards Vaporia, the old shipowners’ district with its beautiful neoclassical mansions and Saint Nicholas Church. Walk down to Asteria Beach to get one of the best views of Syros.
Hike up to the Resurrection Church (or take a taxi if you have a hard time doing all the stairs) to get an amazing view over Ermoupoli and the Aegean Sea.
Read more: Check our walking tour through Ermoupoli + Map to get all the details.
Early Afternoon: Climb to Ano Syros + lunch
It’s time to head up to Ano Syros, the original medieval town with the typical Cycladic vibes perched high above Ermoupoli. You can walk here from the Church of Resurrection (check the map of our walking tour to find out how to get there). And yes, you’ll be doing a lot of stairs when visiting Ano Syros! But it’s so worth it!
Once you get up there, first go for a well-deserved lunch in one of the lovely restaurants in Ano Syros. Our favorites are Maison de Meze or the Braziliana Snack Bar. If you want to go local, get a souvlaki at Chima & Tsoubalata. Eat well. Hydrate. Take a deep breath. Because next…
It’s time to explore the old streets of Ano Syros. Take your time to wander around, passing catholic churches, small squares, many, many cats, stunning views, and the home of Markos Vamvakaris, the father of rebetiko music. There’s even a museum where you can hear his tunes and feel cool for knowing what a bouzouki is.
At the top, the Agios Georgios Cathedral offers sweeping views over the Aegean and a great excuse to sit down and pretend you’re reflecting on life (but really just catching your breath).
Read more: A complete guide to Ano Syros
Late Afternoon: Choose your own Syros adventure
Now comes the hardest part of the day: deciding how to end it. You can either spend the afternoon at Asteria Beach, relaxing, sunbathing, and enjoying a drink. Or you can explore more and go for a hike, starting from Ano Syros.
Option 1: Beach bliss at Asteria Beach
Walk back down toward Ermoupoli (or just roll downhill, we won’t judge) and head to Asteria Beach, a rocky platform with clear blue waters, and not your typical sandy beach. Think more chic urban swimming spot meets local hangout.
Read a book, do some yoga, have a swim, or go to Ciel Bar, located at the end of Asteria Beach. This hip bar is perfect if you fancy a cocktail, mocktail, or just a cold drink while dipping your toes in the Aegean. You can even lie on a sunbed here.
Read more: A complete guide for Asteria Beach in Ermoupoli
Option 2: Hike with a view, from Ano Syros to Agios Athanasios or the Alithini Loop
Still got energy? Or maybe you’re the “I earn my dinner” type? Then lace up those sneakers and take one of the hiking trails that start from Ano Syros. It’s peaceful, it’s beautiful, and it’s also a great way to meet the quieter, more rural side of Syros.
- The first hike you can do is a small hike to Agios Athanasios, a small church behind Ano Syros. It will only take you 30-45 minutes to get there and come back to Ano Syros.
- If you are really up for a proper hike, you can do the Alithini loop, a scenic circular route that takes you behind Ermoupoli and Ano Syros, offering stunning views. You also pass a lovely church, a cave, and some old windmill ruins. Check here our complete guide to the loop hike from Ano Syros to Alithini.
TIP: Try to walk in the late afternoon as it can get really hot during the day, depending on the season you visit Syros. Take enough water, something to cover your head and wear proper shoes.
Evening: Sunset and Dinner
Whether you hiked or sipped Aperol Spritz at Ciel, end the day with a dinner by the waterfront or in one of the charming streets around Miaouli Square. Ermoupoli has a lively food scene, and you can find many different restaurants, ranging from very local to fine dining.
Some of our favorite restaurants in Ermoupoli are To Tsipouradiko tis Mirsinis, Sta Vaporia, or Mammo. If you have time before departure, relax with a drink at a local bar or café by the port, soaking in the night atmosphere of Syros. If you fancy a cocktail, we can highly recommend MouSouTou.
TIP: Do you want to spend the night in Ermoupoli and leave the next day in the morning? Check our article on where to stay in Syros and Ermoupoli, with our favorite accommodations.
I hope this one-day itinerary for Syros will help you to have the perfect day on the island. You’ll feel like you’ve seen Syros in fast-forward, but also like you’ve really felt the place. The marble, the music, the views, the food, … and maybe just a little soreness in your calves (blame the steps).
Happy Syros travels!
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