If you’re after one of the most beautiful hikes in all of Syros, this hike from Kampos to Americano Beach and Lia Beach is exactly what you are looking for. While the southern part of Syros is known for its elegant architecture and more organized beach clubs, the north is a completely different world. This trail takes you through the wild landscapes of Apano Meria, down to some of the island’s most secluded beaches, and back through terrain that feels wonderfully untouched. This is Syros at its most raw and beautiful, where every single step completely earns its view.
The loop that starts in Kampos is one of our favorite hikes as it is a mix between beaches, mountains, and beautiful views of the Aegan Sea. Make sure to bring your lunch, there are no tavernes our beach clubs in this beautiful part of Syros. Let’s go.
How to get to your starting point: Kampos Village
The journey begins in Kampos, a small, quiet hamlet in the rugged northern part of the island. The drive up from Ermoupoli is an experience in itself, with winding roads offering spectacular vantage points over the island’s dramatic topography.
You can choose to rent a car or take a taxi to Kampos. The price of a taxi should be around €15. There is no public transport to this remote village in the north. Kampos is a charming place to begin, featuring a handful of old stone houses, a small church, and nothing but the deep blue Aegean stretching out ahead of you.
When you have your own car, you can park at the end of the road, take a deep breath of the thyme- and oregano-scented air, and set off on the trail.
Walk down to Americano Beach
From Kampos, the trail descends toward the coast, covering roughly 2.5 kilometers to reach your first beach, Americano Beach, officially called Gria Spilia. The path remains relatively easy and mostly flat in its early stages, accompanied by the constant hum of cicadas in the summer months. On a clear day, you are treated to wide-open views over the water, with the neighboring islands of Andros and Tinos floating on the horizon on your right side.
The first major stop is Americano Beach. Decades ago, an American named John Pierson bought land here and planted thousands of trees, transforming the bare Cycladic hillside into a lush oasis. Today, those tamarisk trees provide a rare and welcome canopy of natural shade, making it a true haven on a hot summer’s day.
When you arrive at Americano Beach, you might spot a rustic wooden table and a few chairs tucked under the trees—an idyllic spot to unpack your lunch in the shade. Just a heads-up: the last time we were there, a few curious local goats were very interested in joining our picnic! As charming as they are, please resist the urge to feed them. Furthermore, since this beach is wonderfully wild and completely unmanaged, there are absolutely no trash cans. Please remember to bring a spare bag and pack out all your garbage so this pristine sanctuary stays beautiful for everyone else.
Next stop: Marmara Beach
As you navigate the rugged coastline beyond Americano, the scenery becomes even more dramatic. The path dips and climbs over rocky outcrops until you reach the stunning Marmara Beach. Named after the Greek word for marble, this secluded bay is famous for its striking white rocks and smooth pebbles that plunge into impossibly clear, turquoise waters.
It is a phenomenal spot for a refreshing dip or a snorkeling session before continuing your trek. The brilliant white shoreline contrasting with the deep blue sea makes it one of the most photogenic stops on the entire loop. You will often have this magnificent cove entirely to yourself.
You might spot a small, rustic shack on the beach, though every time we’ve visited, it has appeared closed and abandoned. Even without any facilities, the bay has a very distinct and recognizable charm, thanks to a few bright orange umbrellas that add a lovely pop of color against the wild, natural landscape.
Follow the Coast to Lia Beach
Continuing past Marmara, the trail hugs the golden hills of Apano Meria all the way to Lia Beach. Tucked securely into Aetos Bay, Lia is accessible only by foot or by boat from the coastal village of Kini, which guarantees a wonderfully peaceful and uncrowded atmosphere. This mostly pebbly beach is partly shaded by trees and sits within a bay so sheltered that the water often resembles a perfect mirror.
Historically, this beach belonged to one of the three families that owned Apano Meria for generations, adding a fascinating touch of living history to your resting spot. It is the perfect place to unpack a picnic, swim in the crystal-clear water, and simply soak in the absolute serenity before starting your journey back.
From Lia, it is time to tackle the most demanding part of the trail: the continuous, steep climb back up to Kampos village along the ridge. This final stretch is a proper workout that will definitely get your heart pumping and make your legs feel the burn. Because there is little to no shade here, it is absolutely crucial to have enough water saved for this final push.
While it requires some serious effort, use it as the perfect excuse to frequently pause, catch your breath, and look back at the spectacular views unfolding behind you. If you manage to time this ascent just as the sun begins to set, the golden landscape becomes truly magical and makes every drop of sweat completely worth it.
About halfway up the ridge, you will pass beneath and alongside some peculiar basalt rock formations. The largest of these striking rocks is known locally as the “Aerolithos”. Once you reach this landmark, the hardest part is behind you, and you can easily orient yourself by spotting the distant houses of Kampos, guiding you the rest of the way home.
Extra beach: Grammata Beach
If you have the energy and curiosity, we strongly suggest extending the hike with a short detour to Grammata Beach. The name “Grammata” literally translates to “letters” in Greek, and once you arrive, you will immediately understand why. The smooth rocks surrounding this sheltered bay are covered in ancient inscriptions carved by sailors from over 2,000 years ago.
Because this specific bay offered rare protection from the fierce, howling Meltemi winds, stranded sailors would wait out storms here for days or weeks at a time. You will find prayers for safe passage, expressions of gratitude to the gods, and the names of ancient ships etched in both Greek and Latin. The beach itself is small and pebbly, but the heavy sense of history hanging over the bay is an experience you won’t find anywhere else in the Cyclades.
What to bring for your hike
Spring and early autumn are undoubtedly the best times to tackle this hike, as the temperatures are mild and the hills are either blooming with wildflowers or cooling down from the summer heat. It’s important to take enough water with you. Save water for the final stretch from Lia Beach to Kampos as this is uphill.
Read more: The best time to visit Syros
If you hike in July or August, start as early as possible to avoid the punishing midday sun. This route is completely unsupported, meaning there are no tavernas or kiosks along the way.
- Wear sturdy hiking shoes to handle the uneven, rocky coastal sections safely.
- Bring much more water than you think you will need, along with a packed lunch and high-energy snacks.
- Pack essential sun protection, including a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and reef-safe sunscreen.
- Consider wearing long pants or leggings to protect your legs from the thorny, scrubby bushes on the inland return trail. The bushes are not that tall, but it can be quite bothersome.
- Download a reliable navigation app like AllTrails or Maps.me for offline use, as trail markers can sometimes fade or disappear. In general, the paths are not very well marked; a red dot is usually provided.
Read more: What to wear in Syros and the Cyclades
Planning your trip
Kampos is located roughly 25 minutes by car from Ermoupoli, and renting a vehicle gives you the flexibility to explore more of the wild north after your hike. Plakostroto is probably the best place to have dinner in this area.
If you need a cozy basecamp to rest your tired legs after a long day of exploring, check out our guide to the best places to stay in Syros.
Loved this trail and want to explore further? Don’t miss our complete overview of the best hikes in Syros for your next island adventure.
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