Syros has a unique mix of cosmopolitan and traditional elements. Admire the neoclassical mansions of Ermoupoli and relax on a beach with crystal clear waters.
The best beaches in Syros range from sandy to pebbled and are busy during summer. Start with Galissas beach right by the seaside village, known for its fine sand and shallow water.
1. Galissas Beach
The sheltered waters here make this one of Syros’ best family-friendly beaches. Sun loungers line the golden sand, and a great cafe with food service spills out onto the beach. Kids will love splashing in the waves, while adults can sit back and admire the azure-blue Aegean and a horizon dotted with the two small islets Stroggylo and Schinonissi. It’s also a prime spot for sunset.
The picturesque village of Kini is located along this scenic beach on Syros’ western coast. It’s a small, scenic seaside town that’s home to many of the island’s best tavernas. Sit down at a thatched table and enjoy a fresh fish lunch while you gaze out to the turquoise-tinged Aegean.
2. Armeos Beach
Syros is home to many sandy beaches – organized family ones and secluded ones ideal for relaxing. It’s easy to get to them as most of them are near seaside village resorts where you can find tavernas, food and drink options and plenty of parking.
For a family-friendly option, head to Galissas beach, right by the seaside village settlement of the same name. The waters are clean (Blue Flag awarded) and shallow, allowing kids to splash around with ease. You can also climb up to the chapel of Agia Pakou for great views over the beach and village.
Other popular beaches are Kini Beach and Gria Spilia, close to the port in the town of Ermoupoli. Both are popular with families and offer plenty of facilities including sunbeds and a variety of eating options, including fresh fish at the taverns. Both are very safe for swimming, even in October.
3. Vari Beach
The south coast is home to Vari Beach, another sandy beach where you can kick back and soak up the sun. It’s a family-friendly beach and offers a variety of tavernas.
The beach is also protected from the wind and has a lot of natural shade thanks to the tamarisk trees. It’s the perfect place to spend a day relaxing or you can take a short stroll over the rocky hill and check out Armeos Beach, which is nude and also known as a windsurfing destination.
Further down the south coast is another lovely sandy beach called Fabrico which is smaller and quieter. The beach is sheltered from the wind and has some great tavernas spilling out chairs onto the sand, but it’s best to visit in the morning to avoid the crowds. From here, you can walk eastwards to Katergaki beach and then a little further on to Poseidonia beach which is popular with surfers.
4. Achladi Beach
Syros is one of those Greek islands that is bound to enchant you with its variety of sandy beaches. From organized family ones to secluded ones, there is something for everyone.
Vari Beach is the main beach of the homonymous settlement in southern Syros, offering fine sand and calm waters. It is protected from the wind and boasts tamarisk trees that offer natural shade, making it ideal for families with children.
Ono Concept Restaurant is located right on the beach and offers sunbeds for rent during high season. Other nearby beaches include Finikas and Kokkina, both of which are sheltered and ideal for swimming and snorkeling. All these beaches are within walking distance from Syra Suites. Other farther away beaches worth visiting include Agathopes, Gramatta, Kini, and Delfini.