Syros Guide for Budget Travelers
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Syros, one of the smallest islands in the Cyclades, has all the charm of a Greek island. Hiking trails, archeological sites, sea excursions and ancient fortresses make this island a desirable place to stop. Home to Ermoupoli, Syros has an interesting history that needs to be explored. You'd think Syros, the Cyclades’ capital, would get more tourism than other islands. But, this gives backpackers a feeling of freedom from the old couples roaming the area in their cozy tour buses. Syros has a lively year-round atmosphere, contains great eateries, and showcases the Greek lifestyle that is missing on other islands during the summer.
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Price of Services in Syros
Hostels - Hostels in Syros are expensive no matter the season. There won't be a hostel open in the fall/winter time in Syros. You'll have to rely on a hotel room during the colder times of the year. The summer will be more expensive than the fall and winter months as expected. The starting price for a private 3 bed room in the fall or winter will start from 15€ ($13USD) each per person. Anything in the summer time for a private 3 bed room will cost upward up of 25€ ($28USD) per person. Anything under 3 beds will usually cost more. Expect to pay 17.50€ ($20USD) or more for 2 bed private room in the fall or winter. Summer prices for a 2 bed private room will start at 30€ ($35USD). Weekends will also effect prices. The most expensive days to rent a hostel bed is Friday and Saturday night.
Food Costs - Food in Syros is reasonable priced if you stick to simple Greek food. Greece is known for a being a reasonable priced country for food. Starting prices for a budget breakfast will be 2€ ($2.25USD), 3€ ($3.50USD) for a budget lunch and 8€ ($10USD) for a budget sit-down dinner. Upper scale restaurants will cost a pretty penny. Expect to pay 3.50€ ($4USD) or more for a light beer (.5L) in a restaurant.
Transportation - Transportation in Syros won't break your budget. Avoid taxis due to the pricing. Buses are the best option for the price. I would recommend renting a moped for the time you are there. Mopeds will cost about 15€ a day with 5€ in gas. Take a friend and split the price. This way you can see every inch of the island without having any restrictions.
Activities - For backpackers who want to relax and tan, there are plenty of beaches on the island. If being on the water is your thing, try a sea excursion near Kini Beach on the north part of the island. To see the whole island on your schedule, rent a moped at any of the rental shops near the main port. Moped rentals start at 15€ a day and 5€ for gas. Hiking is also a popular thing to do in Syros. Take any of the trails on the north side of the island for untouched landscapes and archaeological sites. For the best views on the island, take a hike to the top of Ano Syros. As you get off the ferry at the main port of Syros, look north to the tallest part of the village. There you will see Ano Syros, a fantastic lookout for photos and overall views.
Food Costs - Food in Syros is reasonable priced if you stick to simple Greek food. Greece is known for a being a reasonable priced country for food. Starting prices for a budget breakfast will be 2€ ($2.25USD), 3€ ($3.50USD) for a budget lunch and 8€ ($10USD) for a budget sit-down dinner. Upper scale restaurants will cost a pretty penny. Expect to pay 3.50€ ($4USD) or more for a light beer (.5L) in a restaurant.
Transportation - Transportation in Syros won't break your budget. Avoid taxis due to the pricing. Buses are the best option for the price. I would recommend renting a moped for the time you are there. Mopeds will cost about 15€ a day with 5€ in gas. Take a friend and split the price. This way you can see every inch of the island without having any restrictions.
Activities - For backpackers who want to relax and tan, there are plenty of beaches on the island. If being on the water is your thing, try a sea excursion near Kini Beach on the north part of the island. To see the whole island on your schedule, rent a moped at any of the rental shops near the main port. Moped rentals start at 15€ a day and 5€ for gas. Hiking is also a popular thing to do in Syros. Take any of the trails on the north side of the island for untouched landscapes and archaeological sites. For the best views on the island, take a hike to the top of Ano Syros. As you get off the ferry at the main port of Syros, look north to the tallest part of the village. There you will see Ano Syros, a fantastic lookout for photos and overall views.
Best Ways to Save Money
Book in Advance - To save some added dough, always book your transportation, hostels and tours in advance. Doing this can save upward of 40-50%.
Buy Food at Grocery Stores - Buy your food and beer at a grocery store. Food and beer will be 60-70% cheaper than a restaurant. Beer in a grocery store is usually 1€ ($1.08USD) per bottle (.5L). Buying food at a grocery store can be done with 10€($11USD) a day if you budget right.
Camping - There aren't many cheap options in the summer time in Syros. If you have a tent and sleeping bag, it's perfectly legal to sleep on the beaches. Be sure to find a secluded spot away the city so the police won't kick you out. I would recommend this for anyone who is okay with sleeping outdoors. This method will help your wallet greatly.
Walk Everywhere - Moped, buses and taxis will cost money (obviously). To save some cash, walk everywhere. Gyros isn't a large island. Walking is doable.
Buy Food at Grocery Stores - Buy your food and beer at a grocery store. Food and beer will be 60-70% cheaper than a restaurant. Beer in a grocery store is usually 1€ ($1.08USD) per bottle (.5L). Buying food at a grocery store can be done with 10€($11USD) a day if you budget right.
Camping - There aren't many cheap options in the summer time in Syros. If you have a tent and sleeping bag, it's perfectly legal to sleep on the beaches. Be sure to find a secluded spot away the city so the police won't kick you out. I would recommend this for anyone who is okay with sleeping outdoors. This method will help your wallet greatly.
Walk Everywhere - Moped, buses and taxis will cost money (obviously). To save some cash, walk everywhere. Gyros isn't a large island. Walking is doable.
Red Flags
Hostels/Hotels - Hostels and hotels are pricey on Syros. Be sure to do some research not the cheapest accommodation. If you have a tent and sleeping bag, camp as much as possible on all the islands.
Hidden Gems
Hiking - Take a walk through the untouched landscapes all over the island. The higher you get, the more beautiful the island becomes. This island is a haven for photographers!
Top 3 Things To Do in Syros
#1 Ano SyrosThis Venetian architectural masterpiece, Ano Syros, was built around 1200 AD. The Ano Syros is located to the left of the city on the top of the nearest hill overlooking the ocean. The way this settlement was built reflects the times of war and chaos. There are perches that still exist that were used to shoot down enemies. Houses line the hill from left to right. It's a wonderful piece of history waiting for you to explore.
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#2 Hiking the HillsHiking is a great way to spend a day on Syros. There are plenty of archaeological sites that have been preserved for trekkers and tourists. Be sure to take your lunch and plenty of water on this excursion. The views from the top are breathtaking.
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#3 The Many BeachesSyros, like many of the islands in Greece have incredible beaches. Dip your toes in the white sand beaches on any part of the island. For the Top 18 beaches in Syros, click the link below.
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