Solo in Syros

Happy New Year! I hope that 2023 brings you peace, health, joy, and adventure.

Back in August of 2022, I went by myself to the island of Naxos for about a week. I fell in love with the slow life there and found myself not very eager to return to the busy city of Athens.

I had taken a ferry from Athens to Naxos to arrive to the island, and I had booked a round-trip ticket. Recalling that there were multiple island stops along the way between Athens and Naxos, I decided to extend this summer island adventure and explore another island that would be on the way back to Athens. After boarding my ferry that was to take me back to Athens, I got off earlier than I should have and decided to explore the island of Syros!

I chose to book two different Airbnb’s in two very different locations on this island. (This allows you to see more of the island and experience a variety of places.) My first stay was near the port of Syros. The absolute first item of business I took care of once I found the Airbnb was to visit the laundromat. This stretch of the trip was completely unexpected (I thought I was just visiting Naxos and then returning back to Athens). Since the length of my trip almost doubled, I needed to wash some clothes. So I walked my laundry down in a duffle bag, waited while it washed, walked it back to the Airbnb, and hung it to dry.

Every day on this island was HOT. Nearly 100°F every day! During the first half of this island trip, I stayed near the port, followed by my stay in the more rural areas later in the week. I enjoyed spending my morning at cafes either reading or working on my laptop while enjoying the beautiful views.

I (of course) had many freddo cappuccinos as well! The best Greek-style coffee there is, especially in the extreme heat.

After having some productive mornings, something I really enjoyed was just wandering the streets in the early evening as it began to cool off a bit. The streets were so pleasant to my eyes, much different than what I was used to seeing in Athens; everywhere I looked the alleys and entrances to homes were quaint, clean, and beautiful.

While staying in the port area, I also made use of easy access to tavernas and other restaurants. It was a tasty time! However, I’d have to say that one of the biggest downsides to traveling solo is not being able to order as many appetizers as one would like to try!

After spending about two or three days hanging around the port area, it was time to move to my second and final destination on the island of Syros. The Airbnb host of the more ‘rural’ of my two stays picked me up and drove me to the location (very common here in Greece!). We drove across the majority of the island… and spent about 20 minutes total driving. Yes, this island is much smaller than Naxos and other islands that I’ve been to!

The second stay of mine that I booked on this island was much more secluded and had access to more beaches. The closest place to buy water or to have dinner was about a 13-minute walk on dirt roads. I completed the walk once to get a feel for the area and saw some beautiful sights along the way!

While in the more rural part of the island, I spent one day in Galissas and another day in the village of Kini. Galissas was the beach/area nearest to my Airbnb.

Galissas is known for having a beautiful beach, however, it did not pique my interest! After having a completely private and stunning beach all to myself in Naxos, sharing a beach didn’t seem quite as peaceful! I looked around and enjoyed the views, but my swimming suit never came out of the suitcase while on the island of Syros. The beaches were packed with (mostly Greek) tourists. (I did not hear much English at all throughout the island.)

My most memorable moment from this island was definitely seeing the sunset at a little church on a hill. It was a nice walk up to the top of the hill with the church that stood there, and it overlooked the beach, the traditional Cycladic buildings, and of course, the open sea ahead.

I spent one of my days in Syros in the village of Kini, walking along the sea and beaches. My Airbnb host dropped me off at the town on his way to the port, and I later took a bus back to my area later in the evening. When you first arrive at Kini you are greeted by a beautiful statue of the Little Mermaid welcoming you.

This village was very small and relaxed. I did a lot of reading and writing while enjoying a coffee (a bit of cafe hopping). After some downtime in the cafe during the afternoon, when the temperature began to become more tolerable, I took a long walk around the perimeter of the village, walking alongside the sea.

I decided to head out of Kini and towards the village of my Airbnb before dark, just to avoid any potential challenges. After arriving back in Galissas, I looked up and smiled when I saw the beautiful sight of the sun setting near the little church on the hill; just where I had been the night before. I felt present at that moment and felt an overwhelming sense of peace.

I found a little taverna that had a view overlooking the sea for one final island dinner. I ordered my go-to when I don’t feel like thinking about what to order. As always, it was delicious! (Island food typically is… everything is just so fresh!)

Before I knew it, my time on the islands had come to an end. I boarded the ferry that brought me back to Athens and started preparing for the school year I had ahead of me.

This trip was absolutely wonderful. I am so grateful to have had this opportunity to extend my island trip an extra few days to see more of the beautiful country of Greece and experience all the beauty that Syros has to offer.

Thanks for reading.

❤️
~Anna