Hike Syros: Saint Stefanos Chapel & Galissas Beach

Walk to a clifftop chapel, then swim in waters only hikers reach

A guided hike on Syros covering 5 kilometers in around 4 hours, visiting the hilltop chapel of Agia Pakou, the secluded Saint Stefanos Chapel accessible only by foot or calm-weather boat, and ending at Galissas Beach for swimming. Snacks and liability insurance are included. A live guide speaks English and Greek. Moderate fitness is needed for the terrain.

Step-by-step itinerary

Hike to chapels and beach

• Visit hilltop chapel of Agia Pakou
• Explore chapel of Saint Stefanos
• Swim or relax at Galissas beach

The experience

The hike starts at Agia Pakou, a whitewashed Cycladic chapel perched on a hilltop with views across the Aegean. From there the route descends toward Saint Stefanos Chapel, a remote stone structure built into the cliffside and dedicated to Saint Stephen the Protomartyr. The chapel sits in a tranquil spot that draws photographers and anyone seeking quiet reflection, especially in early morning or late afternoon light. Access to it exists only on foot or by boat in settled weather, which is why most visitors never find it.

The walk covers 5 kilometers total and takes around 4 hours, ending at Galissas, a seaside village where you swim in the clear Aegean or sit at a taverna with a view. Snacks are provided during the hike. Liability insurance covers the activity. A guide who speaks English and Greek leads the group and shares the history and geography of each stop. The terrain requires moderate fitness, not a scramble, but sustained walking with elevation change.

What’s included

• Snacks during the hike.
• liability insurance.
• a live guide in English or Greek who shares the history of each site.

Options for this experience

2 options

Syros: Walk up to Saint Stefanos Chapel and down to Galissas BeachGuide in English or Greek · 17:00

Including transferGuide in English or Greek · 16:30Private vehicle

You pick the guide language when booking.

You'll see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates and prices

Before you book

Days and timesMonday, Tuesday, Thursday and SundayDepartures at 16:30 and 17:00

Book up to1d before

AgesAdult (7 to 75 years) · Under 7: can't be booked

GroupUp to 10

Live guideEnglish and Greek

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 9 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical effort

Operated by TREKKING HELLAS

Is this one for you?Choose this hike if you want to reach places most Syros visitors miss (a clifftop chapel and a secluded beach accessible only on foot), and you're comfortable with sustained walking over uneven terrain. The moderate fitness requirement is what makes the solitude and the views possible.

Traveler reviews

5.00★★★★★★★★★★

2 verified traveler reviews

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Greek.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What is the Saint Stefanos Chapel and why is it hard to reach?

Saint Stefanos Chapel is a secluded stone chapel dedicated to Saint Stephen the Protomartyr, built into a clifftop on Syros. It is accessible only by hiking or by boat when the sea is calm, which keeps it remote and rarely visited, making it a contemplative spot for photography and reflection.

Do I swim during this hike, and where?

Yes, the hike ends at Galissas Beach, a seaside village where you swim in the crystal-clear waters of the Aegean before or after eating at a local taverna.

How long is the walk and what fitness level do I need?

The hike covers 5 kilometers in around 4 hours with elevation change. You need at least a moderate level of physical fitness to complete it comfortably.

Can I book this hike with hotel pickup?

Yes, one option includes transfer to and from your hotel. The other does not. If you choose the transfer option, it costs an additional 17 euros per person each way.