Syros Car Rental: What We Learned From Our Experience (2023)
Are you planning to book a Syros car rental? If so, this guide is all you need to know!
If you’re visiting the island of Syros, we highly recommend renting a car for your travels! Syros is a beautiful authentic Greek island that is really easy to drive around. So much so that our family of five has rented a car in Syros multiple times, each time giving us more of a true taste of the island.
Car rentals are plentiful in the main port town of Ermoupolis, where your ferry will arrive. From the Syros Port, you can easily walk to most of Syros car rental options or take a very short taxi ride if you have a lot of luggage.
If you’re heading to Syros, read on to find out where to rent a car, some rental requirements to be aware of, and tips from our experience driving around Syros. We’ll also guide you on how to get around Syros without a car, as well as recommend some of the top Syros hotels and tours for your visit.
Guide to Syros Car Rentals
Our most recent reason for traveling to Syros was to attend the Boundless Life World School for three months. As a full-time traveling and worldschooling family, we typically travel slowly, staying a few months in each country. As such, we’re well accustomed to renting cars – and Syros is no exception.
We have personally rented a car in Syros from GALERA Rent a Car several times for around USD $30-$50/day for a Fiat Panda, which was the perfect little vehicle for our family of five (including a baby car seat).
Like most European car rentals, the fleet of cars available in Syros typically consists of basic, small manual cars with limited automatic options. You will see many Fiat Pandas driving around town, as it seems to be the most popular type of car to rent in Syros.
Thankfully for us, we had no problem renting a smaller car. This enabled us to see the entire island, exploring hidden gems like organic fruit farms, tucked-away beaches and hiking trails, and beautiful small towns far from Ermoupolis.
With our first-hand experience as our backdrop, let’s dive into the nitty gritty of renting a car in Syros, starting with where to rent a car when you arrive.
Where to Rent a Car in Syros
There are three options for where to rent a car in Syros.
- You can rent a car from Syros airport,
- Rent a car from Syros Port, or
- Have the car delivered to your hotel.
For reference, the airport is about 15 minutes from town (Ermoupolis). The port is right in the center of Ermoupolis and across the street from many Syros car rental options.
Car rental at Ermoupoli Syros Island Airport
There are several car rental options available at Syros National Airport for visitors who want to explore the island.
Note: Syros National Airport is also known as “Demetrius Vikelas” and uses the airport code JSY.
You can book your car rental online in advance, or rent a car on the spot, depending on availability. Car rentals in Syros, Greece offer you an easy way to explore the beautiful beaches of Syros, charming towns, and scenic countryside of Syros at your own pace.
Car Rental at Syros Port
The port of Syros is the main point of entry to the island, with daily ferry connections to other islands in the Cyclades as well as ferries between Syros and Athens and other mainland destinations. You can rent a car directly across the street from the Syros Port.
Tip: During high-season, I’d recommend booking your car rental from Syros Port ahead so as to secure a rental. This is also true at times during the shoulder season or during festivals and holidays!
Syros Car Rental Requirements
To rent a car on the island of Syros, you must meet certain requirements set by the car rental companies. These requirements may vary slightly depending on the specific company.
- Be at least 21 years of age, although some companies may require drivers to be older or have had a driver’s license for a minimum period of time (usually at least one year).
- Have a valid driver’s license from your home country, and in some cases, an international driver’s permit.
- Have a valid credit card in your name, which will be used to cover the cost of the rental and any additional fees.
- Provide proof of insurance, either by purchasing insurance from the rental company or by showing proof of existing insurance that covers rental cars.
Note: When we rented a car in Syros, we had to show a driver’s license (ours is from the United States), as well as a credit card. We always had our passports on hand too, just in case.
Tips for Renting a Car in Syros
Renting a car in Syros can be a great way to explore the island’s many attractions, hidden gems and access more of Syros restaurants. To ensure a smooth and enjoyable rental experience, there are a few tips that you should keep in mind:
✅ Book ahead
It’s a good idea to book a car hire ahead of time, especially during peak travel season, to ensure availability and the best rates.
✅ Choose the right vehicle
Consider the size of your group and the type of roads you’ll be driving on when selecting a rental car on Syros island. As I mentioned, our family of five, with two adults, two small children and a baby, fit in a manual Fiat Panda to drive around the island and out to the beaches for a weekend (even with a couple of small luggage bags).
✅ Inspect the car
Before accepting the rental car, carefully inspect it for any pre-existing damage, and make a note of any scratches, dents, or other issues on the rental agreement.
We have gotten into the habit of taking lots of photos of our rental cars before leaving the lot. It has saved us a time or two when we returned the car and they noted a dent. We showed them the photo on our phone with the date we took the photo and they accepted it as proof that we didn’t make the dent.
✅ Drive safely
Be aware of the local driving laws and regulations. In Syros, I would avoid driving at night, as roads can be narrow and winding. In addition, some roads aren’t well lit as you get further from the many towns.
Also, note any regulations regarding child seats. We brought the Doona stroller for our baby. This carseat and stroller in one was a true lifesaver! We also used inflatable booster seats for our other two children.
✅ Plan your route
Take some time to plan your route before setting off, and be sure to have a good map or GPS system. Syros has many scenic roads and off-the-beaten-path destinations that are well worth exploring.
Is it Safe to Rent a Car in Syros Greece?
The roads on the island are well-maintained and generally not too busy, making driving a relatively easy and safe experience to drive Syros. However, like anywhere else, renting a car comes with risk and you should familiarize yourself with any road rules that may differ from your own country, as well as roundabout rules.
We felt very safe driving around the island. That being said, I would only caution against driving after dark outside of town where some of the roads can be curvy and narrow.
Overall, renting a car in Syros is a safe and convenient way to explore the island’s many attractions. Just be sure to take the necessary precautions and drive responsibly.
How to Get Around Syros Without a Car
The main town of Ermoupolis is very easy to walk around. It is flat around the waterfront and port areas and then gets very hilly, with lots of steps up to Ano Syros village.
To go outside of Ermoupolis, it is easy to grab a taxi at the square or call for one to pick you up. Syros also has a reliable bus system that connects the island’s main towns and villages.
To go to Ano Syros, I recommend taking a taxi unless you are keen on a nice hilly walk. I actually love the walk up the many hundreds of stairs to Ano Syros, however, it’s not for everyone!
Whether by bus, taxi, foot, or bike, there are plenty of ways to get around Syros without a car, and visitors can still experience all that the island has to offer.
Rent a Scooter in Syros
Another popular option to travel around the island of Syros is to rent a scooter. A scooter provides a lot of freedom and ease of travel between the smaller streets. However, scooters aren’t the best for accommodating families, and therefore, we don’t have first-hand insight into renting scooters in Syros.
Syros Local Buses
Syros has a reliable and affordable bus system that connects the island’s main towns and villages. The buses are operated by the KTEL bus company, and there are several routes that run regularly throughout the day.
The buses are modern and comfortable and fares are affordable. The Syros bus system is a convenient way to get around Syros, and you can easily reach many of the island’s top attractions and beaches using the bus.
Syros Boat Hire
To be honest, we tried to hire a catamaran out of Syros to island hop for a long weekend during the off-season (October and November). It was much more challenging than we anticipated. There aren’t many options for a catamaran round trip from Syros. However, you can find more monohull sailboat options.
Note: One thing to note about hiring a boat between the Greek Isles is that the winds can change quickly and sometimes the boats will be delayed or have to wait until the winds die down. This happened to our friends who hired a boat to Mykonos for an evening. They couldn’t get back until very early the next morning because the winds became too strong.
Where to Stay in Syros
There are many different areas to consider when choosing a place to stay in Syros. Here are some areas we recommend staying in Syros.
📍Ermoupoli: As the island’s capital and largest town, Ermoupoli offers plenty of accommodation options, from budget-friendly guesthouses to luxury hotels. This vibrant town has a charming port area, lively nightlife, and a rich cultural heritage.
📍Galissas: This small beach resort town is known for its beautiful sandy beach and shallow calm waters.
📍Kini: This small fishing village offers a laid-back atmosphere and beautiful scenery. The sunsets can be especially gorgeous at Kini Beach.
📍Ano Syros: This historic hilltop village offers stunning views of the island and the Aegean Sea. You can meander through the small charming pedestrian streets, up and down the stairs, while enjoying the beautiful whitewashed buildings, cafes and shops.
Best Hotels in Syros
There are many great hotels in Syros, but here are three of our favorites:
⭐Hotel Ploes
This elegant and luxurious hotel is located in the heart of Ermoupoli and offers stunning views of the Aegean Sea. Hotel Ploes features beautifully designed rooms and suites, a rooftop terrace with a pool, and a gourmet restaurant.
⭐Dolphin Bay Family Beach Resort
This family-style hotel is located right across from Galissas Beach and offers stunning views of the sea. There is a nice size pool and waterslide, which is very fun for all the kids. We suggest asking for one of the renovated rooms. There are options for rooms with bunk beds, making Dolphin Bay Family Beach Resort very popular for families!
⭐Castro Hotel
If you are looking for a gorgeous boutique hotel in the heart of Ermoupoli with a spa, book this! You can walk to everything in Ermoupoli, the food is delicious and the spa is wonderful (with a stone-walled, cave-like setting, a Turkish bath, jacuzzi, and massage area). We highly recommend Castro Hotel in Ermoupoli.
⭐More Hotels: Check out these Top 11 Hotels in Syros
FAQs: Syros Car Rentals
While we’ve aimed to cover everything you need to know about Syros car hires, here are a few common questions people have when looking to drive in Syros.
Can You Rent a Car in Greece with a US Driver’s License?
Yes, we rented a car in Syros Greece with a US Driver’s License, passport and credit card. Check with the Syros car rental company that you choose to get their requirements, which may vary.
Can You Rent a Car in Greece without an International Driver’s License?
When renting cars in Syros, we did not need an international driver’s license as US Citizens. However, check with the company that you rent from and verify what documents they require for your rental. Some places may require an international driver’s license.
What Documents Do I Need to Rent a Car in Greece?
When we rented cars in Syros, we showed a passport and driver’s license. We rented using a credit card (that has rental car coverage) and were never asked for any additional insurance coverage. We can’t guarantee any particular experience with what documentation might be needed for you when you rent a car in Syros.
How Much is a Rental Car Per Day from Ermoupolis Airport?
The cost of renting a car per day from Ermoupolis Airport in Syros, Greece can vary depending on the car rental company, the type of car you choose, the time of year, and the length of the rental period. Generally, the cost for a basic car rental can start from around 25-30 euros per day for a small economy car and can go up to 50-60 euros per day for a larger car.
Conclusion: Syros Car Rentals
Syros is a beautiful and picturesque island in Greece, offering a wide range of sights, activities, and experiences. Renting a car on Syros can be a great way to explore the island at your own pace and discover its many hidden gems.
With several Syros car rental options available, you should be able to find one that fits your needs and budget. Just make sure to book in advance during high season, weekends and holidays!
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