Syros is the capital of the Cyclades island group and, as such, has a heart that beats all year round as locals go about their business. The Boundless Life team and locals alike will afford you the warmest of welcomes at all times of the year, but why is our 3-month autumn cohort, in particular, a GREAT time to discover Syros? Let’s find out!
The Climate
OK, so September is really an extension of summer so you essentially get to experience two seasons during our autumn Exploration cohort (Sep-Nov)! September will still have plenty of really warm days for chilling out on nearby beaches, trying out a new watersport or enjoying long leisurely alfresco dinners.
Moving into October and November the weather does become milder (15 - 20 degrees typically) but there is still plenty of sunshine to be found and any rain is often over and done with quickly. It’s still possible to swim in the sea in September and October. Some of our families can also lay claim to swimming in November! You’ll find the locals swimming all year round so it’s entirely possible and very refreshing!
Less Wind
Another good thing about visiting the Greek islands in autumn is that the meltemi winds will have stopped. These are strong, seasonal winds that blow in the summertime and affect the Cyclades islands in particular. These cooling winds can be appreciated in the highest temperatures of summer, but come autumn, their abatement makes for even better sailing conditions. This makes autumn a fantastic time of year to introduce your children to sailing via our Extra Curricular Activity - led by our Boundless Life Experience Champion, Giannis (or John) - who is an expert sailing instructor.
Heavenly Hiking
When he is not leading the sailing classes you will find Giannis leading hikes across the island - which he knows like the back of his hand. The cooler temperatures provide the perfect opportunity to explore largely undiscovered corners of the island - from tiny chapels set into the side of the cliffs to deserted bays.
All the sights, less of the crowds
With the peak summer tourist season behind you, autumn is a great time to discover all that Syros has to offer without the crowds. No need to worry about getting a sunbed on the beach!
You will also find most of Syros’ restaurants and cafes remain open to serve its significant local population - so you will never be short of places to sample the fantastic cuisine the island has to offer.
Seasonal Events
You can enjoy the Ohi Day parade day in October with your family as the main square is transformed into a colourful spectacle. It’s a feast for all the senses. Listen to renditions of popular songs such as “Women of Epirus” and the Greek march, “Pindos”. See young and old alike take part in the parade with obvious pride. After the parade, you can get together with family and friends to get a taste of a huge communal feast!
Don’t just take our word for it though. One of the dads who enjoyed a Boundless autumn in Syros penned this wonderful tribute to Giannis:
“I want to graciously thank Giannis for sharing with us the many wonders of Ermoupolis through his 3-month series of Monday morning hikes.
Each hike built upon the last as week by week we gained a new appreciation for generations gone by.
Much like each stone stacked into the wild walls spread throughout the surrounding hills, his hikes have served as supporting stories to build upon the history of this island and to share the experiences of these people broken into bite-sized tasty tales each week.
Giannis has travelled us through time to feel the excitement of industry as growth gripped the city when sailors far and wide sought out the superior shipbuilders of Syros;
to feel the passion and pride of the musical maverick Markos that made his mark from Ano Syros;
to feel the resilience and resourcefulness of family farmers bringing to life precious produce without water and with western wayward winds to harvest hearty golden grapes, olives aplenty, classic capers, pushing and ploughing this tough tierra to somehow source sustenance from this stony soil.
East to west, north to south, Giannis has welcomed us to walk through time and place to introduce the capital of the Cyclades to us fearsome foreigners.
We did not miss a week and we are so grateful that you have so sweetly shared your Syros stories with us and taken along our Jovi on this journey.
Thank you Giannis!”
If you like the sound of living like an islander this autumn, don’t miss out! Hop on a call with one of our team to secure your spot now.
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