Ormos Galissas

Navigation

Ormos Galissas is a small bay located 9 kilometres away from Ermoupolis. It lies immediately at S of Ak Katakefalos. Take a ferry and anchor 4 to 5 meters at the bay’s head. The depth is 3 meter just 50 meters off the beach. 

Considering the bottom has sand, it has good holding. The bay’s S side has a short mole. Many yachts can get shelter from the meltemi by squeezing in behind. You will find tavernas and minimarkets ashore that produce sound levels.

General Information

Ormos Galissas is one of the most loved tourist places in Syros. It is just 9 kilometers away from Ermoupolis (the main town). Peace lovers and party animals can find plenty of things to do here. Prance around in the disco or shop for souvenirs in the mini market. 

The pier of Ormos Galissas is ideal for morning and evening strolls. If you have romance on your mind, watch the sunset together or walk till the Agios Stefanos Church. 

The well-known seaside resort and small bay is bustling in the summer season. It is indeed a picturesque site for nature lovers.

History of Ormos Galissas 

Ormos Galissas comes alive in the months of July and August. Besides swimming in crystal clear waters and eating local cuisine, travelers can get to know about the history of Syros. As per archaeological evidence, it was first inhabited in 4000 BC and then in the Cycladic periods (which is 3000 BC). Traces of early settlements have been found in Agia Pakous (the hill) in Ormos Galissas. 

In 1821, during the Greek Revolution, the island was inhabited by immigrants of Minor Asia, Chios, Crete, and Psara. This is when Syros became an island popular for maritime and trade activities. 

The wealthy family started constructing royal buildings. One of the chapels in the rocks was built by a fisherman. In a nutshell, Ormos Galissas is not just popular for beaches, food, and chapels. It has an interesting history as well. If you are visiting the resort town, you must speak to the locals, eat good food, relax on the beaches, run free at the nudist beach, and soak in the view of the Aegan sea.

Places of Interest

Agios Stefanos

Agios Stefanos is a picturesque chapel located in Ormos Galissas. The chapel is tucked between rocks and going here will be a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Did you know that a fisherman built this chapel after he got saved from an octopus? When the octopus attacked the fisherman, he prayed to the saint to save him from the tentacles. 

You can take a boat to reach the chapel. It takes approximately 15 minutes to reach the final destination.

Agias Pakous

Gods may listen to you in Greece. This is their humble and heavenly abode. The Agias Pakous church sits on top of a hill in Ormos Galissas. You get an amazing view of the Aegan Sea. The path that leads to the church is difficult to climb as the flight of stairs are small and the path is rough. Nonetheless, you must visit the beautiful church just to seek blessings and soak in the view from the hilltop. 

Armeos Beach

There are very few beaches in the world where you can go topless. Armeous is a nudist beach where you can prance around freely without clothes. Feel free as nobody passes a judgment. 

Galissas Beach

When God was busy making the world, they created Greece for lovers and nature-enthusiasts. The Galissas Beach offers a picturesque view of the water body. You get to see different hues of blue from a distance. 

Bathe under the sun or simply indulge in deep conversations. Watching the sunset and strolling on the beach are some of the most romantic things you can do here.