Motorcycle Rentals on Syros island

Syros doesn't announce itself the way Santorini or Mykonos does, and that's exactly its appeal. Rent a motorcycle here and you can climb the switchbacks up to Ano Syros for a sunset over the rooftops of Ermoupoli, then coast back down to the marble expanse of Miaouli Square before dinner. Ride out along the coast the next morning and you'll find yourself alone on the shore at Grammata Bay, a spot most visitors to the Cyclades never even hear about.

The island is only about 18km long, but its roads tell two different stories. In Ermoupoli and Ano Syros you're dealing with narrow, steep, cobbled lanes where a car is more trouble than it's worth and parking is a headache. Out beyond town, open coastal roads link beach villages that the local bus barely touches. A scooter or motorbike bridges both worlds — nimble enough for the old town, quick enough to string together three beaches in an afternoon, and the only realistic way to reach the wild, terraced north of the island.

Top 10 things to see in Ermoupoli by motorcycle

1. Ano Syros — a hilltop medieval quarter of steep cobbled alleys, with the best sunset panorama over Ermoupoli and the port, just a short, steep climb from town.
2. Vaporia (Ermoupoli) — a neoclassical waterfront district of mansions perched over the rocks by Agios Nikolaos church, worth riding in for golden-hour photos and a swim off the rocks at Asteria.
3. Miaouli Square & Apollo Theatre, Ermoupoli — the marble-paved heart of the capital and its 19th-century opera house, the natural start and end point of any island loop.
4. Kini Bay (Kini) — a laid-back fishing village on the west coast with a sandy beach and seafood tavernas right on the sand.
5. Galissas Beach — a long, sheltered sandy beach on the west coast, calm and café-lined, popular for swimming.
6. Vari Beach — shallow turquoise water and soft sand on the south coast, a quieter alternative to Galissas.
7. Agathopes Beach — golden sand near Finikas and Poseidonia with beach-bar service, often called the island's prettiest stretch of coast.
8. Finikas — a small marina village with waterside tavernas, a relaxed stop on the south-coast route past Poseidonia.
9. Grammata Bay — a remote bay reached by dirt track on the northwest coast, known for ancient inscribed rocks and its isolation, best suited to a trail-capable bike.
10. Apano Meria (northern Syros) — the wild, sparsely populated north, all terraced hills, small chapels and sea views, a world away from the touristy south.

What do you need to rent a motorcycle in Ermoupoli?

For a 50cc scooter you'll need at least a category AM licence and to be 16 or over; anything from 125cc up requires the matching motorcycle category (A1, A2 or A), and rental shops are required to check it. Non-EU visitors should carry an International Driving Permit alongside their home licence. Most operators also ask for a deposit, usually held on a credit card, with the exact amount set by the individual rental company.

How much does it cost to rent a motorcycle in Ermoupoli?

Expect around EUR 25–35 per day for a 50cc scooter in low season, rising to EUR 40–60 in high season. Larger 125cc–300cc motorbikes run roughly EUR 50–90 a day at the peak, and bigger touring or adventure bikes can reach EUR 80–120 in July and August.

• April, May and October are the cheapest months to book.
• July and August are the most expensive, with the tightest availability.
• Most rental shops close entirely between November and March.

When to book a rental motorcycle in Ermoupoli?

High season runs July to August, when prices peak and popular models sell out early, so book a few weeks ahead if you're travelling then. Low season stretches from November to March, though many shops shut for the winter altogether, so the real value window is the shoulder months, April, May and October, when prices drop and the roads are far quieter.

Local traffic rules in Ermoupoli

Greece drives on the right. Helmets are compulsory for riders and passengers on every scooter, moped and motorcycle, and enforcement is strict. Speed limits are 50 km/h in built-up areas and 90 km/h on the open road, though Syros's narrow, switchback lanes rarely let you get near that. The blood-alcohol limit is 0.5 g/l for most drivers, but a stricter 0.2 g/l applies to motorcyclists. Keep in mind that rental insurance almost never covers dirt tracks or unpaved roads, so places like Grammata Bay come with that trade-off in mind. If you want to rent a motorcycle in Ermoupoli, just use the search form at the top of the page. Have a nice trip!

Types of motorcycles available

On our website you can rent the following types of motorcycles: cruiser, sport, touring, standard, classic, dual-purpose, dirt bikes, street, naked bikes or roadsters, choppers, custom, streetfighter, sport-touring, dual-sport, on-road, off-road, adventure motorcycles, supermoto, scrambler, motorcycle with sidecar, enduro, motocross mx, trail, motards, tricycles, bikes with automatic or manual gears, luxury motorbikes.

Models of motorcycles available

On our website you can hire motorcycles from the following manufacturers: BMW, Harley Davidson, Aprilia, Buell, Cagiva, Ducati, Gilera, Honda, Yamaha, Kawasaki, Suzuki, KTM, Husqvarna, Jawa, MV Agusta, Moto Guzzi, Triumph, Benelli, Bajaj, Indian, Royal Enfield, TVS, Beta, Bimota.

Which insurance is provided?

Most providers include basic third-party liability insurance in the rental price, with options to upgrade to fuller coverage that reduces or removes your deposit liability in case of damage or theft. Always confirm exactly what is and isn’t covered before you set off.

Extra services available

When you make an online motorbike reservation you can also order the following extra services and equipment: integral helmet, GPS navigation, intercom, unlimited mileage, top case, side cases, boots, jacket, gloves, individual guide or tour, map, full insurance, one-way rental, or delivery to your chosen address.

Why use BikesBooking.com?

• Compare prices from multiple local rental companies in one place;
• Read reviews from previous customers;
• Reserve online with a Best Price Guarantee;
• Friendly support if your plans change.

Most of our motorcycle rental providers have years of experience and will equip you with a well-maintained bike, helmet and insurance for the ride ahead. The number of companies we work with is increasing every day, so if you want to rent a motorcycle locally, just use the search form at the top of the page. Have a nice trip!