By Nicolas Bard

The cosmopolitan Syros, which is flooded every summer with visitors from Greece and the whole world, and is highly developed tourist, with famous resorts and catering, has some well -hidden ornaments, which show a different, pure face of the island and few know them. One of them is the Catholic chapel of Agios Stefanos, just outside the settlement of Galissas in western Syros. This small and white chapel is stacked in a sea cave, and literally wedged on imposing rocks. But what is his story?

According to tradition, this chapel was built by a fisherman from neighboring Galissas, named Stefanos, who was in danger of losing his life to a huge octopus that pulled him into the sea. Then he prayed to the saint and made a Tama that if he saved him, he would build the chapel. And so it was! After being saved, he built a chapel in this distant place to thank the Saint, and gave him his name. Nowadays the chapel celebrates twice a year: on August 19th and December 27th. In those days a crowd of people flock to the area, and after operation it is offered to the faithful mastic and Syrian lukoumi.

Access to this secluded chapel is either by hiking by Galissas, through a moderate difficulty path, or by boat from the sea. In any case, do not forget to take water, hat, sunscreen and supplies with you for as long as you stay there, as you will find absolutely nothing in this place except absolute quiet. There, after visiting the chapel and reading the dedications that people are writing in the book inside it, you can also dive into the turquoise waters of the cave. The energy that the place exudes is unique, and it is ideal for Digital Detox.
If you visit the area on your own boat, then it is worth staying for the magnificent sunset. Lay a towel and sit on the mole on the waves, and enjoy the deep red sun dipping in the Aegean waters. In this secluded corner of the island, away from the bustling beaches and the popular beach bars you will see another Syros, more authentic and more beautiful. If you are on the island, it is worth visiting Agios Stefanos, and you will remember us …