Syros island, located in the Aegean Sea and about 110 km from Piraeus port, has become a dream destination for many. The island is seeking caregivers for its 3,000 stray cats.

Since the 1990s, charities like Syros Cats have worked to control the cat population through sterilization and veterinary care. They are now looking for healthy, independent, and physically capable volunteers to care for the island's cats for a minimum of one month.

Syros island is home to approximately 3,000 stray cats needing care. Photo: Fodors

In return, volunteers receive free accommodation, utilities, breakfast, and basic living expenses. Volunteers are responsible for their travel costs to the island, as well as lunch and dinner during their stay. They work approximately 5 hours a day, 5 days a week. Duties include feeding cats, cleaning, and petting rescued kittens.

Daily tasks also involve cleaning litter boxes, grooming, gardening, catching or assisting in trapping stray cats, administering medication, and transporting sick, injured, or unvaccinated cats to the veterinarian.

Beyond cat care, volunteers are expected to interact with tourists and guide them around the area. The organization advises against picking up sick or injured cats without prior discussion, as they may be unvaccinated or require special care.

A view of Syros island. Photo: Live the greek life

Candidates with training or experience as veterinary nurses, or those who have worked with stray cats, will have an advantage. Individuals under 25 years old are less likely to be accepted, as they may not meet the required level of "independence and initiative".

However, Syros Cats states it welcomes reliable, punctual, and self-sufficient cat lovers, provided they are willing to work diligently.

Each recruitment round accepts a maximum of 4 volunteers, often from different countries. Therefore, applicants need to "respect and accept differences in customs, race, gender, and beliefs". Each person will have a private bedroom and share a kitchen, bathroom, and living space with other volunteers.

Currently, volunteer applications for 2026 are closed due to the overwhelming interest. However, the organization encourages interested individuals to follow its social media channels for updates on the next recruitment period. When applications reopen, candidates must complete an application form, detailing their reasons for wanting to participate, along with a summary of their work and cat care experience.

The organization welcomes digital nomads and remote workers, provided they can be flexible with their working hours outside the fixed schedule. Applicants traveling with children or pets will not be considered.

Outside of their contracted working hours, volunteers can spend the remaining time exploring the island like a true tourist, by oto, moto, or on foot.

Syros island seen from the sea. Photo: Visit Syros

Syros serves as the administrative center of the Cyclades, Greece's most renowned archipelago, according to Discover Greece, the website of the Hellenic Federation of Hotels. It attracts visitors with its modern pace of life alongside traditional customs, creating a vibrant yet peaceful atmosphere.

Ermoupoli, the main town on Syros island, stretches in an arc along the hillside, featuring expansive squares and neoclassical mansions. During the peak summer tourist season, tranquil bays and coastal fishing villages become popular attractions.

Ermoupoli also boasts cultural sites such as the Apollo Theater, designed after Milan's La Scala opera house. The Agios Nikolaos the Rich Church is one of the most impressive religious structures in the Cyclades. Shops, cafes, and cultural spaces ensure Ermoupoli remains lively throughout all four seasons. Visitors should explore the Archaeological Museum, the Hermoupolis Industrial Museum, and the Hermoupolis Heritage complex, which preserves the former Zisimatos textile factory.

Above Ermoupoli lies Ano Syros, a labyrinth of white alleys characteristic of the Cyclades, arched pathways, and Venetian architecture, highlighted by the Catholic Church of Agios Georgios atop the hill. These two areas distinctly showcase Syros's "two souls": Cycladic and Venetian, traditional and international, elegant yet approachable.

Additionally, volunteers on the island can visit Syros's coastal villages like Kini, Galissas, Finikas, and Vari.

Finally, a visit to Syros would be incomplete without savoring local flavors, from wine to San Michali cheese. Visitors should try two traditional sweets: loukoumia (Turkish delight) and halvadopita (a sweet pie with a soft filling made from honey, egg whites, sugar, vanilla, and almonds), brought by Greeks from Asia Minor.