Tourists have the chance to stay on an idyllic Greek island with free accommodation, breakfast, and utilities in exchange for volunteering at a cat sanctuary and helping care for the animals. The opportunity is on the historic island of Syros, part of the Cyclades in the Aegean Sea, home to the Syros Cats sanctuary. Since the 1990s, the sanctuary has been a pioneer in feline welfare, running trap, neuter and return (TNR) programmes, monitoring animal health, and helping stray cats integrate safely with the local community.

Volunteers are welcomed from all over the world to join the team and immerse themselves in animal care while experiencing life on a Greek island. The sanctuary seeks volunteers who are fit, mature, healthy, and independent, capable of committing to a minimum stay of one month. Candidates should be willing to devote five hours a day, five days a week, to essential tasks such as cleaning living spaces, preparing and distributing food, socialising kittens, and simply creating a safe, loving environment for the cats.

Volunteers with veterinary experience or familiarity with feral cats are particularly welcome, but the programme is open to anyone willing to get their hands dirty, be reliable, and actively engage with the animals.

In return, participants receive free accommodation, breakfast, and access to services, allowing them to focus fully on their work while enjoying the Mediterranean climate. Living alongside other volunteers also encourages cultural exchange and camaraderie.

The sanctuary’s work has transformed the relationship between the island’s residents and its feline population. Richard Bowell, co-founder of God’s Little People Cat Rescue, which collaborates with Syros Cats, said: “We want to show the world that we really care about animals. The way we treat them reflects something of our own humanity.”

Thanks to these efforts, the local community now treats cats with respect and pride, a major shift from the indifference or hostility that existed in the past.

Syros itself has been described as a quieter, less touristy alternative to more famous Greek islands like Santorini and Mykonos. YouTubers Katie and George of Intersection Voyage highlighted the island’s charm during a recent visit: “Every year, millions of people travel to Greece’s most famous islands, Santorini and Mykonos. However, after traveling to both Santorini and Mykonos, I have come to realise that there are some other, way less commercialised islands, which are amazingly rich in history and scenery.

“We will be spending the next 3 days on one of Greece’s most historic and beautiful Greek islands, exploring hidden cave churches, local beaches, unique cuisine and the island’s famous tourist attractions.”

Reflecting on their stay, they added: “Looking back on this island, there was something just magical about it. It was unique and authentic and it had something for everyone. I found the locals were extremely kind and generous and were always willing to help if you needed it. We didn’t even scratch the surface of how many hidden places there are to see.”

Applications for the 2026 volunteer season are now closed, but those interested in participating in 2027 can apply when registration reopens in September 2026 via the official Syros Cats website or subscribe to their newsletter for updates.