SYROS
Syros
Syros is probably not the Cyclades island that comes to mind when thinking about a holiday but as the capital of the Cyclades archipelago in Greece, it is a unique and vibrant island that often flies under the radar compared to its more famous neighbours.
Located in the heart of the Aegean Sea, Syros spans an area of approximately 84 square kilometers (32 square miles). What sets Syros apart from other Cycladic islands is its historical significance and architectural charm. Ermoupoli, the island’s capital, is the largest town in the Cyclades and showcases a blend of neoclassical and Venetian architecture. The town’s impressive mansions, marble-paved streets, and grand squares create a unique ambiance and a sense of timeless elegance.
Syros is also known for its rich cultural heritage. The island hosts numerous cultural events, including the renowned Syros International Film Festival and the Syros Jazz Festival, attracting artists and visitors from around the world. Ermoupoli is home to the Apollo Theater, a majestic opera house built in the 19th century, adding a touch of cultural sophistication to the island.
Syros boasts beautiful beaches, although they may not be as widely known as those on some of the more touristy islands. Galissas Beach, located on the western coast, is one of the most popular beaches on the island, offering golden sand and clear waters suitable for swimming and water sports. Other beaches worth exploring include Kini Beach, Megas Gialos, and Vari Beach, each with its own unique charm.
In addition to its architectural beauty and cultural scene, Syros has a rich gastronomic tradition. The island is known for its local specialties, including “loukoumi” (a traditional sweet), “san Michalis” cheese, and the “Syriani” fish soup.
Best places to stay on Syros
The best place for you to stay on Syros is likely to be based on your preference on the islands. Do you like to stay in a town setting, travelling to beaches during the day and heading out for dinner in the evening? Or do you like to stay nearer the beaches with the occasional visit into the more built up areas.
Ermoupoli is the big town on Syros and has plenty of accommodation options, many of them in the grand old Vaporian mansions and others in the higher Ano Syros area. Here are some of the better known Ermoupoli hotels:
Hotel Ploes: Located in the heart of Ermoupoli, Hotel Ploes offers comfortable and stylish accommodations in a renovated neoclassical building. It boasts elegant rooms, a rooftop terrace with panoramic views, and a central location close to the main attractions of the town.
Hotel Nissaki: Situated right on the waterfront promenade of Ermoupoli, Hotel Nissaki offers stunning views of the Aegean Sea. The hotel features tastefully decorated rooms, a restaurant serving Greek and Mediterranean cuisine, and a rooftop pool with a bar overlooking the harbor.
Hotel Hermes: This charming boutique hotel is centrally located in Ermoupoli and offers a cozy and welcoming atmosphere. Hotel Hermes provides comfortable rooms, a courtyard garden, and a delicious breakfast served daily. It’s within walking distance of the main square, shops, and restaurants.
Diogenis Hotel: Set in a historic building in the heart of Ermoupoli, Diogenis Hotel combines traditional elegance with modern comfort. The hotel features spacious rooms, a lovely courtyard, and a rooftop terrace offering panoramic views of the town and the sea.
Ethrion Hotel: Located in a quiet area of Ermoupoli, Ethrion Hotel offers a peaceful retreat with comfortable rooms and a warm hospitality. The hotel has a cozy lounge area, a rooftop garden, and a delicious breakfast buffet. It’s within walking distance of the town’s main attractions and amenities.
For suite style options, Shapes, Diio and Syros Soul are all well located options to look at. Pafsilipon Suites have been recently been added to the Aria stable – in a great position at the end of Posidonos, they are definitely worth a look.
Wind Tales is one to look at in Ano Syros – but just be aware that a great view means a great height and a slow walk back from an Ermoupoli dinner!
On the west side of the island Kini offers a good contrast to Ermoupoli. Pino di Loto has been highly rated and received awards for several years – it’s a comfortable place to stay above Kini with a good view. Down at sea level , Blue Harmony is a new addition in recent years and is in a great position to stroll onto the sand and go to the decent tavernas.
Heading further down the coast you’ll find Hotel Benois near Galissas Beach and Good Life Greece Eco Villas outside Poseidonia for something a little different.
Other areas to consider are around Megas Gialos in the south and Azolimnos in the south east of the island.
Best attractions on Syros
Ermoupoli is the obvious place to start. The town is known for its stunning neoclassical architecture, picturesque streets, and vibrant atmosphere. Take a stroll through Miaouli Square, a real European style meeting place for the locals, visit the impressive Town Hall, and explore the charming narrow alleys filled with shops, cafes, and restaurants. The waterfront is also lined with a mix of older style and modern cafes, perfect spots to watch the nautical comings and goings.
Even if you’re not into churches, the 2 famous landmarks of the Catholic Church of Saint George and the Greek Orthodox Church of Saint Nicholas are both worth a visit with impressive interiors.
The 19th century Apollo Theatre is another landmark Ermoupoli building worth a visit and especially if you can see a performance there.
Located on the hill above Ermoupoli, Ano Syros is the island’s oldest and most traditional neighbourhood. Its narrow alleys, whitewashed houses, and panoramic views make it a must-visit attraction – and the hills make it one for the fitter folk.
Stroll through the market area of Ermoupoli – in particular check out the range of cheeses, olives and other goods at Prekas – it will be tough to leave without buying something.
And for the best loukoumi, head to the shop on the western side of Maiouli Square for a great selection.
Best beaches on Syros
Asteria Beach in Ermoupoli is more a swimming platform than a beach – but it attracts a fair crowd of locals and tourists. Maybe the Ciel bar for an after swim drink is the attraction.
Kini is a nice sandy beach with plenty of tavernas/bars around and some beds/umbrellas available for hire.
Galissas Beach is a mixed sand/pebble beach with some facilities.
Finikas and Voulgari are small quiet beaches along the Finikas-Poseidonia road and further south is the attractive Agathopes beach – nice sand, shallow but beds are pricey and sometimes the music from the club is a bit boomy. Komito further south is quieter and still sandy.
Ampela is cute but can be affected by algae then Megalos Gialos is very nice, can be crowded. Achladi and Varis can be good options if its windy as they are somewhat protected in the cove.
Azolimnos is a good looking beach but I’ve never had much luck there with the wind – hope you do better.
Varvarousa and Aetos are a couple of beaches in teh north west that reward those who are willing to hike from nearby Delfini or arrange a boat excursion.
Best restaurants and bars on Syros
In Ermoupoli, you’ll find so many restaurant options in the laneways. Some that we like are:
Mazi – for the courtyard setting and the food offerings.
Ousyra – for quality Italian and friendly service
Seminario – for Greek food in the laneway
Seariani – for well done seafood dishes
Avant Garden – another tucked away courtyard with higher level food
For bars, there’s the ever popular Jar (also good for breakfast) in the laneways and of course Ciel at Asteria Beach to be seen at.
If you’re after a coffee Epta is a lovely spot – in a quiet lane, you’ll get good coffee and breakfast options served by a lovely couple. The inside looks really good too.
At Kini Allou Yialou offers the more upmarket/higher price option and Dyo Tzitzikia Sta Armyrikia (the one with a tree in the middle) is another choice.
If you want to know more detail about the food scene on Syros Greek Gastronomy covers it very well.
Island hopping from Syros
Syros tips
Make sure you visit Makryonitis Distillery near Vari – lovely people doing a great job of producing excellent Ouzo, Tsipouros and other sprits. They’ll take you through the process and let you sample some of the outputs – recommended.
