Syros, a magical island in the heart of the Cyclades, is eager to reveal its secrets.  The commercial capital of Greece in the 19th Century, Syros is very different from most of the other Greek islands and still has the air of a classy capital. Although not as commercially “pretty” as nearby Mykonos, as soon as you arrive at the port and see the elegant pastel hued, neo-classical mansions almost tumbling down the hill towards you, you are captured.

 

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You never need to travel more than 20 minutes to reach a glorious, sandy, beach.  As Syros is much less crowded than its neighbouring island (Mykonos) it is always easy to find a quiet corner. Although you will find your own “special” place, these are a few of our favourites:

​Agathorpes is the closest with its golden sand, crystal clear waters and parasols, and can be reached on foot.  A little further away is Komito Beach – this is sandy and shallow and known for its water sports. There is a bar during the summer.

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​Galissas Beach is only a 10 minute drive and is one of the most popular on the island. There are sun beds and parasols to hire and there are a couple of tavernas which specialise in fish and seafood. The waters are very shallow. 

​Vari beach is 8kms south of Ermoupoli – ideal for families with young children, the bay is sheltered with shallow waters. There are two tavernas.

Finikas beach and marina is a hive of activity and great for people watching – the local restaurant (Bao Bab https://baobab.clickmenu.gr/home-uk.html) serves reasonably priced food.

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​Kini Beach is possibly the prettiest on the island – it is worth driving there just for the breathtaking views from the hills across to the neighbouring islands. Popular with both tourists and locals, there is a good taverna, sun loungers and parasols. ​

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​The capital town of Ermoupoli (City of Hermes) is well worth a visit during your stay, with its resplendent buildings, Venetian architecture, cobbled streets and marble squares. The grandiose Town Hall on cafe dotted Plateia Miaouli, still serves as the administrative capital of the Cyclades. The Apollo theatre has been perfectly restored as a miniature facsimile of La Scala in Milan which hosts an annual international opera festival, jazz evenings and many theatrical and musical performances. Just up the hill (you can either walk or drive) Ano Syros (the original medieval town) has all the features of a Cycladic village with cubist houses snuggling together which are linked by alleys that occasionally open up onto spectacular terraces with breathtaking views across to Mykonos and Tinos.

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​When it comes to food and wine Syros doesn’t disappoint and is fast becoming a culinary destination thanks to its specialty foods.  Syros’ loukoumi (similar to Turkish delight that was brought over in the 19th Century) is still mixed by hand and boiled in copper cauldrons. Rumour has it that Queen Victoria loved this local delicacy so much,  that every year a batch flavoured lightly with rose would be dispatched to Buckingham Palace.   There are many wild herbs that are grown locally – fennel, thyme and sage – do try the fennel pie, cumin flavoured meatballs fragrant with oregano or eggplant with sweet tomato sauce. 

​Although I am sure that you will find your own favourite beaches and restaurants, the above is just a taste of what is waiting for you on this wonderful island.

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​There are daily ferries from Piraeus and Rafina (the closest port to Athens airport). As Syros is located centrally in the Aegean Sea, it is serviced by ferry connections with many other islands – Mykonos has two ferries a day to Syros (also stopping at Tinos) –  one early morning and one mid-afternoon, but check out the other islands in the Cyclades.   We would recommend flying into Mykonos, staying at one of the many pensions near the port – we can definitely suggest Makis Place (https://www.makisplace.com/) – their very helpful staff will meet you at the airport and then drop you off at the ferry the following day.  If you manage to get an afternoon flight back home then the morning ferry out of Syros will should get you back in time.