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Strategically set in central Cyclades, Syros has been conquered by different civilizations for centuries. It was held by the Arabs, Venetians and Ottomans in times past, and today is the capital of the Cycladic islands.

The architecture found on Syros differs to its other Cycladic counterparts, its splendid former mansions, jumble of narrow streets and small museums together with its industries, notably ship building, cause it to have less of a reliance on tourism and a little more grit and authenticity in its locals. Unlike most of the other Cycladic islands, both Greek Orthodox and Catholiclly can be found in equal measure here and you’ll find places of worship for both faiths across the island.

Ermoupoli, the capital, and Ano Syros, the former capital, is a lovely port town that has both been strongly influenced by its historic occupiers. The jumble of pastel hued neoclassical and Venetian mansions that serve today as official buildings or small hotels, and there are concrete bathing platforms found underneath the town. Perched on a hill above Ermoupoli, Ano Syros is a jumble of small streets and is home to many of the Catholic sites on the island.

Beaches can be found throughout the island but the more popular are located in the west and south of the island. Kimi is a particularly popular little beach town with a small bay lined with restaurants and a scattering of cafes.