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Capital of the Cyclades, Syros boasts rocky, shrub-dotted hills where you’ll find peaceful beaches, celebrated local cuisine, and an authenticity little touched by tourism.

Its main hub, the port town of Ermoupoli, is a pastel-hued jumble of restaurants, markets, and shops overhanging the Aegean. Vestiges of the island’s past can be seen in its grand neoclassical and Venetian former mansions, and explored in the smattering of small museums. Catholic and Greek Orthodox influences can be found in equal measure here too, from the hilltop Cathedral of Saint George to the intricately decorated Church of the Dormition that features artwork by the painter El Greco.

Syros’s historic ship-building industry and its position as an administrative hub mean it’s less reliant on tourism than many other Greek islands. As such, Ermoupoli is full of life year-round. At the same time, its location less than a 30-minute ferry ride from Mykonos and Tinos, and just over two hours from Athens, make it easy to add Syros to your Greece itinerary.

Exploring Ermoupoli

Named after Hermes, the Greek god of trade and travel, Syros’s capital Ermoupoli spills across the hillside down to the Aegean Sea. This welcoming port town blends Venetian and neoclassical architecture, all painted in soft pastel shades.

We can arrange a walking tour with a local guide to help you get a better sense of the town’s history and character. You’ll stroll along narrow streets shaded from the sun by canopies of bright bougainvillea, and visit lively squares lined with cafes, tavernas, and boutique shops. The short drive or steep climb to the top of the hill rewards you with the chance to explore Ano Syros, a labyrinth of serpentine alleyways with far-reaching views over the town, marina, and ocean beyond.

Gastronomic delights

Syros is renowned for its cheese, from soft and spicy kopanisti (whipped feta) to the traditional San Michali, a slightly spicy hard cheese with a crumbly texture. There are an array of other local delicacies to tempt your tastebuds on a trip to the island, which you can sample on a food tour. Once you’ve had your fill, you could satisfy your sweet tooth with halvadopita (a thin nougat pie) or a square or two of loukoumi (the Greek version of Turkish delight).

Syros is also home to some excellent wineries, and we can arrange for you to visit some of the vineyards to learn more about the wine-making process and sip a selection of their different varieties. Back in town, round off the day by watching the sunset from a rooftop terrace with a drink in hand.

Beaches and bays

Syros’s coastline is peppered with sheltered coves where you can relax on sun-gilded sands, try your hand at stand-up paddleboarding, or take a dip in the blue-green sea. The resort village of Kini on the island’s western shore is popular with families thanks to its calm, shallow waters, and assortment of cafes and tavernas serving freshly caught fish.

Alternatively, you could head out on a boat trip to visit more secluded spots only accessible by hiking or sailing. Here, you can spend the day on untamed beaches fringed by hills dotted with tamarisk trees, snorkelling, swimming, or unwinding on the warm sand.

Best time to visit Syros:

While you can travel to the island year-round, the best time to visit Syros is between May and October. Not only is the weather warm and sunny, but this season is also a great time to explore other islands in the Aegean Sea.