Everyone knows Mykonos and Santorini for the whitewashed homes, volcanic-sand seashores, well-frequented seaside golf equipment––and the overwhelming crowds––however what about all the opposite 200-plus populated Greek islands that aren’t as common?
A brief 3-hour ferry experience from Greece’s most well-known island duo, Syros is one among these lesser-known gems which might be largely undeveloped, and that will not break the financial institution for those who’re visiting in summer time, because it’s but to turn out to be a resort hotspot.
On prime of that, the mere act of strolling round as an American vacationer will not make you are feeling as for those who’re stepping on some offended European’s garden:
Syros Is One Of The Friendliest European Spots To Go to This 12 months
Syros was voted the second most welcoming vacation spot for 2025 by Reserving.com, based mostly on over 309 million verified buyer critiques that keep in mind the requirements of lodging, actions, transport, and general hospitality.
A small island situated within the South Aegean, roughly 29 nautical miles instantly west of Mykonos and 64 miles north of Santorini, Syros is among the important cultural hotspots in Greece, with a wealthy historical past spanning over three millennia and quite a few noteworthy landmarks.
Syros is a largely residential island, with a restricted variation in inhabitants no matter season, not like a few of the most sought-after Greek hotspots, the place seasonal staff flock into for summer time, and precise islanders themselves are, in actual fact, a minority.
Maybe that is why Syros feels so welcoming:
It is retained a lot of its Cycladic traditions, and because it has not been engulfed by mass tourism, locals are genuinely happy or detached, at greatest, when coming throughout guests.
Whether or not it is checking right into a resort, being approached by a chatty Greek yaya, or eating out in a marina restaurant, you will doubtless be greeted with real smiles and a few of that good outdated Mediterranean hospitality.
What To See And Do In Syros
Its capital and largest settlement, Ermoupoli, dwelling to roughly 62% of the island’s 21,124 residents, is a energetic port city dominated by a blue-dome Saint Nicholas Cathedral, which towers above the colourful waterfront.
Ermoupoli concentrates quite a lot of Syros’ most well-known sights, together with Apollo Theater, constructed by an Italian architect within the nineteenth century as a miniature La Scala––as in, Milan’s iconic opera home––and the shop-lined Eleutheriou Venizelou avenue.
Although it’s the place most vacationers will land and spend a majority of their time, that does not imply it is all Syros has to supply.
As an illustration, Ano Syros is a medieval hilltop village largely inhabited by Catholic Greeks and crisscrossed with winding pathways so slim solely pedestrians and bikers can entry, and so they all lead as much as a monumental Cathedral of San Giorgio.
In the event you love Historical past (yep, with a capital H), you possibly can’t miss out on a go to to the offbeat Chalandriani, an archeological website in northern Syros relationship again to the Early Bronze Age, or the daybreak of Western civilization.
On the southwest coast, Poseidonia is the whole lot you’d anticipate a seaside city named after the Historic Greeks to be: image lovely marine gardens, stately villas, and a protracted sandy seaside lapped by turquoise seas.
Seashores Galore
Talking of, Syros is fringed with scenic seashores, regardless of being a small island at solely 32 sq. miles––it takes 40 minutes to drive from its northernmost tip, marked by the Northern Syros Lighthouse, to the southernmost finish, the place its counterpart Lighthouse of Viglostasi stands.
Within the southwest, Galissas is a peaceable settlement boasting postcard-ready golden sands extending alongside crystal-clear waters, whereas Kini, simply reverse an east-facing Ermoupoli on the other coast, has a extra laid-back ambiance and a handful of family-owned taverns.
In Agathopes, you will be met with a sandy bay fringed by tamarisk bushes, the promise of some much-needed shade within the scorching-hot Greek summer time warmth, and do not forget Vari, one of many largest seaside cities, stuffed with cozy cafes and boutique resorts.
A Low-cost Getaway Island
Syros is the right island getaway for a protracted weekend, and for those who’re planning on visiting this summer time, it is best to know costs listed below are a lot decrease than in additional common Aegean locations––Oia, we’re you.
Reserving a superior twin room at Afroditi Syros, inside strolling distance of eating places and all the primary sights in Ermoupoli, prices $54-a-night, whereas the small, stylish Hotel Omiros, close to a seaside, is asking for an appropriate $68.
Even the beachfront Hotel Hermes, one of many top-rated listings on the island, will nonetheless solely set you again by $93 within the peak of summer time, and for those who’re involved about day by day bills and meals, it is best to know the value of a single meal is an estimated $12.34, in response to Numbeo.
Do your maths.
Oh, and price range traveler or large spender, you do not wish to come to Syros for those who plan on dropping these further kilos in 2025:
Chances are high you will turn out to be hooked on their native loukoumi, and do not get us began on these candy pies with almonds…
Heading to Greece this yr and in search of off-path islands, be sure you read further on Rhodes, an Japanese Mediterranean island distinguished by its UNESCO-protected medieval capital, and sumptuous Crete, a trendy alternative to Santorini in 2025.
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Opinions expressed listed below are the creator’s alone, not these of any financial institution, bank card issuer, resort, airline, or different entity. This content material has not been reviewed, authorised or in any other case endorsed by any of the entities included inside the submit.
