Syros, Greece: Hidden Gem of the Aegean

It’s that time of year again, when many of us are planning our summer vacations. Perhaps Greece is your next destination, and while there you’re planning to visit the islands. Why not visit one of the less popular ones, like Syros found in the Cycladic cluster of islands in the Aegean.

Few are familiar with Syros, and if they are, it is in passing. Syros, is the capitol of the Cyclades and has made significant contributions to the Greek culture and economy. Syros was once the epicentre for justice, medicine and architecture for the Cyclades until the early 1900s.

Syros is on route to the more popular destinations like Mykonos and Santorini. It remains unspoiled and idyllic with few non-Greek tourists. Syros has retained its small island outlook, distancing itself from the big metropolis, Athens. 

What has Syros contributed?

1. Syros has been and continues to be a major ship-building hub for Greece. Many of Syros’ inhabitants make a living off the shipping industry either working on the boats or sailing out to lands far and wide. 
2. Loukoumia or Turkish delight are made by Leivaradas and his protégé, Serres,. They are two of the biggest producers of this cloyingly sweet dessert. 
3. The island boasts many idyllic beaches: Galissa, Finika, Parakopi and have been immortalized by the late, great Markos Vamvakaris (Μάρκος Βαμβακάρης) who wrote and sang the famous rembetiko (a type of folk song) Frangosyriani in 1932.  

So if you decide that you want to travel to Syros, here are a few hotels located in different parts of the island, but all very accessible by car or public transportation:

1. Hotel Aktaion in Ermoupolis, the capital of Syros, overlooks the Aegean. I spent five beautiful days at this property that was once a home to a shipping magnate. From the window you can check out, not only the view of the sea, but also the fishing boats with their bounty as they come into the pier early in the morning. The owners, Maria and Giannis, are amazing hosts and leave no detail unattended.
2. Dolphin Bay Hotel in the gulf of Galissas is about 6 km from Ermoupolis and overlooks this sandy beach area. It is considered to be a 4-star hotel and was awarded with the Blue Flag. The Blue Flag is a voluntary eco-label awarded to approximately 3650 beaches and marinas around the world.
3. Reginna’s Hotel is between Finika and Poseidonia and offers a panoramic view of the Aegean. It is 10 km from the capitol, but there are frequent buses, especially in the summer that go between Ermoupolis and all of the beach destinations.

For those who love to shop, there are many stylish shops that feature the latest styles. Protopapadaki and Stamati Proiou run parallel to the pier and boast some fine retail establishments.

To get to Syros, just head to Piraeus where there are several ferries that leave at different times of the day. The trip ranges from about three to four hours depending on the boat. Here is the official Greek site for ferry information and bookings.

So this year, if you’re planning a trip to the Greek islands, why not check out Syros and all it has to offer. You will not be disappointed.

I leave you with a travel video of Syros to get those travel juices going. Enjoy.