An Insider’s Guide to Syros, Curated by Greek Tastemaker Lydia Zacharis

Where to Stay

Hotel Aristide

This nine-suite Art Deco and Neoclassical mansion is set in the old center of Hermoupolis and has a very colourful and eclectic aesthetic with works of art dotted throughout a dedicated art gallery space.

Argini Syros · Sýros

Argini Syros

Another impressively restored Neoclassical mansion, Argini has just 11 rooms, which feature modern, sleek decor alongside traditional touches like stone walls and beautifully frescoed ceilings. Also on site: an indoor pool, spa, great restaurant, and rooftop bar.

Castro Hotel Syros · Sýros

Castro Hotel Syros

A lovely boutique stay, Castro occupies a converted palazzo and has nine rooms, all outfitted with modern decor and furnishings. The spa is also great.

Where to Eat & Drink

Meltemi · Sýros

Meltemi

Beautiful views of the harbor, fresh fish, and kind service. Great for lunch or dinner!

To Tsipouradiko tis Mirsinis · Sýros

To Tsipouradiko tis Mirsinis

A buzzy spot in the port that’s beloved for its menu of local mezzes. You also can’t go wrong with the seafood pasta.

Taverna Savvas · Sýros

Taverna Savvas

This laid-back taverna is great for a friendly vibe and classic Greek dishes.

Allou Yialou · Sýros

Allou Yialou

Set just by the water, ideal for a waterfront lunch or sunset dinner. Order seafood and other local plates.

Iliovasilema · Sýros

Iliovasilema

This is one of the most upscale offerings on the island, with a gourmet twist. Come for a beautiful sunset view and refined Greek cuisine.

Leo Restaurant at Aristide · Sýros

Leo Restaurant at Aristide

The rooftop restaurant at Aristide hotel serves inventive plates (think Iberico ravioli avgolemono and shrimp paccheri with miso lemon‑butter bisque) alongside stunning views.

Elexis restaurant · Sýros

Elexis Restaurant

This gastronomic restaurant at the Argini hotel takes a farm-to-table approach in dishes like smoked eggplant salad with tomato, eel, and Syros honey.

Django Gelato Syros · Sýros

Django Gelato

Django serves arguably some of Greece’s best ice cream. Opt for its innovative flavors such as anise or hibiscus.

Roga Syros · Sýros

Roga Syros

New for this summer, Roga is a truly tiny wine bar in Hermoupolis. Really—it’s set in just a five-square-meter former barbershop. The list focuses mostly on Greek labels, and there’s a small tapas menu, too.

Theosis Bar · Sýros

Theosis Bar

A cute, tiny bar in Ano Syros with craft cocktails. The perfect nightcap.

What to Do

Ermoupoli · Sýros

Ermoupolis

Wander around the capital of Ermoupolis, from its seafront to its marble-clad Miaouli Square and the streets around it. A notable stop is the Hermoupolis Textile Museum, a restored textile factory that takes you back in time.

Ano Syros (Άνω Σύρος) · Sýros

Ano Syros

Spend a late afternoon or evening in Ano Syros, a former Venetian settlement with extensive religious history and beautiful views of the island.

Church of Saint Nicholas · Sýros

Church of Saint Nicholas

Visit the Church of Saint Nicholas, an architectural masterpiece due its imposing size, large twin bell towers, blue dome, and its vibrant interior colors.

Apollon Theater · Sýros

Apollon Theatre

Watch a performance at Apollon Theatre, a miniature version of Milan’s La Scala and Greece’s first opera house.

Galissas Beach · Sýros

Beaches

Syros has plenty of great beaches, starting with the ones at Asteria in the Vaporia neighborhood, which is filled with neoclassical mansions. There are platforms to bathe on and jump off of, and a small stretch of sand. Galissas (pictured above) and Finikas are great for sandy beaches and clear water, whereas Delfini is nice if you want something more remote. The quaint fishing village of Kini also has a nice stretch of beachfront.

Chapel of Santa Pakú (Obbedienza) · Sýros

Chapel of Santa Pakú (Obbedienza)

This beautiful whitewashed church is a short walk up from Galissas beach and the perfect spot to catch the sunset.

Kostas Prekas · Sýros

Kostas Prekas

This decades-old delicatessen is the spot to stock up on a wide range of local, traditional products. Think kopanisti cheese, candied eggplant, and more.

Παραδοσιακά Λουκούμια Σύρου Συκουτρή · Sýros

Sample Local Specialties

Throughout the island, make a point to try Syros’ culinary specialties such as local capers, San Michali cheese, marathopita (fennel pie), halvadopita (nougat pie), and loukoumia (Turkish delight, try the rose and bergamot flavors), the latter of which is best at Loukoumia Sykoutris, which has been open since 1928.