Discover Syros - The Cycladic Gem That Stays Alive All Year
Just when you thought you’d seen every Greek island worth seeing, another quietly appears on your radar.
Welcome to Syros - the elegant, compact capital of the Cyclades. A marble-clad, pastel-toned island with neoclassical mansions, hidden wine bars, and a year-round community that makes it feel alive in every season.
Unlike many of its neighbours, Syros doesn’t empty when the summer ends. It has a thriving university, a strong local arts scene, and festivals throughout the year. Its streets hum with life even in December, proving that some Greek islands are made to be lived in, not just visited.
Stay - Argini Hotel
Syros’s newest hotel, the five-star Argini, is a love letter to local history. Restored over seven years by Yiannis Polykretis, who grew up next door, this neoclassical 11-room mansion transports guests back to the 1850s.
Frescoed ceilings depict mythical heroes of the Greek Revolution, while contemporary rooms balance history with serenity. Expect peaceful nights, plush beds, and a rooftop restaurant, Elexis, where you can dine on modern Greek classics overlooking Ermoupoli as it glows gold at sunset.
Breakfast is served on a shaded terrace, and the basement’s vaulted cistern now houses the island’s only hammam and a small heated hydromassage pool.
Eat + Drink
Hygge - Dinner with a View
High in Ano Syros, Hygge offers panoramic views across Ermoupoli’s harbour. Arrive early to wander through boutique-lined alleyways before settling into its rustic, Scandi-inspired dining room. Order the orzo with king prawns, paired with Greek rosé as jazz hums softly in the background.
Armadillo Coffee Brewery - Morning Rituals
A one-minute walk from Miaouli Plaza, this turquoise-trimmed café is a local favourite for its artisan coffee, handmade ceramics, and leafy, music-filled terrace. Perfect for your first caffeine fix before a day of exploring.
Django Gelato - Sweet Simplicity
Beloved by locals since 2005, Django serves what many call the best gelato in Greece. Made with zero preservatives, its fior di latte and crème Catalana flavours are worth the queue.
Theosis - Cocktails at Sunset
Hidden in the hilltop town of Ano Syros, Theosis is where the island’s creative crowd gathers for imaginative cocktails with Greek-inspired names like the Pothos (tequila, raspberry, bubbles) and the Apollo (bourbon, peach, botanicals). Rugs, low stools, and candlelight set the tone.
Things to Do
Wander Ermoupoli
Syros’s capital is a dream for aimless strolling, think neoclassical architecture, marble-paved streets, and independent boutiques.
Shop handmade perfumes at Aromatopoleion, taste island sweets like loukoumia and halvadopita at Leivadaras, or browse Greek wines at Kritsinis, the country’s oldest wine cellar (est. 1917).
Don’t miss Motif for designer ceramics and Protasis for linen fashion, then end your walk with a visit to the Apollon Theatre, a mini replica of Milan’s La Scala.
Go Wine Tasting
For a taste of Syros’s terroir, head south to Para Kopois, opened in 2018, specialising in rare Greek grapes like Serifiotiko. Tastings include three labels paired with local treats.
In the north, visit Chatzakis Winery, founded in 2011, where small-batch wines are enjoyed on a terrace overlooking San Michalis village, famous for its cheese.
Spend the Day at ONO Beach Club
Set on lovely Agathopes Beach, ONO is Syros’s chicest spot for lounging, cocktails, and barefoot dining.
Sink into crochet-draped sunbeds, sip from the bar, and order garden-to-table dishes like kagianas (Greek shakshuka), brisket tortillas, or burrata salad.
Why Go Now
Syros offers the Greece everyone dreams of, without the crowds. Autumn brings golden light and empty beaches, winter means café culture and art events, and spring bursts with wildflowers and local festivals.
It’s an island that’s alive, 365 days a year.
Ready to Experience It for Yourself?
Whether you want a romantic off-season escape, a culture-filled city break by the sea, or a slower kind of luxury, Syros is the hidden gem to keep on your list.
