Slow down in Syros | architecture, sea views & Greek food

Just a few weeks ago, I spent two dreamy, idyllic weeks in Syros, the capital island of the Cyclades in Greece. And I want to share with you why Syros stole my heart. In this article, I will showcase the main landmarks not to miss when in Syros and I will give you a few recommendations for great Greek food spots, plus a special feature of a heritage hotel I had the opportunity to visit and photograph. But first of all, why did I end up in Syros and what did I like the most about the island?

When I booked my time off in Greece, I was still working a corporate job and it was necessary for me to have very good Wi-Fi connection to be able to attend video meetings; plus, it felt safer being in a quieter island, less crowded by tourists. Unlike the other Greek islands, Syros is an island made for the locals. To give you an idea, being the capital of the Cyclades, locals living in other islands go to Syros when they need to perform some bureaucratic affairs. In fact, Syros houses one of the biggest Town Halls in Greece! Being a quieter island was the main reason why I chose Syros and this was the best decision I have ever made. In addition, I stayed in Syros in June, not in high season but compared to Mykonos in the same period, the experience was completely different.

In this guide, I will list the main landmarks in Syros, with a description and some photos. If you like videos more, you can watch my full vlog on Youtube!

Where to stay

Ermoupoli

I stayed in Ermoupoli, the main city in Syros. I didn’t explore much of the rest of the island, so my experience of Syros regards mainly Ermoupoli. What I love the most about Ermoupoli was not only the incredible architecture - there are some truly amazing churches in Syros - but also and especially a strong sense of community amongst the people living there which is extended also to visitors. In the town centre, there are shops dedicated to specific foods.. There is a fish shop, a butcher, fruits and vegetable shops, bakeries… And the majority of the shops are open in the morning and closed at around 3pm. It almost feels like stepping back into a previous era, when things were simpler and human connection was still a thing. During my time in Syros, I had the opportunity to have conversations with locals and I got to know some of them; I know the names of some of the people working at the different shops and restaurants which is so nice.

As I will explain better later on in this article, the architecture and clear sea are the other reasons why I loved Syros so much. There are no sandy beaches in Ermoupoli, meaning the sea holds more visible treasures for visitors interested in snorkelling.

Apollonion Palace

During my stay in Syros, I got the opportunity to visit and photograph an heritage hotel, the Apollonion Palace. The Apollonion Palace was originally a neoclassical mansion and it was carefully transformed into a boutique hotel in 2009, preserving its historic charm through an authentic restoration. With its elegant furnishings and timeless design, the hotel really reflects the building's rich heritage. When we visited, we enjoyed a lovely and abundant breakfast on the terrace and got access to the sea, with sun beds and parasols. I also got there very early in the morning to witness a fantastic sunrise. This was a memorable experience and you can watch more of it in my YouTube vlog on Syros.

What to see (not to miss!)

Exploring Syros Town Hall

One of the first buildings we visited in Syros is the historical Town Hall in Miaouli Square. The building was designed by the Bavarian architect Ernst Ziller and it completed in 1898. This is an imposing building, with a massive 15.5-meter-wide marble staircase that leads to the first floor. The Town Hall is not only the public administrative centre for Syriani (people living in Syros in the Greek language - or Syrians in English) and the residents of the nearby Cycladic islands, it also hosts the island’s Archeological Museum.

When my partner and I visited, somehow we managed to access the terrace of the palace and we had a fantastic view of Syros but this part of the building is not usually open to the public. Visiting the Syros Town Hall is genuinely a must when in Syros. It is a beautiful, old building that can take you back in time. For me personally, walking through its corridors, reminded me of my time at University back in Italy. The smell was very similar to the old Italian buildings in Rome.

Anástasis (Church of the Resurrection of Christ)

Majestic and beautiful, the Orthodox Church Anástasis in Syros is built on the hill of Vrondado. The hike there was super picturesque and not too tough. There are a lot of stairs to get there but once you get up the hill, the view of the sea and lower Syros is just breathtaking. In addition, there is a cute, peaceful spot of nature just at the bottom of the church, where you can relax under the trees and enjoy the view. When there, I was so happy to be able to fly my drone and I got some beautiful views of the church.

Walk up to the Catholic Cathedral of Saint George

The Catholic St. George’s Church on the hill of Ano Syros, sits at the same towering height of Anástasis Church. The matching height of the two churches is a celebrated symbol of harmony between the island’s historically distinct Orthodox and Catholic communities. Reaching the Catholic St. George’s Church in Syros is a workout but the climb up the hill is absolutely worth the view and the beauty of the cathedral. James (my partner) and I were able to enjoy a fantastic sunset once we got up there and we discovered the absolutely lovely town of Ano Syros where the cathedral is located.

The picturesque town of Ano Syros

Ano Syros is the island’s medieval hilltop settlement, built by the Venetians around 1200 to protect residents from pirates! When I learned about the reason why this hilltop town was built, I was somehow surprised. Every day something new to learn! Ano Syros is characterised by steep, narrow paths with lots of pretty restaurants and local independent shops with views over lower Syros and the beautiful sea. I would say, this was one of the highlights of our trip! And we had a super lovely dinner at Maison De Μεζέ (more on this restaurant in the food section of this article).

Exploring the Church of Saint Nicholas

The Church of Saint Nicholas is probably one of the most beautiful churches I have ever seen! It was funded by wealthy shipowners and Greek merchants and it took over six decades to fully construct and complete. Its neoclassical architecture is coupled to lavish interiors. The wonderful colours inside are created by the sun rays coming through the gorgeous stained glasses. This is the same church you can admire from Vaporia beach. If you plan to visit Syros, save this place!

Relax at Vaporia Beach

You’ll not find sandy beaches in Ermoupoli. You’ll find rocks and platforms and clear blue sea with a lot to explore if you like snorkelling. What I loved the most about Vaporia beach is swimming with the fantastic view of Church of Saint Nicholas and the cute buildings up the hill. And let’s not forget about the cats, ducks and geese, peacefully hanging about. It felt very special being there!

Where to Eat Greek Food in Syros

Gyros and Souvlaki at Σουβλατζίδικο Ο Γύρος του κόσμου

For our first dinner in Syros, we decided to get Gyros and Souvlaki at a take away place close to our Airbnb. Σουβλατζίδικο Ο Γύρος του κόσμου (no English name seems to be available online! But if you copy and paste this name, you will find it on Google maps. Plus, you can find the full address below). This place is very simple, it has some tables outdoor and the staff is super nice, in addition to offering very good food.

Something you should definitely try in Greece is gyros and souvlaki. Gyros is a world-famous Greek street food consisting of seasoned meat cooked on a vertical rotisserie (like kebab), sliced thin, and typically wrapped in a warm pita. You can also choose to have your meat and all the usual ingredients (salad, onions, tomatoes, french fries, tzatziki sauce) on a plate. Souvlaki is also a staple Greek street food consisting of small cubes of marinated meat grilled on a skewer. They are also usually served with a mix of sides in tasty Greek sauces and oil.

Name: Σουβλατζίδικο Ο Γύρος του κόσμου

Address: Kapodistriou 28, Ermoupoli 841 00, Greece

Price: This place is affordable and very good street food quality.

Brunch at Epta - Syros Island

A coffee shop in Syros that really makes you feel welcome if you work from your laptop! Epta is a pretty iconic place in Syros. They have amazing coffee drinks and brunch foods, with captivating decor.

Name: Epta - Syros Island

Address: Peloponnisou 7, Ermoupoli 841 00, Greece

Price: Brunch prices and drinks are good, especially considering the experience and the ability to work from there.

Greek lunch at Maritsa's Arhontariki restaurants Syros

Maritsa's Arhontariki is an incredible cute dining spot in Ermoupoli, Syros. I had lunch there and I tried the Syros version of Greek salad. Instead of feta cheese, they use a different type of cheese named San Michali. It is a Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) yellowish table cheese made from cow's milk.

Name: Arhontariki

Address: Ermoupoli 841 00, Greece

Price: This is a moderately priced traditional restaurant where a standard meal typically ranges between €15 and €35 per person

Trying Lokma at Loukoumas

Lokma is a traditional Eastern Mediterranean sweet dessert consisting of deep-fried dough balls that are soaked in an intensely sweet syrup or honey. If you are in Syros and you want to try Lokma, go to Loukoumas. They have many options, also unconventional and with ice-cream.

Name: Loukoumas

Address: Chiou 24, Ermoupoli 841 00, Greece

Price: The price are average for desserts and completely worth what you get! The portions are pretty big.

Drinks with a view at locals Ano Syro

This place in Ano Syros, the cute town high above Eurmopoli, is a perfect spot for a drink with incredible views. Going up the narrow spiral staircase was also a fun experience!

Name: locals Ano Syro

Address: Agiou Sevastianou, Ano Siros 841 00, Greece

Price: This is an inexpensive, highly-rated all-day café and bar where a typical visit ranges between €10 and €15 per person

Greek dinner at Maison De Μεζέ

I have so many cosy memories from this night and our dinner in Ano Syros. Both food and drinks were amazing at Maison De Μεζέ and they have a very good choice of music! Authentically Greek.

Name: Maison De Μεζέ

Address: Δον Ι. Στεφάνου 19, Ano Siros 841 00, Greece

Price: Maison De Μεζέ in Ano Syros is a highly popular, budget-friendly traditional tavern and delicatessen shop where a meal generally costs between €10 and €20 per person