Local recommendations
Sunlight sparkles off the white houses dotted along the bay, small fishing boats float on the deep blue surface of the sea and every evening the glowing colours of the sunset create a special kind of magic; Kini is a quaint small village with the Cycladic flair you dream of. Nestled in a picture-perfect bay in the western part of Syros, only 9km away from the capital Hermoupolis, Kini is one of the most popular destination in the island featuring a large Blue Flag awarded sandy beach with safe and clear waters, umbrellas and sunbeds for hire and a plethora of charming beachfront taverns, restaurants, and cafés where you can enjoy succulent sea foods and fresh fish. The fountain featuring a mermaid statue holding the body of a fisherman in her arms, a tribute to the fishermen lost at sea, could act as your starting point to explore the area. Follow the beach to the left to reach the tamarisk-covered sandy beach of Lotos, or take the road on the northern side to reach Delfini beach where the beauty of the vistas and the serenity surrounding them will soothe your soul and invigorate your mind. If the scenery brings out the explorer in you, hire a boat to secluded, pristine beaches away from tourist resorts or to the nearby islets. Megas Gialos, Vari and Azolimnos are also easily accessible beaches, ideal for relaxing and swimming or splashing around with the kids and dotted with cafés and tavernas. Have a laid-back day with a side order of watersports at the most popular beaches of Galissas and Finikas where you will need more than a moment to choose from a variety of restaurants, tavernas and cafés. Time to take a break from the crowds? You can have your pick among beautiful beaches such as Komito, Ambela, Achladi, Delfini, Lotos and Kokkina. Plan your time by the sea with at least one visit to the secluded beaches of Syros. Climb aboard a small boat in Kini for a whistle stop tour of the northern unspoiled beaches of Aetos, Lia, Marmari, Gria Spilia and Grammata, where the vibe is unlike anywhere else on the island. Drive north to the place where mythology met history and created one of the most ancient civilizations in the world, to the prehistoric sites of Chalandriani and Kastri, both of major importance. Once you are on Syros, sightseeing becomes a much larger part of your “sun and fun” plan. Maybe it’s the sweeping beauty of Hermoupolis, the postcard-perfect Cycladic scenery of Ano Syros, or the excitement of being surrounded by so much culture and history, but there’s something about Syros that captures your soul. It could be the exquisite food, or the courteous locals, or the pleasure of simply enjoying the nonchalant lifestyle, but everything about this island makes it hard to resist its charms.
Hermoupolis celebrates its magnificent past with grandiose mansions, stunning marble piazzas with palm trees, impressive public buildings and exquisite town planning. The capital, fittingly named "Town of Hermes'' after the Greek god of trade, reflects the wealth, the courtesy of origin and the influences of Romantic Neoclassicism. Stroll around to feel its magnetism or enjoy your swim at Asteria, the popular urban beach with the neoclassical mansions looming over the sea. Climb up the hill to Ano Syros, the Cycladic citadel of the later Byzantine era where narrow cobbled streets mesh into a labyrinth of picturesque small houses built close together in circular order with a radial street plan and covered passageways. Tour around the southern part of Syros with seaside resorts and a variety of beaches. Make a stop at Episkopio, the 19th century's resort with imposing mansions, Posidonia with the prestigious Agathopes beach and grand manors of the past embellished with towers or at Chroussa, the village with quaint chapels and pine trees, majestic mansions and estates. Spend your day at the popular long beach of Kini; family-friendly with shallow waters, the sandy beach is organized and ideal for the children to play and run around. The abundance of cafés, restaurants and tavernas is always a plus. Syros is a culinary destination where delectable gastronomic Cycladic flavours are brought about by local ingredients. So, when you are in the island, start with the stars; Loukoumi, the iconic trademark of Syros, the celebrated cheese San Michali, Louza (special dry cured ham), fennel sausages, sun-dried tomatoes, caper and the amazing thyme honey. Food is a reflection of the people who eat it, so α restaurant tour is a great way to experience the culture of the island. We suggest starting from our neighboring multi-award-winning allou yialou where their masterful cuisine, focused on seafood and supreme fresh fish dishes, competes with the exceptional scenery. Savour the menu-ode to local produce with an innovative twist of the multi-award-winning Iliovasilema at the beautiful beach of Galissas. Or revel in the fine dining of quiet elegance at Avant Garden or the chill-out ambience of the enchanting garden at MAZI restaurant, both in the heart of Hermoupolis. If you are looking for a high-end dining experience at a glamorous venue by the sea, ONO at the prestigious Agathopes beach is the perfect place to see and be seen.