Syros is the “capital” of Cyclades, it has great infrastructure including a hospital and a university, and it is perfectly connected to Athens as well as other islands via both ferry and plane. With about 20.000 permanent residents, it’s a year round destination as life continues in Syros also in winter, with many cultural activities in the local theater & cinema. Even so, it is still a bit of out of beaten track as not too many tourists go visit. We have been there several times and genuinely wonder why still not too many people choose it as a digital nomads destination.
How to get there
To get to Syros, you can get one of the many ferries that go there daily (including Blue Star Ferries, Minoan Lines or Seajet) from Pireus port in Athens and the journey is about 3.5 hours long. You can also reach via plane from Athens with Sky Express.
How to move around
You can rent a scooter, a quad or a car while in Syros, but if you don’t fancy driving much, you can easily move around using public transportation. The local bus (ktel) will bring to all the main towns, mainly in the south of the island.
Internet in Syros
Internet was spotless both on a mobile coverage (Cosmote) and on wifi in all the accommodations we have stayed at (in Ermoupoli and Galissas town). We could work and make videocalls simultaneously with no issues whatsoever. Phone reception was good also on the beach.
What to see
Beaches
As most of the Greek islands, Syros has plenty of wonderful beaches to choose from. The island could be easily be divided in 2 parts.
In the Northern part there are a handful of beautiful beaches, but they can be mainly reached by hiking (20 to 40 minutes). We highly recommend Americanou and Grammata.
In the Southern part of the island you can find all the most famous beaches of Syros. They are all reachable by car or bus, have easy access and are mostly served with beach bars with sunbeds and umbrellas. Some of the most important are Foinikas, Vari (we loved that one), Agathopes (this one can get a little crowded), Kokkina (this is wonderful) and our favorite, Santorinii beach (really a pocket beach). A nice initiative from Syros municipality is the free sun umbrellas at everyone’s disposal at almost every beach. You typically have paid ones from the beach bars (can go up to 20 euro) and at the same time you can get the free ones – if they are not already occupied 🙂
Main towns
Syros’ main town is Ermoupoli, and it is perfect to stroll around after a relaxing day at the beach. You have an archaeological museum, the Miaouli square, the Apollon theater, a movie theater and tons of shops if shopping is your thing.
Ano Syros is the old town and can be found on top of the hill above Ermoupoli. You can reach it on foot if you fancy walking a bit or with a taxi/bus/car. It is probably the most charming place in Syros as it fully represents the Cycladic vibes, it has many little bars and shops and offers breathtaking views.
Galyssas and Vari are the other main towns where you can stay, both offering a laid-back atmosphere and amazing beaches.
What to eat
Some of our favorite restaurants in Syros are:
Plakostroto – this is in the Northern part of the island so you can combine it with one of the less accessible beaches that you can go to by hiking. It offers amazing food and views.
Melydron – closer to Finikas beach, it offers many creative small plates in a lovely environment full of the sweetest cats
Duo tzitzikia sta almirikia – this is the best tavern to eat your fresh fish right on the beach
Lautari – located in Ermoupoli, it offers delicious small plates and sometimes has live music
Last thought on Syros
The Cyclades are our favorite islands in Greece (probably in the whole world even 🙂) and Syros being the capital gives you the perfect Cycladic vibes while offering also all the comforts of a city. It is easily accessible, you can find absolutely everything you need, it’s not a “seasonal” island and it mixes the holiday feeling with the cultural ferment. It also has a strong international community of permanent residents and can really feel like a home away from home.
