Architecturally stunning and traditionally inviting, Syros is the underrated gem of the Cyclades. While contemporary in character, the island still percolates a sense of rural antiquity, making it a delight to explore. Relatively well connected by sea, boats regularly arrive here from Athens and popular Greek destinations such as Crete, Rhodes, Naxos, Mykonos, and Kos. Travelers can thus plan an island-hopping trip around the Cyclades or elsewhere with a stop at Syros. One can book ferry tickets to Syros and other islands using Ferryscanner. Upon arrival, though, check into any of the best hotels in Syros, and head out to explore its many marvels.
Among the main tourist attractions in Syros are the dramatic Agios Stefanos chapel, built inside a cave, and the grand Villa Tsiropina. Moreover, you can enjoy the magnificence of the Apollon Theatre, a replica of La Scala di Milano, or spend the day by the water, sunbathing on one of the island’s many beaches.
Of course, the island’s hilltop capital Ermoupolis is its most striking town. A sight to behold, Ermoupoli boasts beautiful neoclassical mansions, marble streets, a 19th-century Town Hall, and the Pallas cinema. Consequently, this is where you’ll find some truly unique guesthouses and boutique hotels in Syros. However, no matter where you reside, Syros exudes a laidback crowd-free ambiance, even during peak tourist season.
Shapes Luxury Suites
Address: 34, Akti Papagou Street, Ermoupolis 84100, Syros
Design aesthetics of a boutique accommodation meets modern-day luxury at Shapes, a collection of five suites situated near the harbor in Ermoupoli. Close to restaurants, shops, bars, and transport options, the suites deliver an intimate getaway ideal for couples or small families.
The rooms at Shapes Luxury Suites feature wooden flooring and comfortable furnishing with soft color tones that keep the interiors light and bright. Among the amenities are private sea view balconies, mini pools, Netflix, coffer makers, 12-hour reception, air-con, and Bluetooth speakers. You’ll also find local artisanal branded toiletries, beach umbrellas, towels, and beach bags. Moreover, the resort further provides Nikon waterproof cameras for guests to use during their stay.
Apollonion Palace
Address: Apollonos 12, Ermoupolis 841 00, Syros
A gracefully remodeled neoclassical 19th-century home, the Apollonion Palace is a family-owned accommodation. It nestles alongside the waters in the capital’s Vaporia neighborhood. Close to the Apollon Treater and Ernst Filler-designed Town Hall of Ermoupolis, the hotel rises five floors. Guests staying here can enjoy facilities like a 24-reception, a restaurant, an alfresco bar, and a terrace with dreamy sea panoramas.
The rooms, ranging from singles to the more expansive Presidential Suite, while regal in design and furnishing, have an alluring old-world quality. Having spacious sitting areas and en-suite baths, they come with creature comforts like TVs, CD players, massage showers, air-cons, and the like. Furthermore, the hotel has a seafront terrace where one can relax, sunbathe, and then take a few steps down to the water for a refreshing swim.
Good Life Greece
Address: Poseidonia 84100, Syros
Good Life eco-villas tick many boxes for the modern-day environmentally conscious traveler. Ideal for couples, families, and those with pets, these traditional stone cottages built in the 1800s place you in the heart of the island’s uncommercialized natural region. Situated in Poseidonia, the villas promise a rustic sojourn, away from the crowds, but not without luxuries. Water harvesting and solar energy make every visit here sustainable.
Good Life Greece is one of the best hotels in Syros, particularly for travelers looking for an offbeat vacation consisting of swimming, cycling, hiking, sailing, and windsurfing. Situated about 14km from the capital, two of the five charming cottages can accommodate couples. At the same time, the rest can house a family of four. The interiors display classic village-style ethos with plenty of stone walls, tilework, a kitchen, and an overall homely vibe.
Although these are self-catering accommodations, hosts Nick and Elspeth stock the fridge with wine, milk, butter, and bread before guests arrive. You can also pick fresh vegetables from their on-site organic garden. However, if you are not planning to cook, a string of cafes are a short drive away in Poseidonia Bay.
Aristide Hotel
Address: 27 Babagiotou Street, Ermoupolis 84100, Syros
Private, intimate, and oh-so-arty, Aristide Hotel is one of the best boutique hotels in Syros. Packed with oodles of character, it impresses its guests from the moment they step inside this 19th-century neoclassical mansion. The eco-friendly abode is a member of the Small Luxury Hotels of the World group. It offers a range of deluxe suites, some of which come with sea views.
The lovingly fashioned interiors of the hotel comprise plush, elegant furnishings, bespoke designs, and the owner’s private art collection. Furthermore, the use of nine local marbles throughout the property helps connect the hotel with the island’s heritage.
An adults-only hotel in Syros, Aristide has individually decorated rooms, each with a distinctive noteworthy essence. They feature a melange of oil paintings, bold color schemes, stylish light fixtures, stone bathtubs, plunge pools, and private balconies overlooking the city and the Aegean. Consequently, the rooms epitomize lavish living in the heart of the capital. Also, part of Aristide’s unique charms is its rooftop bar and an art gallery with rotating exhibits by local artists.
Wind Tales
Address: 4 Agiou Aloisiou, Ano Syros 84100, Syros
Perched cliffside in the 12th-century traditional village of Ano Syros, Wind Tales is a gorgeous four-room guesthouse. Among the pleasures of a stay here is that the hotel grants spectacular birds-eye views of the capital and the Aegean Sea. On a clear day, you even see as far as Tinos and Paros.
Built using natural elements like stone and wood, in typical Cycladic architectural style, the rooms are private alcoves perfect for a romantic escapade. Welcoming and comfortable, they feature flatscreen TVs, a pillow menu, WiFi, balconies with astounding views, and en-suite baths. Facilities that further place Wind Tales among the best romantic hotels in Syros are free homemade drinks, complimentary in-room wine bottles, free port pick-up, and an in-house cocktail bar.
Dolphin Bay Family Beach Resort
Address: Main Street, Galissas Beach 84100, Syros
The four-star Dolphin Bay Family Beach Resort has been a part of the island’s hospitality legacy since 1963. Among the best family-friendly hotels in Syros, vacationing here with the kids leads to an eventful stay with plenty of activities. Children can especially make the most of the on-site facilities like a kids’ swimming pool with waterslide, afternoon movies, playground, ping-pong, tennis, and a teenage corner with PlayStation.
The resort has 156 cozy and spacious rooms with schemes that match the shades of the sea. In-room amenities include WiFi, TV, air-con, toiletries, showers, bathtubs, and a choice between a village or a sea view. Additionally, some of the larger family rooms at the resort come with bunk beds.
An on-site buffet restaurant, an all-day pool bar, and another bar ideal for an evening mingle over a drink are the dining options available at Dolphin Bay. Moreover, the retreat is a short hop from Galissas Beach, Syros’ largest sandy beach, having Blue Flag accreditation.