Where to Stay in Syros: the Best Locations and Hotels
Deciding to go to Syros, the gorgeous off the beaten path Greek island is easy. Indeed, Syros is perfect if you want to experience the best of Greece: beaches and culture. We know the island pretty well, so we’ll help you decide where to stay in Syros. Syros has hotels for all tastes set amongst fantastic nature.
Besides, the island is so small, that it is easy to move around, even if you don’t rent a car. On the same day, you can visit several beaches, enjoy a killer sunset, and dine in Ermoupouli. What else could you possibly ask for? A plethora of fantastic restaurants, bars, and Greek people, the best hosts in Europe, complete the feast.
Ermoupoli, Capital of Syros and Cyclades
To us, Syros is the prettiest island in the Cyclades. Its capital Ermoupoli is also the capital of Cyclades and the whole of South Aegean. The city has layer upon layer of heritage, with gorgeous nature all around. Ermoupoli got its name after no other than Hermes, the god of travelers.
You will recognize two distinct sections. Closest to the sea is neoclassic Ermoupoli and up the hill byzantine Ano Syros. Ano Syros is much older and looks like a fortress. On the other hand, lower Ermoupoli was founded in the 1820s, during the Greek revolution. Today, Ermoupoli has tones of eateries, shops, and bars.
Hotels in Ermoupoli
Apollonion Palace Hotel
Syros has hotels for all tastes, especially in Ermoupoli. The best hotel in Syros overlooking the port is the Apollonion Palace Hotel. The hotel is a 19th century neoclassical villa built over the sea. Completely updated, its rooms offer fantastic views, and the service is superb.
Electra Syros Boutique Hotel
We stayed in the beautiful Electra Syros Boutique Hotel close to the beach and loved it. The hotel was recently updated, and its lovely rooms come with balconies with incredible views. Asteria beach is a step away, and you can walk to all that fantastic Syros has to offer.
Ano Syros
The capital of Syros hosts unique architecture, from neoclassical to medieval. That’s how different Ermoupoli and Ano Syros are! However, if you don’t feel like walking uphill for half an hour, take a taxi, and you’ll be in Ano Syros in minutes. Once there, all you have to do is get lost in its narrow streets looking for architectural marvels.
The grandest buildings to look for are the Capuchin Monastery (from 1637), the Church of Saint George (originally from 1208), and the Museum Mark Vamvakaris. We advise you to go in the afternoon. Trust us, in Ano Syros you will enjoy one of the best sunsets in Greece.
Hotels in Ano Syros
Wind Tales
Ano Syros is not about hotels. If you want to stay here, you have to book a room in a private house. No worries, a couple are top-notch. Wind Tales is perched on the hill, overlooking the sea. This beauty is a boutique guest house with just a few rooms, some carved into the stone. The terraces are stunning, and the service top class.
Ano Syros Vibes
Your other option is Ano Syros Vibes, just above Ano Syros. The place has a fantastic terrace and comfy apartments with terraces. You simply can’t go wrong with any of its 3 incredible units.
Galissas Beach
To us, Galissas Beach is the nicest beach in Syros and one of the best beaches in Greece. The small bay is between two hills. Fortunately, there are no hotels or big buildings directly on the sandy beach, so you feel totally in nature. That said, there is a tiny town with a couple of great restaurants by the beach.
Families will love the beach since it’s very shallow and feels almost like a pool. Likewise, the town’s center is a lovely 20-minute walk. Climb to the little church overlooking the bay. The views are stunning and to your left, you have another incredible naturist beach.
Hotels in Galissas
Hotel Benois Syros
There are several good hotels in Galissas, but Hotel Benois Syros is the best. Without a doubt, it has the best location in town. All you have to do is cross the green area that separates it from the beach and the sea. Rooms are spacious and super comfortable, and all come with large balconies offering views. The ones overlooking the beach are the best. The hotel is set around a cool pool, the breakfast is delicious, and the service impeccable.
Dolphin Bay Hotel
That said, Syros has other luxury hotels. Dolphin Bay Hotel is on the slopes of the hill overlooking the beach. It’s got all that you expect from a top resort, especially if traveling with family.
Kini and Delfini Beaches
Two other beaches stand out, Kini Beach and Delfini Beach. Kini Beach is to the east of Syros and is the closest to Ermoupoli. Probably that’s why it can get a bit crowded. Kini beach is beautiful and favored by the young and hip. Actually, you’ve got two beaches, Kini proper, and lovely Lotos Beach, smaller, quieter and with loads of trees.
Delfini Beach is also east of Syros, some 3 km (1.9 miles) north of Kini. Delfini is far less crowded and feels more secluded. In fact, north of Delfini is empty, so you can walk to even more secluded Varvarousa Beach and if a bit adventurous to Aetou and Avlaki Beaches. Delfini is both a sandy and pebble beach but somehow protected from the wind by the slope and trees. The far end of this incredible beach is naturist.
Hotels in Kini and Delfini
Oro Suites
In Kini, you have several hotels to choose from. Oro Suites is a recently built boutique hotel set amongst a lovely garden directly on the coast. All rooms are wonderful, but the bigger ones come with their own pool. The service is as good as the hotel, and the breakfast delicious.
Anemos and Almyra
In Delfini, there aren’t many hotels. In fact, we recommend an apartment hotel, Anemos and Almyra. Every unit comes with a small kitchen and a big balcony. Due to its location, close to the beach, sunsets from the hotel are unforgettable.
Finikas and Agathopes Beaches
Finikas is a small town with a small beach and a port. That said, Finikas is some 8 minutes walking to Voulgari Beach to the south, and 15 minutes to Kokkina Beach to the north. Thus, you can visit several beaches. The town itself is not that special, with a couple of hotels and restaurants. Finikas is a quiet beach, with very clean water and public umbrellas and showers to enjoy your day.
Agathopes is to the south of Finikas and wider, but with the same clear blue waters. Not only that, but walk a bit to the north and you will reach a double-sided beach, just before a semi-island forest. Many residents in Syros favor Agathopes, so the vibe is quite special.
Hotels in Finikas and Agathopes
Hotel Brazzera
Since most people come from Ermoupoli to spend the day, Finikas doesn’t have many hotels. Without a doubt, Hotel Brazzera is the best one in town. The hotel is directly on the coast and has only 14 rooms. Of course, the ones with sea views are the best. All come with balconies and are nicely appointed. The bar in the hotel is quite good, and the service great.
Calma Boutique Hotel
There aren’t many accommodation options in Agathopes. To us, the best one is Calma Boutique Hotel, set on the beach. The hotel has been updated recently and has big rooms with direct views of the Aegean Sea. The bar offers very good coffee and breakfast, and the service by its owners is impeccable.
Vari and Achladi Beaches
Vari Beach and Achladi Beach are to the southwest of Syros, pretty close to Ermopouli. We are talking about two small beaches favored mostly by residents in Ermopouli. Achladi is smaller and has an even smaller port. The small town of Vari is pretty and boasts a couple of interesting churches.
Achladi Beach is just a 10-minute walk by the sea from Vari. Vari Beach is wider, but since there are more hotels, it can get a bit crowded. Achladi is perfect for those of you who like pebble beaches, while Vari for those of us who like sand better. Finally, there are more dining options in Vari, so even if you decide to stay in Achladi, you’ll probably dine in Vari.
Hotels in Vari and Achladi
Emily Hotel
In Achladi we stayed at the beautiful Emily Hotel, directly on the beach. In fact, we would see the sea from the comfort of our bed. The recently updated building has comfortable and well-appointed rooms. The hotel has a garden, sun beds with umbrellas, and a bar offering good coffee and snacks. There is a fantastic restaurant a couple of meters from Emily.
Hotel Kamelo
In Vari, your best choice is Hotel Kamelo, directly on the beach. It is a traditional Greek hotel, with comfortable rooms with balconies, sun beds, and one of the best restaurants in the area. Even if you don’t stay here, you will love their traditional Greek food served overlooking the beach.
