Fresh Air › Instead of Santorini
Syros
Syros is the administrative centre of the Cyclades and one of the most architecturally interesting islands in Greece. Ermoupoli, the island capital, is a proper neoclassical city with a grand main square, an Apollo Theatre that still hosts performances, and layers of Catholic and Orthodox architecture built up over centuries of Venetian and Greek influence. Up on the hill, Ano Syros is a labyrinth of Cycladic white streets. The island is primarily a place where Greek people live and work rather than a purpose-built tourism destination.
Why visit
Ermoupoli is architecturally stunning — neoclassical mansions, a grand central square, a proper opera house, and Cycladic whitewash up in Ano Syros. Good food, real local life.
Crowd level
Syros is the administrative capital of the Cyclades and primarily a Greek working city. It receives far fewer international tourists than Santorini or Mykonos.
Best time
Late May through June, or September
Getting there
2-3hrs by fast ferry from Athens Piraeus. Good ferry connections to other Cyclades islands.
Tradeoffs
Less dramatic caldera scenery than Santorini. No famous sunset location. But the beaches are good and you can actually move around.
Direct comparisons
Layers
Region
At a glance
- Country
- Greece
- Region
- South Aegean
- Fresh Air Score
- 85/100
- Cost level
- $$
- Distance from Santorini
- 130 km