The Best Hotels in Syros for Every Traveller

A few streets away from the waterfront in lively Ermoupoli, affordable guesthouse Habit has clean, modern, thoughtfully-styled rooms, with graphic-blue feature walls, simple clothing rails and linen kimonos for guests. Tall windows give views of powder-pink Venetian facades and you can always hear the nearby town-square buzz – expect a bit more street noise if you travel in peak-season – while still being only a five-minute walk away from the harbour for boats and ferries.

Simple but modern rooms come in many configurations – doubles, twins, two doubles, four twin beds – at this former tobacco warehouse on the waterfront in Ermoupoli, and many of them with striking sea views, too. Inoffensive shades of eggshell, beige and oyster won’t set your world alight, but there’s tons of light and you’re well placed for exploring both the higgledy-piggledy port and – if you hop on any outgoing boats – other islands.

A scattering of bougainvillea greets you at this modest, affordable guesthouse, where apartments are more practical than stylish – expect kitchenettes, dining tables, balconies and family bed configurations. However, the main draw is that you’re based right in the thick of Ermoupoli town, close to the winding streets leading to pretty churches and laid-back waterfront bars. You’re also conveniently close to the port for onward ferries – island-hopping has never been easier.

Here’s another mansion – plusher and more heavily-furnished than Guesthouse Lila. Still, there’s modern flair to Arhontiko Ermoupolis: among the Neoclassical flourishes are up-to-date colours and furniture. Recline on squishy sofas in the communal lounge perusing stacks of art books or spend some time photographing the attractive embroidered rugs and vases of fresh flowers. Our tip? Sit out on the restaurant’s terrace until late sipping on a glass of wine. This really is a luxurious home from home – and transfers from the port are included, too.

This smooth operator, a few steps from the harbour front, is the height of luxury in Ermoupoli: it rolls out stylish contemporary design and generous terraces – two with plunge pools – as well as a chic little breakfast nook for coffees and pastries in the dazzling morning sun. Decor and toiletries are sourced from local entrepreneurs, and all the little mod cons have been thought of: from mini-fridges and espresso machines to handy charging points and TVs with inbuilt Netflix.

A genuine stone’s throw from Ermoupoli’s harbour, Esperance 1 has sleek, creamy rooms with wicker furniture and framed photographs of the island, plus shimmering sea views from its petite balconies. A harbour front cafe means you can wake up slowly and watch the world speed by before heading out to explore. It’s a great base if you’re worried about missing the ferry – even at a panicked sprint, it’s a 20-second journey from Esperance’s door.

Sister property to Esperance 1, and very close by, number 2 has a greater variety of rooms, including singles and triples – also, it must be said – slightly more old-fashioned decor. You have access to the lounge and terrace at Esperance 1, which is a lovely place to nibble on pastries and sip coffee. Anticipate, too, friendly, efficient staff who’ll help with everything from booking excursions to luggage storage.

More of a fully-formed hotel than many of its neighbouring guesthouses, Atlantis is located on the south coast, in the historic farming village of Vari. One highlight is its whitewashed stone patio with powder-blue chairs, where you can demolish huge fruit platters at breakfast, or sit out late with an ouzo. Rooms are bright, airy and only slightly chintzy – even if that’s not your style, it’s worth staying here for the location – just a minute’s walk to Vari’s sleepy, cerulean bay.

Located between a lively beach and a picturesque Cycladic village, this Finikas hotel is ideal for travellers seeking something more low-key than Ermoupoli. Tranquil sea-view balconies have been painted sage green, wrought-iron bed frames support crisp white bedding, and a three-bedroom apartment has a fully-equipped kitchen. The peaceful sea-view terrace is a dreamy spot for yoga sessions, perusing books from the communal shelves, or sipping retsina until late under the fishing-net canopy.

Only a 15-minute drive from Ermoupoli, the broad, unspoilt sandy beach and luminous, shallow waters at Galissas are heaven for families – and beachfront Dolphin Bay is a handy base for kids desperate for a day of bucket-and-spade-wielding fun and games. Rooms and pools are relatively basic, but lovely sun terraces afford glittering Med views, and the traditional Cycladic architecture and whitewashed churches in the vicinity coax you out daily for lazy ambles.

Even smaller-scale than Finikas or Galissas is Megas-Gialos, a southwestern cove, with a hushed sandy beach and a small jetty for fishing boats. Galinios Ormos guesthouse (meaning Peaceful Bay) has a charming blue-and-white-painted exterior and simple, airy white-and-pine rooms within – some even have kitchenettes or sea-view balconies. Paved steps lead down to the sea, where you can take a morning dip right off the rocks. How gorgeously Greek-getaway is that?