The Best Bars in Syros, Greece

Syros island may be one of the lesser-visited spots in the Cyclades, but it boasts a lively bar scene
Syros island may be one of the lesser-visited spots in the Cyclades, but it boasts a lively bar scene | © Rawf8 / Alamy
Samantha Priestley

It may be less popular than the neighbouring islands of Mykonos, Santorini and Paros, but Syros has plenty going for it – including historic churches, secluded beaches and a lively bar scene. Here are our favourite Syros watering holes.

The lesser-visited Greek island of Syros has a busy cafe culture, with the myriad bars waking from their slumber come evening. You’ll find it’s mostly Greeks who are out at night, giving the scene an authentic feel. Many of the bars on Syros are quite small and nights out often spill into the street, meaning the pavement seating is often full. There’s always somewhere to perch or lean and, as the night goes on, most people are up on their feet anyway.

1. Boheme del Mar

Bar, Cocktails

If you like a place to chill out and listen to good music while enjoying a drink, this is the place to go. Known locally as an alternative bar simply because it’s more laid back than the others on the island, the focus here is on a range of music selected by local DJs. The bar is open during the day for coffee and the same lazy atmosphere prevails no matter what time you visit. This is a well-known spot on Syros and most of the locals come here at some point on a night out.

2. Barola

Bar, Cocktails

Barola is a popular location by the waterfront in Ermoupolis and it does get busy. The tables and chairs inside the bar are a little tightly packed, but outside there’s plenty of space to enjoy views of the sea. The cocktails here are especially good and you can also order bar snacks. There’s a good wine list and the staff are happy to give recommendations. A lot of people start off their evening here, so if you come a little later it gets quieter

4. Peiramatiko Cafe Bar

Bar, Coffee

Situated right in front of the port, this is a relaxing waterside bar where you can take some time out with a drink and watch the boats in the harbour. Sink into one of the soft sofas and enjoy a coffee in the daytime, or order from the cocktail menu in the evening and relax with a view of the harbour lit up with lanterns and fairy lights. A lot of locals come here, which is always a good sign, partly because of the location and partly because the service is so good.

5. Kouchiko

Bar, Coffee

A lot of people stop by here for coffee in the daytime, as it has a chilled out local coffee shop atmosphere. If you stop by more than once the baristas will remember you and how you like your coffee. In the evenings the bar livens up and people come here to order cocktails and let loose a little. It gets busy in the evenings but still manages to retain its laid back character.

6. Theosis Bar

Bar, Greek

This is something of a concept bar and fairly unique on Syros. Part gift shop and part art gallery but mostly a stylish bar. It’s cosy inside, but you can instantly tell that this isn’t your typical bar and the design has been put before any idea of cramming as many people as possible in. Theosis is the kind of bar you go to for an aperitif or to finish off an evening out quietly, but in style.

7. Okio

Bar, Greek

You wouldn’t think a Greek bar would be well known for its selection of loose leaf teas, but at Okio you’ll find an usually good range. If you like tea, this is the bar to head to. If you’re not into tea, this is a great bar that serves good coffee, cocktails and beers. You’ll be brought a complimentary small plate of snacks with every ouzo ordered, so go Greek. This is also a great spot to relax with a drink and watch the yachts in the harbour

8. Podilato

Bar, Coffee

Podilato has the benefit of a great location, right in the centre of Ermoupolis. For such a central location, the prices here are surprisingly reasonable. It’s a quiet little bar with plenty of outside seating on pavement tables and chairs. Locals and tourists stop by for coffee in the daytime and in the evening there’s a good selection of drinks and bar snacks. This is a good spot for watching life on Syros go by.

If you’re interested to see more of Syros, why not find a place to stay and choose from the best hotels in Syros, bookable now through Culture Trip. Alternatively, you could hop over to Mykonos and check out the most beautiful beaches on the island. If that’s left you hungry you could always eat at one of the island’s restaurants, or experience some of the best nightlife on offer, making sure you’ve booked your stay at a luxury Mykonos hotel.

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