Discover Syros - A Cycladic Beauty Less Than 3 Hours From Athens

The inland villages with country houses, which were built in the past by the well-to-do residents of Ermoupoli, retain a unique charm. In Epano Meria, which few visitors know about, you will get to know the authentic soul of Syros. And on the beaches of the northern side of the island, you will swim in greenish-blue crystal waters.

From the most beautiful beaches to the most idyllic mountain villages, Syros is full of hidden treasures.

The Sanatorium of Ermoupoli

It is located in the Lazaretto area. The large stone complex has been built to overhang the water. It stands out from afar and is abandoned, but its architecture remains impressive.

It dates back to 1834 and was used as a temporary quarantine area for those arriving on the island. From the end of the 19th century, it was a prison and an asylum, while during the Cretan rebellion (1866), it housed Cretan refugees.

Hroussa

It's a beautiful village that needs exploring to enjoy the few old country houses of well-to-do locals left. They were built in the vegetation and protected by high walls. Gazebos, wells, and multi-level gardens characterised them.

The mansions of Mayor Papadakis (1862) and Vafiadakis stand out in a neoclassical style. They have a park, cobblestones, a dovecote, and stables (the whole estate is in ruins, but you can tour it).

You will also see two churches: the Nativity of the Virgin (1854, single-aisled basilica) and Agios Spyridon.

Episkopio

With lots of water and greenery, Episkopio was the closest countryside to the city and the first to be filled with holiday homes. It is built on the slopes of a hill, and on its top is the Church of Prophet Ilias (1845), with an iconostasis from 1907-8.

Several old mansions are in the settlement—Kouloukoundis and Mavrogordatos-Petritsis stand out, as do the Vottarou country house.

Epano Meria: The "Soul of Syros"

From Ano Syros, the road continues to the most unexplored side of the island - which many
consider the "soul" of Syros. The route passes through Finikia, Mytaka, Kyperoussa, Ai Michalis, Kampos, and Syringa with its springs.

The landscapes are barren and rough, there are old dry stones, and the road reaches high points that offer a view of the Aegean. The rural settlement of Mytaka, with its white houses, is built on a high mountain ridge.

From there, you can go to Senero, which has wells and orchards, Agios Panteleimonas and Papouri, and a settlement next to a stream.

A path from Papouri leads to the beach of Aetos (1 hour and 30').

Kyperousa offers a beautiful sunset and is close to the cave of Ferekidis. Halandriani is located on a plateau scattered with farmhouses. As there are fertile, arable lands around, it has been inhabited since prehistoric times (3rd millennium BC).

Across from the settlement is Kastri, which has a citadel and ruined turrets.

It is worth walking in Ai Michalis. In the village, there is a well-known taverna on whose terraces you can admire a magnificent sunset in the Aegean. The road ends in Kampos, the northernmost settlement of the island.

Two paths start there - one west to Lia Beach (30') and one northwest to Grammata.

The northwestern beaches of Syros

Varvarousa, Aetos, Lia (or Leia), Gramatta, Megas Lakkos, Marmari, and Avlaki. With exceptionally turquoise waters, these secluded beaches are ideal for those who want to avoid
the crowds. They are accessible only by boat or foot from Epano Meria.

You should swim at Gria Spilia, a wonderful beach with crystal clear waters and pine trees. It is also called the American because an American naturalist named T. Pearson built two houses here and shaped the landscape.

In Grammata, a cove renowned as a safe anchorage since ancient times has inscriptions on the rocks of the western side dating from classical antiquity to the early Eastern Roman (Byzantine) era.

They come from rescued shipwrecked people who thus addressed their thanks to the gods.

Vali Vaimaki is a columnist for Travel. Translated by Paul Antonopoulos.

READ MORE: 5 amazing beaches in southern Rethymno.