Forget Mykonos. These Are The Secret Marvels of the Cyclades
- Peregryn travel writers
- Oct 14
- 13 min read
When it comes to the Cyclades, Mykonos and Santorini seem to get all the attention. The former offers a star-studded party scene while the latter is renowned for its gorgeous views, idyllic whitewashed villages and blue-roofed churches that seem to tumble down cliffsides.
But within this collection of islands, scattered off the southeast coast of Athens, you’ll find a pair of hidden gems just a stone's throw from Mykonos, yet a world away in atmosphere and experience.
Syros and Tinos offer a truly authentic Greek island vacation, free from steep prices and pulsating beach clubs. Syros, the administrative capital of the Cyclades, features a fascinating 19th-century heritage echoed in the elegant architecture of its capital, Ermoupolis, a refreshing departure from the typical white and blue villages. Tinos, on the other hand, is renowned for its exquisite marble-carving and a thriving community of artisans.
Two of the very best islands to visit in Greece, they both promise not only picturesque villages and idyllic beaches but also a rich tapestry of culture begging to be explored, making them ideal for a uniquely enriching Greek island getaway.
Syros: The Grand Dame of the Aegean
Syros stands as a testament to a vibrant mercantile past and a fascinating blend of cultures. As you walk the streets of its historic capital, Ermoupolis, a showcase of dazzling neoclassical palaces and marble streets dripping in bougainvillea, you’re struck by its old world elegance. Still, like its neighboring islands, with their whitewashed hill villages, Syros still has plenty of bucolic charm. Beyond the palatial beauty of its capital, you’ll discover lush vineyards and untouched golden-sand beaches across the entire island.
A Brief History of Syros
Homer himself is said to have referenced Syros, "Syrie," a land inhabited by Phoenicians, then Samians (including the teacher of Pythagoras, Pherecydes). The Ionian settlers built ancient Ermoupoli, later welcoming Persians, Romans, Franks, and Turks.
It was the Venetians, however, who truly elevated Syros into a vital Eastern Mediterranean trade hub. This long Venetian rule, followed by Ottoman presence under Vatican and French protection, left a profound Catholic legacy that coexists harmoniously with the predominant Greek Orthodox faith.
The 19th century saw a great flourishing after the Greek Revolution. Under French protection, the island became a safe haven for refugees from other islands. These refugees settled on Syros, building the capital Ermoupolis, which became a thriving port and cultural center. Today, you get a sense of the grandeur of the time, with grand mansions and neoclassical marvels made from marble sourced from the mines on nearby Tinos.
Before the rise of Ermoupolis, Ano Syros was the main town on the island. This medieval stronghold looks over Ermoupoli from the hilltops, whispering tales of pirate raids and offering a glimpse into a time when survival dictated architectural design.
Up until the mid 20th Century, Syros was also known as the “Manchester of Greece,” referring to the British city at the heart of the Industrial Revolution. This is due to its role as a major commercial and industrial center, a role that delivered wealth to the island which has meant that, historically, it has never been reliant on tourism for its prosperity. It means that when you visit, you’ll slot into real island life rather than feeling like tourist colonisers.
The Cultural Pillars of Syros
Said to be the first opera house in Greece, this miniature jewel box is often compared to Milan's La Scala. Step inside this elegant 19th-century theater and imagine the grand performances that have graced its stage for over a century.
Ascend to the medieval hilltop settlement of Ano Syros, a labyrinth of narrow, winding alleys, whitewashed houses, and archways, founded by the Venetians. A small main street is peppered with charming little bars and restaurants serving traditional dishes and offering breathtaking views of Ermoupoli and the Aegean Sea. Visit the enchanting Catholic Cathedral of Saint George, complete with a 500-year-old El Greco painting, only discovered in the 1980s.
Dominating Miaouli Square, this magnificent neoclassical building, designed by the famous German architect Ernst Ziller, is an architectural masterpiece. Its sheer size and grandeur reflect Syros's past as a significant economic and administrative center. Take a seat at sundown and observe as local life plays out.
Housed within the Town Hall, this museum showcases significant findings from excavations on Syros and other Cycladic islands, providing insights into the island's prehistoric and ancient past, including artifacts from the Early Cycladic period.
Vaporia Quarter (Ermoupoli)
Wander through the picturesque Vaporia district, where the elegant neoclassical mansions of wealthy shipowners and merchants cling to the cliffs, seemingly floating above the sea. Today, these former palatial buildings now house beautiful boutique hotels. The Church of Agios Nikolaos, with its distinctive blue dome, is another prominent landmark here.
Syros was once an industrial powerhouse in Greece. This museum, housed in three historic factory buildings, offers a fascinating glimpse into the island's industrial heritage, showcasing machinery, tools, and the stories of its working past.
Where To Stay in Syros
Syros is an island without big name hotels, where everything is infused with a certain small island charm. The majority of visitors to the island stay in Ermoupolis, which offers elegant boutiques and enchanting Syros luxury hotels, often in majestic converted mansions.
Here’s a selection of our top tips for hotels in Syros, the very best authentic accommodation.
This eco-friendly boutique hotel in the island’s capital is housed in a lavishly restored former mansion. You’ll enjoy opulent interiors, eclectic decor, a delightful rooftop restaurant, an art gallery and stunning sea views.
Housed in an imposing 150-year old neoclassical mansion in Ermoupolis, this traditional 5-star hotel offers regal interiors, a private beach area and an airy café/bar. It’s located right in the heart of the capital, just steps away from the beach.
Refined rooms and suites in an upscale five-story hotel in Ermoupolis featuring an open-air bar and two fabulous terraces overlooking the Aegean Sea. Housed in a historic 19th-century mansion originally built for noble Syrian families.
Nestled in the heart of Ermoupolis town, this enchanting boutique is housed within a converted mansion and is renowned for its excellent personalized service. You’ll marvel at the colorful 19-century artwork that adorns the ceilings and floors.
The High Cuisine of Syros: A Confluence of Flavors
Syros' gastronomy is a sophisticated fusion, reflecting its cosmopolitan past. It's where the bourgeois tastes of Western Europe meet the humble traditions of the Cycladic farmers and the aromatic spices of Asia Minor. This unique blend has given rise to dishes that are both refined and deeply rooted in local produce.
Here’s a selection of the best local delicacies to try during a Syros holiday.
San Michali PDO Cheese: Often dubbed the "Greek Parmesan," this hard, salty cheese is a testament to Syros' rich dairy tradition.
Louza Syrou: A cured pork delicacy, similar to prosciutto, seasoned with local herbs, especially fennel, and air-dried.
Loukoumia (Turkish Delight): Introduced by refugees from Chios, these fragrant sweets, with flavors like rose, mastic, and bergamot, are a beloved local specialty.
Aetopita: A unique pie made with fresh fish and local vegetables, capturing the essence of the Aegean.
Marathopita: A savory pie featuring fennel, spinach, and often local pork sausage.
Unmissable Food Spots in Syros
There is an array of great dining establishments dotted all over the island, from upscale restaurants to homespun family-run eateries. As the sun sets on Syros, head to the charming waterfront bars where yachts moor up each evening. Here, you can rub shoulders with the locals as you sip local wines and signature cocktails.
Here’s our pick of the best restaurants in Syros:
Perched up in Ano Syros, this traditional Greek establishment is run by a couple from the mainland. A local staple since it opened 10 years ago, Maison de Meze sells jams, cheese, cured meats and honey. They also use these products as the basis for a delightful menu of meze dishes, served up in a dazzling rustic setting.
A family-run spot in Ermoupolis, To Mikraki is set under a huge bougainvillea tree on a quiet pedestrian street off the seafront. Decor is tasteful and minimalist, service is excellent and the delicious homemade food and island wine is very affordable.
An impressive and innovative Greek fusion restaurant in Ermpoulis. Mazi’s all-day menu elevates as dusk falls. Take a seat in the fairy tale garden terrace, and savor the artful cooking and inventive cocktails.
Part of the Argingi Hotel in Syros, this upscale restaurant is featured in the Michelin guide. Opening onto a bucolic courtyard, the restaurant features fresh seafood dishes using local ingredients with contemporary influences and exquisite presentation.
After 20 years satisfying sweet-toothed locals in Syros, this fantastic ice cream parlour has become so popular it just now opened a second establishment in Athens.
This local cooperative is made up of 28 local women, each preparing a selection of delicacies that you can take away. A wonderful initiative for the Syros restaurant scene, and the food is heavenly.
Centrally located, this traditional Greek taverna sits under a blooming bougainvillea tree and serves traditional produce with a creative twist.
Other Things To See and Do in Syros
Head To the Beach
The beaches in Syros are nothing short of idyllic. For tranquil atmosphere and family swims, head to the crystal clear waters and golden sands of Agathopes on the west coast, a glorious sunset spot just a 20-minute drive from Ermoupoli. A little further north, you’ll find the equally scenic Galissas village beach set behind undulating sand dunes and backed by rocky hills. Another west coast gem, just a 15-minute drive away from the capital, Kini Beach is a palm fringed paradise featuring calm waters, sunbeds and parasols.
Indulge in Turkish Delight
Traditional family-run sweet maker Sykoutris in Ermoupolis has been in business since 1928, specializing in loukoumi (essentially, Turkish delight). The sweet came from the island of Chios, just off the coast of Turkey, and the simple recipe was brought to Syros by refugees during the Greek Independence war. This small business still makes them in exactly the same way as always, in copper cauldrons, before cutting and packaging them by hand. At 81 years young, fifth generation owner Ntina Sykoutri will only be too pleased to offer you a tour of the business, with the translation assistance of her Egyptian manager Ayman.
Savor a Tour and Tasting at Paro Kopois Vineyard
Family-run by a young husband and wife team, Paro Kopois supplies Syros’ restaurants and tavernas with wine. As one of only four vineyards on the island, it’s a true local treasure. You can visit for a tour and enjoy wine tasting and pairings with incredible local produce on a shaded terrace overlooking the land.
Tinos: The Island of Pilgrimage and Artisans
Tinos, while equally steeped in history, offers a different kind of spiritual and artistic journey. It’s famed for the sacred Church of Panagia Evangelistria, a major pilgrimage site, but also for its rich artistic heritage. The island has a long history of marble carving, which has given rise to dozens of gorgeous villages. Here, you can enjoy languid lunches beneath shaded plane trees in marble-clad squares, savoring the heritage of the island and its strong connection to the land.
A Brief History of Tinos
Next stop on our Greek island vacation is Tinos, known in ancient times as Ophioussa, due to its snakes (the name means “land of serpents” in Ancient Greek) and Hydroussa (for its abundant water), Tinos was said to have its snakes chased away by Poseidon, leading to his worship here.
Civilizations from the Mycenaeans to the Phoenicians and Ionians were early inhabitants, and, like Syros, it fell under Venetian rule in the 13th Century. Tinos held out against Ottoman invasions for longer, maintaining a unique autonomy that enabled its culture, arts and agriculture to flourish.
This period saw Tinos earn the nickname “Little Paris” for its commercial, industrial, and shipping prowess. The discovery of a Virgin Mary statue at the Panagia Evangelistria Cathedral in 1821, considered a symbol of divinity and good luck, coincided with the Greek Revolution and solidified the spiritual significance of the island. Then, Tinos’s disused marble quarries, previously used by Romans and early Christians, were revived and Tinos became a major hub for marble craftsmanship.
Into the 19th and 20th centuries, Tinos flourished, becoming a birthplace for important cultural personalities, especially sculptors and painters, whose works can still be admired throughout the island’s enchanting villages.
Cultural Pillars of Tinos: Art, Spirituality, and Nature's Canvas
The spiritual heart of Tinos and one of the most significant pilgrimage sites in Greece. Thousands of faithful visit annually to venerate the miraculous icon of the Virgin Mary, believed to have healing powers. The church's imposing structure and the journey of pilgrims crawling on their knees to reach it from up to a kilometer away are deeply moving.
Located in the renowned marble-carving village of Pyrgos, this exceptional museum beautifully showcases the history and technology of marble artistry on Tinos. It details the process from quarrying to the finished masterpiece, honoring the island's celebrated sculptors.
A truly picturesque village, Pyrgos is a living museum of marble artistry. Stroll through its cobbled streets, admire the intricate marble details on houses, fountains, and churches, and visit the workshops of contemporary marble sculptors. It is also home to the Yiannoulis Halepas Museum, dedicated to one of Greece's most famous sculptors, born here.
This imposing rock formation, crowned with the ruins of a Venetian fortress, offers not only a challenging hike but also a panoramic historical vantage point. It was once the island's capital and a formidable stronghold against invaders, offering incredible views of the Aegean and surrounding islands.
Just outside Tinos Town, discover the remnants of an ancient sanctuary dedicated to Poseidon, the god of the sea, and his wife Amphitrite. This site was once a significant religious center, attracting worshippers from across the Aegean. While the ruins themselves are quite humble and set overlooking the coast, you can see the items recovered from the site at the nearby Archaeological Museum in Tinos Town.
Dotting the Tinian landscape, especially in valleys like Tarabados, are hundreds of elaborately decorated dovecotes. These unique architectural structures, often adorned with intricate geometric patterns, were built primarily in the 18th and 19th centuries and reflect the island's agricultural ingenuity and artistic flair.
Charming Villages and Secluded Beaches
The island’s largest village, 10 km northwest of Tinos Town, Pyrgos is renowned for its marble craftsmanship and traditional Cycladic architecture. You'll find artisan workshops, a marble museum, and a slew of charming cafes and tavernas. Slightly to the east of Pyrgos, otherworldly granite landscapes surround the village of Volax, a small, quiet village known for its basket weaving.
Further north, two villages offer a more authentic glimpse into traditional Tinian life. Perched on a hillside overlooking the deep blue of the Aegean Sea, Kardiani is a picturesque village with serpentine alleys, whitewashed houses, and colorful bougainvillea. Ysternia offers traditional architecture, a serene atmosphere and breathtaking panoramas, especially at sunset.
Further inland, Falatados is a charming agricultural village famed for its vineyards and wine production, while the aptly named Aetofolia (meaning “eagle's nest” in Greek) affords breathtaking views of the island's landscape.
Once you’ve explored the island’s villages, it’s time to cool off with a trip to the coast. On the northern shores of Tinos, Kolimvithra is pure cinematic romance, the perfect place to while away the hours under blissful Greek skies. It’s divided into two distinct beaches, one with a charming sea-facing taverna selling fresh fish, and the other with free-to-use mushroom-shaped straw parasols and a VW campervan offering drinks and snacks.
The likes of Agios Sostis and Pachia Ammos are popular spots, each offering good amenities such as sunbeds, umbrellas, and beachside tavernas.
For a more secluded experience, head to Livada or Agios Romanos, which both offer unrefined beauty and a more natural and less crowded setting. With the prevalence of the “Meltemi” wind, the south coast of Tinos has ideal conditions for windsurfers and kitesurfers. Seek out the Agios Ioannis Porto.
Best Places To Stay in Tinos
This newly opened Marriott Hotel is the first major brand hotel on the island, a testament to the island’s growing popularity. Yet, Tinos still retains that boutique, serene charm, embodied by the way Odera honors the island’s “simple done well” ethos, with elegant decor, a focus on local produce, and a beautiful beach.
Quietly located, offering spacious and fully equipped accommodations with chic units, an airy restaurant, and an outdoor pool with sea views.
Nestled along the picturesque waterfront of Tinos Town, this upscale boutique features spacious layouts, elegant furnishings, and modern amenities, together with fantastic sea views and luxurious guest rooms and suites.
A pretty, charming little family run boutique set in the heart of Tinos Town. Upgrade to a top-floor suite for sweeping sea views from an expansive terrace and gorgeous decor.
Epicurian Delights in Tinos: Earthy Delicacies and Artisanal Craft
Tinos's cuisine is characterized by its deep connection to the land and sea, celebrating local produce and traditional methods. The island's strong agricultural tradition, particularly its famous artichokes, and its unique livestock contribute to a distinct, earthy, and refined gastronomy.
Tinian artichokes: The valley of Komi is famous for its delicious, tight artichokes, used in numerous local dishes, especially artichoke pie.
Louza Tinou: A high-quality cured pork tenderloin, marinated in wine and spices, then air-dried, reflecting the island's charcuterie expertise.
Tinian cheeses: A diverse array, including the spicy kopanisti, a soft, fresh petroto (rock cheese), and a distinctive gruyere made from the milk of the rare Tinian cow breed.
Sun-dried tomatoes: Preserved in oil, these intensely flavored tomatoes are a staple, often fried in batter as a local delicacy.
Froutalia: The island's signature omelet, generously packed with local potatoes, sausages, and cheeses.
Where To Indulge in Tinos, Greece: Restaurants, Local Bites and Coffee Shops
Best Restaurants in Tinos
Eos Tinos Restaurants (within the Odera hotel)
With executive chef Dimitris Skarmoutsos blending tradition with modern flair, Eos offers timeless Greek and Cycladic specialties alongside hand-picked Tinian wines.
The oldest restaurant on the island, going about 100 years, this local treasure nestled in Tinos Town offers traditional dishes made with fresh produce, served up in wonderfully colorful surroundings.
Set on the silken sands of Agios Fokas beach just outside Tinos Town, this seafood restaurant has an extensive menu of fresh-catch delights, with friendly service and dazzling sea views.
Located directly next to the Archaeological Site of Kionia, this is one of the best restaurants in Tinos, offering a modern take on traditional Tino cuisine in a beautiful seafront setting.
A secluded little eatery nestled high up in the hills, Teréza is a humble little spot that serves incredible fresh local produce and is beloved by locals.
This family-run restaurant is nestled on the rocks of the island’s southern shores. Whitewashed walls and freshly caught seafood offer a charming dining experience. Steps that wind down towards a swimming platform where you can take a dip into the sea.
Upscale Coffee Shops
While a traditional kafenio, many of Tinos's coffee experiences are found in beautifully restored village squares, offering a refined, authentic atmosphere. Seek out those in charming villages like Pyrgos, known for their artistic heritage.
A popular seaside spot, offering refreshing coffee and drinks with a view.
Exclusive Bars:
A chic beach bar offering finger-friendly treats, refreshing crudos, and ice-cold drinks, perfect for a relaxed day by the sea.
While a beach bar, it stands out for its snacks and drinks made of local products, offering a unique Tinian experience by the sea.
Pack Your Bags for a Blissful Greek Island Vacation
Swap the frenetic pace of more famous Greek islands for the serene soulfulness and relaxing rhythms of Syros and Tinos. From the cosmopolitan grandeur of Syros to the spiritual artistry of Tinos, these two Cycladic gems offer picturesque landscapes, spellbinding history and elevated culinary traditions, all of which converge for an unforgettable Greek island hopping experience.
How To Get To Syros and Tinos
Both Syros and Tinos are close to Athens and easily accessible by ferry from Piraeus port. Syros is a quick two-hour journey from the Greek capital, with Tinos just a further 15 minutes away. These islands are typically the first stops on the route, though the same well-run ferry system also calls at others, like Mykonos and Paros, making them perfect additions to a longer, island-hopping tour. Bookings can be easily made through Omio websites or apps, which display and compare all available options from different ferry companies. T
