Syros’ singular beauty has been put on the map by The Irish Times, which praises the Cycladic Island and effusively recommends it to their readers as a prime destination for summer vacations in Greece.

In a travel feature titled: ‘Holiday in Greece: Syros is picture-perfect’, journalist Gemma Tipton insinuates that this elegant, historic, cultural and architecturally fascinating island is a more ideal choice than its by now somewhat over-visited neighbor Mykonos.

“We’re on Syros, a short boat ride from Mykonos, but a world away in terms of vibe,” she writes. “While Mykonos has leaned into its reputation as a party island, Syros is more chicly niche. It is also full of wonderful contrasts.”

The writer adds: “A 20-minute fast ferry from Mykonos brings you into the capital, Hermoupolis (also known as Ermoupoli), where grand civic buildings, including a theatre house modelled on La Scala, are testament to the island having been a major hub in the 19th century.” 

Syros’ quaint and elegant charms are at the centre of The Irish Times’ admiring coverage: “…if you are after picture-perfect narrow winding streets, lined with boutiques, cafes and restaurants, and lanes paved with marble, pretty churches and glimpses of the sea around every second corner, Hermoupolis has it in spades.

“The town climbs to two hills, each topped with a church. One is the Orthodox hill, and the other Catholic. On feast days, I’m told, they still vie with one another to have the best firework display. Locals find a vantage point in town and soak up the sparkling competition.”

The author also writes about the island’s history and culture as well as the accommodations and cuisine she experienced on Syros during her stay on the island.

This article was previously published in Greek at kathimerini.gr.