Greece’s Cycladic capital of Syros is, perhaps, one of the most overlooked destinations in the region. The locale has everything a visitor would want in a Mediterranean escape and then some: neoclassical marble buildings, aquamarine beaches, hidden swimming coves, and a world-renowned food and beverage scene that sources local produce, meat, and seafood. It’s also set among tall, rolling mountains that would have inspired Bob Ross to pick up his paintbrush.
On the tip of its iconic harbor is a boutique hotel that overlooks the island and welcomes visitors like a lighthouse. Upon first glance, one would never expect the building to house and sleep tourists, but its removal from the hustle and bustle of life in Ermoupolis, Syros’ bustling capital, is part of Hotel Nisaki’s appeal.
Comprising only 42 rooms and two suites, the waterside oasis touts unobstructed views of the Aegean Sea, as well as the ships that barrel in and out of it. Accommodations are recently renovated with warm, industrial-like accents such as wood-beam ceilings, burlap-style rugs, as well as stone-embossed, walk-in showers. While a boutique style is part of its overall look and feel, the decor captures the luxury and comfort of a five-star hotel.
Personal touches make the inn all the more special with a dining area in its back lobby that serves up a morning spread of locally-sourced eggs, cheeses, and proteins. The hotel owner also offers homemade jams made from her mother to slather on warm, fresh-baked bread — a satiating start to a day that will demand the energy to wander and stumble into one of the area’s many shops and cafes.
As many tourists jet to Mykonos, Santorini, and Crete, consider a detour for a less populated yet equally beautiful destination, rife with history and culture, and chock-full of the small businesses, like Hotel Nisaki, that make it so special.
Top Takeaways
Location: Syros, Greece
Address: Ε.Papadam 1, Ermoupoli Syros, Greece
Rating: Three-Star
The Vibe: Removed from the controlled chaos of the port’s docks, Hotel Nisaki is a respite for the traveler who demands a simple, yet comfortable place to rest their head after a day of exploration. It is peaceful, slow-paced, and, if fortunate enough to book a room with a balcony, an ideal spot to wind down and enjoy a glass of local wine from either Chantzakis or Ousyra wineries.
Food + Drink: The property only serves breakfast but you’d be remiss to not venture into Ermoupolis and sample its variety of cuisine. Favorites include traditional pastries from Athimaritis, loukoumi (Turkish delights) from family-owned Sykoutris, and gelato from Django, which features a decadent (yet dairy-free!) pistachio flavor. A stop at Roussounelos Butchery is also a must for its renowned sausages and variety of proteins, while dinners at Aristide Hotel’s rooftop and Avant Garden will provide inspired menus featuring fresh caught-seafood and seasonal vegetables that showcase Syros’ gastronomy scene in the best way possible.
Amenities: Free parking; free breakfast; free WiFi; many rooms with balconies and ocean views
Our Favorite Thing About the Hotel: Owners and staff go above and beyond to ensure that your stay is comfortable with daily cleanings, bottled water, and a 24-hour front desk,. They’re also on hand to offer recommendations and tips for everything from restaurants and souvenir shops to beaches and public transportation.
5 Nearby Attractions: Galissas Beach, Agios Stefanos Church, Ermoupolis City Hall, Theatro Apollon, Makryonitis Syros Distillery
Any Personal Neighborhood Recs?: Aside from its natural beauty, Syros is a hotbed of fascinating Greek history. Book one of three tours from Hermoupolis Heritage, a non-profit organization aimed at preserving traditions of the region and seeing the island through the lens of a local, from both past and present. It is an educational way to lay the foundation for a visit, including a stop at the Textile Museum, which has restored and preserved original knitting machines, looms, and fabrics from its once lucrative, yet mysterious past.
Rooms: 42 rooms and two suites
Pricing: Prices start around 167 USD/night
Closest Airport: Syros National Airport, though most guests will arrive via ferry from Athens and/or nearby islands
