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21/12/2021

This is what a few days on the Greek island of Syros look like

Bays with soothing beaches, taverns and restaurants serving fresh food straight from the sea, and quiet on every corner.

This is what a few days on the Greek island of Syros look like. Hiday Biran managed to go on vacation in Greece before the corona returned.

 

When we booked our summer vacation early there was a feeling in the air that the corona was behind us. Not only Greece, more countries were opening their gates to the vaccinated Israeli tourist. As the departure date was approaching the fear was increasing, as the plague situation in Israel, as well as in Greece, was getting worst. Luckily for us, the concept we chose for the holiday turned out to be most appropriate for this crazy period – in a private home, without unnecessary contact with a hotel staff and without friction with other guests.

 

The article was published on the Israeli website Yediot.co.il

Ferry from Athens

We chose the Greek island of Syros which although considered central to the Cyclades is less touristy. We were promised a real Greek experience.

A short flight to Athens – while paying close attention to masks at both Ben Gurion Airport and the plane – because who wants to check out on the island without being able to board a flight back home.

A pre-booked taxi ride and we are already in the port of Piraeus:  Dozens of cars that will also board the impressive and modern ferry are Already waiting on the pier. Wearing their white uniforms, the Greek Coast Guard checks our vaccination certificates and in a short time the passengers and vehicles are already on board.

The two hours and 45 minutes of the cruise pass pleasantly as we sit in comfortable armchairs in an air-conditioned space. On the right you can already see the island and also feel the rising level of our excitement towards the approaching to the harbor. The ferry door – which is also a ramp through which passengers and cars descend – opens and the port city of Hermoupolis is revealed in full isolation and the heart expands. It looks like in the movies. Marina with yachts and a variety of vessels, old and stylish houses. Colorful restaurants. And especially an atmosphere of relaxation. Thanos, our landlord, is already waiting on the platform with the red car we ordered and instructs us to follow his scooter on the way to happiness.

Leaving the city, which is currently temporarily noisy due to the arrival of the ferry, we are already winding on the mountain road on the way to the village of Fabrika named after a ceramics workshop that used to be there and is about 7 kilometers from the port. Turn off the main road brings us to the narrow streets and typical villages of the Greek islands. The houses are built up to the narrow road, and the driving is slow and careful taking into account the drivers in the vehicles coming from the opposite side because only one vehicle can pass here at a time.

The lights of Mykonos

We arrived at our spacious house that sits as promised in front of charming coves in the sea and between them a small mooring for fishing boats. Because the house is so close to the sea, we make sure when parking to pull the handbrake and engage the first gear in the vehicle so that we do not find it in the morning at sea. The house is properly equipped: kitchen with full equipment (including dishwasher), rooms with clean sheets, soap and shampoo like in a hotel and even a washing machine. The design is also pleasant and inviting. But most important is and the covered balcony, into which we will wake up in the coming days: there is no end of deep blue in a variety of shades, and in the distance – if there is good visibility – the lights of neighboring Mykonos Island can be seen at night.

Thanos gives us a short briefing and provides recommendations on restaurants, beaches and entertainment options on the island, and we say goodbye to him until the next (and last) meeting that will take place on the pier before sailing back to Piraeus. Now we are already on our way back to the city in order to visit one of the restaurants he recommended, and enjoy the wonderful dishes of Greek food: lots of fresh seafood and fish, fresh Greek salad at every meal, traditional and stuffed dishes. In the coming days we will visit the excellent restaurants again, each according to its special style and unique location. On the way back to our house by the sea we enter a supermarket to fill the fridge with fresh supplies.

We will open the next few days with a homemade breakfast that I will prepare and eat on the terrace facing the sea: fresh salad, toast and good coffee. The main thing that will keep us busy will be how to choose the one beach where we will spend the day among the many and wonderful located in the surrounding bays. Whether to go to Kini Beach, which sits in a deep natural bay, and includes all the necessary services at various levels – including taverns, restaurants and bars, and whether to rent a thick sunbed mattress or settle for a towel on the sand, and what drink to order.

Another option is to go to the wonderful Agathopes beach and sit on the popular beach or alternatively book a place in advance for the prestigious ONO complex located on a reef between two bays and rub shoulders with the local elite of the island, or rather go to the nearby Komito beach with the selection of services it offers. The deliberation may seem difficult, but in the end everyone will be able to find their favorite beach, and the delicate balance between services and pampering and a pristine beach. Between a diverse human landscape and the desire to be alone on beaches that are almost private. Nudism lovers will also be able to find the right beach for them here. Each beach and its special beauty. They all sit in spectacular coves where the sea twinkles for you in a selection of shades of blue and turquoise and the water is so clear that you can see your feet. The coves also make the water calm and calm even on days when the wind is blowing and the sea outside is a bit stormy.

In these peaceful days on the island, all we cared about was whether to eat at the beach at noon or wait until the afternoon to visit one of the restaurants. Those who choose the latter option will be able to combine it with an evening walk in Hermoupolis – on the harbor promenade or enter through the alleys, bars and restaurants with the yuppie look. In any case, it is advisable to dedicate one of the evenings to visiting the impressive town hall, built in the 19th century, the large plaza in front of it, as well as the ancient and impressive theater nearby.

One evening it is recommended to dedicate to Ano Syros, the ancient Catholic city perched on a hill above Hermoupolis, to walk through the alleys and dungeons that are typically reminiscent of the ancient cities of Jaffa and Jerusalem, to visit St. George’s Cathedral at the top of the mountain. During the trip, which includes quite a few ups and downs, you can sit in one of the restaurants and taverns. You can also visit a small museum dedicated to the Greek musician Markos Vamvakaris, one of the forefathers of the Rembetico music whose island of Syros is considered its home. Listen to sounds, look at pictures and instruments and watch a documentary about it.

Forms and codes

72 hours before we return to Israel and we are on our way to the center of Hermoupolis again, this time to perform the corona test without which we will not be able to board the flight back. This should be taken into account and no form should be forgotten. Even before you fly to Greece you will have to fill out a statement to the Greek Ministry of Health. Only at midnight before your departure will you receive an email from the Greek authorities without which you will not be able to board the plane. We for example get the requested codes only at midnight before our departure.

We booked the cruise back to Athens for the day before the flight home to take a safety factor against delays in the ferry schedule. We spent a night in Athens and even managed to tour the three squares that define the heart of the Greek capital and we were already on our way home, back from the dream to reality.

This is what a few days on the Greek island of Syros look like

The town square and the spectacular town hall of Hermoupolis Find trendy restaurants in the alleys The water is as clear as in the bath Old Town In front of a window overlooking the Aegean Sea Syros island. Bay and more bay painted blue and turquoise The dishes on the island. Everything is very Fresh and delicious

 

 

 

 

 

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  • syros rent a car
  • They are really spectacular hosts

    They are really spectacular hosts

    Louis & Thanos are amazing at communication, and they have a lot of good resources on Syros – restaurant recommendations, covid-testing recommendations and updates, places to rent cars. They are really spectacular hosts, and it that’s really important

    Mez
    Cozy Apartment

    Staying so close to the sea was wonderful

    Staying so close to the sea was wonderful.

    Staying so close to the sea was wonderful. The best sunrises that you can see. Worth getting up for. Take a coffee down to the little Marina and watch the sun rise. Such a beautiful place. Turn right out of the property and walk for 10 minutes and enjoy a spectacular bay that it very quiet and secluded. It was such a great place to stay and explore the other beaches of Syros. After a long hot day we would come back to the comfortable clean property and enjoy a glass of wine looking out over the sea and watch the moon rise. I throughly recommend a stay here.

    Tim
    Fabbrica BnB

    Spacious, lovely house with a beautiful view over the bay

    We had a wonderful 2 weeks in this spacious, lovely house with a beautiful view over the bay. Thanos was a great and communicative host. We are already contemplating coming back next summer. Recommended!

    Nadja
    Traditional house in Megas Gialos

    The house is very beautiful and well organized

    The house is very beautiful and well organized

    Louis was a very good host. Always kind and available if we had some issue (even during late evening). The house is very beautiful and well organized. Just a little advice regarding the possibility to increment the shadow on the terrace in the morning (especially on the table zone). Thank you again, it was a very very nice holiday in Syros!

    Valeria, Alessandro, Monica, Mario

    Valeria
    Traditional House in Megas Gialos

    Τhe house contained all amenities we needed.

    We had such a lovely stay at the property - the terrace was wonderful with amazing views (and two cute kittens) - and the house contained all amenities we needed. Only a short walk to the beach and to the tavern which we highly recommend!

    We had such a lovely stay at the property – the terrace was wonderful with amazing views (and two cute kittens) – and the house contained all amenities we needed. Only a short walk to the beach and to the tavern which we highly recommend!

    Lucy
    Traditional house in Megas Gialos

    lovely clean apartment

    Really lovely clean apartment with really welcoming hosts.

    Really lovely clean apartment with really welcoming hosts

    Eleanor
    Waterview apartment

    Love the house

    Lir's review

    Love the house! It is pretty much my dream home. 3 good size bedrooms, one ensuite and one extra bathroom. Glass fronted fireplace has been great for the winter stay. Huge light living area, plenty of sofa and table space – with the added bonus of having good television and playstation. Lovely kitchen with everything you need; huge fridge/freezer. Perfect patio with bougainvillea and view to sea, with great table, chairs and sun loungers. All built for comfortable living and lovely decor.

    Lir
    Fabbrica BnB

    A fantastic location for a family holiday

    A fantastic location for a family holiday.

    A fantastic location for a family holiday. On a beautiful bay with a selection of tavernas and cafes and lovely swimming, plus a stunning cliff walk to another beach. The house location was great and the facilities comprehensive with good air con to keep you cool.

    Sophie
    Private Villa in Kini

    The House is amazing with great view

    The House is amazing with great view

    The House is amazing with great view. Thanos is also amazing and willing to assist in every way. Thank you for everything Thanos

    Akis
    Fabbrica BnB

    Le logement est bien conforme aux photos

    Le logement est bien conforme aux photos

    Ma famille a été très bien accueillie, merci pour le pick up au ferry à l’arrivée ! Le logement est bien conforme aux photos, de l’eau du café et d’autres produits de base étaient présents. Excellente localisation proche de tout.

    Geraldine
    Maia Apartment

    We throughly recommend this sea front house

    We throughly recommend this sea front house

    We throughly recommend this sea front house. We loved the simple and pleasing architectural design of the house, its location on the seafront with a fine sandy beach that we could walk to, the lovely shaded terrace where we spent a lot of our time and we were pleasantly surprised to find that the quality of beds, bedding, the ac and other equipment where tasteful, thoughtful and to our satisfaction. Above all the great personal warmth and kind presence of Louis and Thanos made the holiday run smoothly and we felt at home thanks to them. We also rented two cars from them and enjoyed visiting Hermoupolis, other beaches, lovely tavernas, and discovering places on the small island of Syros.

    Philippe
    Fabbrica BnB

    Two beaches very nearby

    Top floor apartment with great views. All brand new, very clean, spacious and comfortable. Two beaches very nearby, the much quieter Lotos and the organised beach in Kini, which also has lots of good restaurants. can also easily walk to Delfini beach. Hosts were very helpful and accommodating, would definitely recommend staying.

    Top floor apartment with great views. All brand new, very clean, spacious and comfortable. Two beaches very nearby, the much quieter Lotos and the organised beach in Kini, which also has lots of good restaurants. can also easily walk to Delfini beach. Hosts were very helpful and accommodating, would definitely recommend staying.

    Stefanos
    Waterview apartment

    La casa è curata in ogni minimo dettaglio

    La casa è curata in ogni minimo dettaglio

    L’alloggio è situato in una posizione strategica: di fronte al mare, accanto ad un buonissimo bar e ad una trattoria. In pochi metri c’è tutto ciò di cui avete bisogno per godervi la vacanza. La casa è curata in ogni minimo dettaglio, ed ha un terrazzo molto comodo e funzionale

    Francesca
    Cozy Apartment in Megas Gialos

    The house is the ultimate digital nomad’s getaway

    AMAZING property, hosts and experience is the only way to describe our stay at Fabrika. The house is the ultimate digital nomad’s getaway

    AMAZING property, hosts and experience is the only way to describe our stay at Fabrika. The house is the ultimate digital nomad’s getaway with excellent wifi, space and balance between work and play. Thanos is the ultimate host who went over and beyond our expectations to ensure we could work but also enjoy our downtime for 2 weeks on Syros. Thank you for making our summer so memorable!

    Cameron & Ithaka
    Fabbrica BnB

    We watched amazing sun rising

    Amazing experience. Louis & Thanos are wonderful hosts, really kind. The house is really nice, in front of the sea. We watched amazing sun rising.

    Amazing experience. Louis & Thanos are wonderful hosts, really kind. The house is really nice, in front of the sea.

    We watched amazing sun rising. The house is perfect for 6 people, very clean and well furnished.

    Thanks again! See you soon hopefully!

    Caroline
    Fabbrica BnB

    A lovely place to stay in Syros

    Karsten

    A lovely place to stay in Syros. But please consider renting a vehicle. Megas Gialos is nice, but is also small. Thanos is a very friendly host who is always reachable, when needed. House is very clean and has an amazing view over the sea. Would always come back if my ways will touch Syros again.

    Karsten
    Traditional house in Megas Gialos

    Comfortable home and the best hosts

    amazing. stunning location, stunning view, comfortable home and the best hosts. the nearest beach (Megas Gialos) was so close

    amazing. stunning location, stunning view, comfortable home and the best hosts. the nearest beach (Megas Gialos) was so close you could walk there in 3 minutes. it was our favorite beach in the entire island. we went to Galissas (you must check it out) and Ano Syros (must do at sunset) and the house was the perfect place to come home to.. Louis and Thanos we cannot thank you both enough.

    Anna
    Traditional house in Megas Gialos

    The views were breathtaking

    Dimitra's review on Airbnb

    Best place to go for a relaxing holiday! The cozy house was perfectly stocked and tastefully decorated. The views were breathtaking! Great location to enjoy a quiet place near the beach. I strongly recommend it and I will visit it again soon!

    Dimitra
    Fabbrica BnB

    Η αυλή καταπληκτική με υπέροχη θέα στη θάλασσα

    Το σπίτι είναι πολύ όμορφο. Η αυλή καταπληκτική με υπέροχη θέα στη θάλασσα.

    Το σπίτι είναι πολύ όμορφο. Η αυλή καταπληκτική με υπέροχη θέα στη θάλασσα. Όλοι οι χώροι είναι καλαίσθητοι και εξαιρετικά καθαροί.

    Μείναμε με τα τα δυο μικρά παιδιά μας και αποδείχθηκε πολυ λειτουργικό μιας και διαθέτει όλες τις ανέσεις.

    Ευχαριστούμε τον Louis & Thanos για τη φιλοξενία.

    Lefteris/Natasa
    Traditional House in Megas Gialos

    We enjoyed the house

    We enjoyed the house

    We enjoyed the house and surroundings very much! Beautiful house, well-kept and clean and with an absolutely fantastic terrace from which we enjoyed shade, sun, stars and several times we saw the moon rise over the sea. Good restaurant and good beaches within 5 minutes walk. The hosts were very quick to answer our questions.

    Stefan
    Traditional House in Megas Gialos

    The house was spacious and fully equipped. Amazing sandy beach

    natasa

    The house was spacious and fully equipped with lots of sun light. Υou don’t have the impression that is semi-basement at all. There are windows all over the place. Εven though the temperature outside was over 30 degrees , we didn’t used the air condition because inside it’s keeping a nice and fresh atmosphere … Very clean and nicely decorated , Thanos and Louis they were very kind and always available for our needs. There is a small beach (almost private ! not sandy beach) 20 meters away and a big sandy beach caribbean style 100 meters away that you can just stay there all day and go with the flip flops at home to bring some food and continue! Thank you guys for your amazing home and hospitality we really enjoyed and we will see you definitely soon !!

    Natasa
    Fabbrica BnB Guesthouse

    Maison très bien située et bien équipée sur une île charmante et calme

    Maison très bien située et bien équipée sur une île charmante et calme

    Maison très bien située et bien équipée sur une île charmante et calme. Louis et Thanos sont réactifs dans les communications. Un grand merci pour votre accueil, et services

    Laurence
    Traditional house in Megas Gialos

    The place is very nice and the view wonderful on the bay

    view wonderful on the bay

    Thanos and Louis were very good hosts they have taken good care of us and the place is very nice and the view wonderful on the bay.

    Thanks a lot

    Yves Marie, Maisons-Laffitte,
    Villa Camelia

    The views from the villa are amazing

    The views from the villa are amazing

    The views from the villa are amazing. Kini beach and restaurants are within a short walking distance. The villa is very well equipped and Thanos was always on hand to help. We all had a wonderful stay in Syros and would highly recommend the villa.

    Matthew
    Private Villa in Kini

    Directly accessed from lovely private terrace overlooking the sea.

    Directly accessed from lovely private terrace overlooking the sea. Spacious apartment, just completed, tastefully equipped and furnished. Good quality kitchen and appliances. Powerful air conditioning, limitless hot water. Everything you need for a relaxing stay in beautiful Kini. Located between main Kini beach and smaller Lotos beach. Minutes from either.

    Julian
    Waterview Apartment near the beach

    The location is good to Explore the island

    The apartment is lovely and very clean. The location is good to Explore the island. All furniture is very new.

    The apartment is lovely and very clean. The location is good to Explore the island. All furniture is very new. Every three days a cleaning lady comes to change towels and clean. The apartment misses only a few accessories like bbq. We had a very good stay and the hosts were very kind.

    Lucia
    Nefeli Suite in Megas Gialos

    Louis and Thanos were great hosts!

    Louis and Thanos were great hosts! They were very helpful with any questions we had about the apartment and also syros. We would definitely stay again!

    Louis and Thanos were great hosts! They were very helpful with any questions we had about the apartment and also Syros. We would definitely stay again!

    Paige
    Waterview apartment

    Best place on this wonderful island

    Airbnb Review of Markus

    Wonderful place in a rural surrounding. Quiet and with perfect privacy. The house is perfectly located close to wonderful beaches with a stunning sea view. It is very clean and well equipped. 4 cats became our friends during our stay. We met Louis who’s showed us everything and who is so caring and willing to help. We really loved our stay and can recommend this place without my Limitation – best place on this wonderful island.

    Markus
    Traditional House in Megas Gialos

    Amazing hospitality

    Cristina

    The house overlooking the sea. Fantastic land scape. Amazing hospitality. Super holiday.

    Cristina
    Fabbrica BnB

    Amazing place and hosts! 

    Sofia
    Villa Alba in Azolimnos

    Χώρος και οικοδεσπότες εξαιρετικοί!

    Χώρος και οικοδεσπότες εξαιρετικοί!

    Χώρος και οικοδεσπότες εξαιρετικοί!

    Άνετο το σπίτι για οικογένεια, ευρύχωρα δωμάτια, χωρίς υπερβολική παρουσία επίπλων και ήσυχη τοποθεσία.

    Aντώνης
    Azolimnos Apartment

    Très jolie maison

    Francois Airbnb review for Fabbrica BnB

    Très jolie maison, idéalement située, la plage juste a coté, et d’une propreté impeccable. Thanos est un hôte très accueillant, très à l’écoute des voyageurs et prêt a rendre service. Super sejour!

    Francois
    Fabbrica BnB

    Perfect beach 5 m walking

    Perfect beach 5 m walking

    Incredible house, really perfect beach 5 m walking.

    No doubt to repeat again, everything was perfect, you feel like at home in the moment you arrive.

    Antonio
    Traditional House in Megas Gialos

    The place was absolutely perfect!

    The place was absolutely perfect!

    The place was absolutely perfect! We were a family of 5 and spent a week in this house. The welcoming by Louis, was great, he came to pick us up from the port and made sure before that everything was fine. The house was sparkling clean with welcoming candies and wine. The house is really beautiful, spacious with great decor. It is located on a hill with a beautiful view of the sea and the mountains. The walk to the beach is about 10 minutes downhill. In the village there are 2 restaurants, one is about 10 minutes walk and the other about 20 minutes. There’s always a coffee place by the beach, that also serves food. However, the house is very well equipped for cooking and eating at home as well. We highly recommend this place and will definitely stay here again on the next trip to Syros.

    Dror
    Traditional House in Megas Gialos

    The sea view is enchanting

    vagelis

    The sea view is enchanting in a fantastic quiet location to enjoy the sea and the sun in peace. The house is very comfortable, beautifully decorated and fully equipped. We had a fantastic time. Thanos and Louis welcomed us at the port and helped us with a car rental and gave us very useful information about the island. We recommend it to everyone and especially to those who love the sea as it is next to the beach.

    Vangelis
    Fabbrica BnB

    Perfect Location

    Perfect Location

    We had a lovely stay. The house was fantastic (and incredibly well equipped) and its location perfect for exploring the island. We would return in a heartbeat…

    Duncan
    Traditional house in Megas Gialos

    Front view ocean House

    Louis and Thanos are exceptionals hosters. They made our stay really comfortable, they were ready to help us in all the aspect that we could need. The house was simply perfect, front view ocean, clean, with a lot of room. Located in a peaceful and safe spot. Thanks for this unforgettable vacations.

    Louis and Thanos are exceptionals hosters. They made our stay really comfortable, they were ready to help us in all the aspect that we could need. The house was simply perfect, front view ocean, clean, with a lot of room. Located in a peaceful and safe spot. Thanks for this unforgettable vacations.

    Juan Pablo
    Fabbrica BnB

    Stunning view

    Stunning view - great swimming pool and wonderful host. Louis comes to the port to make sure you have a car or a taxi. He is so responsive (and available 24/7 it seemed )! The house is great. We had a wonderful time on the island of Syros. It is very typical and not very crowded or touristy!

    Stunning view – great swimming pool and wonderful host.

    Louis comes to the port to make sure you have a car or a taxi. He is so responsive (and available 24/7 it seemed )! The house is great. We had a wonderful time on the island of Syros. It is very typical and not very crowded or touristy!

    Delphine
    Villa Camelia

    Excellent views to the sea

    Cynthia's review for Traditional House in Megas Gialos Syros

    We loved this place – it is a beautiful house with excellent views to the sea and great swimming options within five minutes walk. We found the house an excellent choice for two couples – there was plenty of room, with the large deck being our favourite eating space. Louis and Thanos were very helpful as we needed to hire a car and they sorted this out for us prior to arrival.

    The house is very clean and well appointed.

    Highly recommended.

    Cynthia
    Traditional House in Megas Gialos

    Σίγουρα θα ξαναπάμε! Tο σπίτι είναι πολύ όμορφο

    Σίγουρα θα ξαναπάμε! Tο σπίτι είναι πολύ όμορφο

    Εμείς ήμασταν τρία ζευγάρια με τρία μωρά, το σπίτι ήταν εξαιρετικό σε όλα τα επίπεδα, οι άνθρωποι μέχρι και παρκοκρέβατα μας είχαν, το σπίτι είναι πολύ όμορφο και μεγάλο με πολύ καλά στρώματα για ύπνο, σε πολύ ωραία τοποθεσία με θέα στη θάλασσα. Σίγουρα θα ξαναπάμε και μας άρεσε πολύ και το νησί!

    Dimitris
    Erato Suite in Megas Gialos

    Πολύ όμορφο διαμέρισμα με ησυχία, θέα και ηρεμία

    Πολύ όμορφο διαμέρισμα με ησυχία

    Πολύ όμορφο διαμέρισμα με ησυχία, θέα και ηρεμία. Πολύ κοντά στην Ερμούπολη και σε υπέροχες παραλίες. Καλή σχέση ποιότητας και τιμής.

    Konstantina
    Fabbrica BnB

    The view is unforgettable

    tereza

    The view is unforgettable. Super comfortable spaces, fully equipped to the last detail. the beach is under the yard. We did not have to move the car to take a bath. The hosts were very friendly and helpful in everything we needed.

    Tereza
    Fabbrica BnB