Where to Stay in Syros, Greece Based on Budget & Vibes

Anytime I sit down to plan an upcoming trip, I spend most of my time deciding where to stay. Why? Well, where you stay on vacation can have a significant influence on your overall experience.

Not only should it serve as your comfortable home-away-from home, but the area where your accommodation is located has the potential to make or break your visit. And everyone is different! You may want to stay as close to the biggest beach in town as possible, while I may want to stay in the heart of the city’s hustle and bustle.

When I spent a week solo on the delightful island of Syros, I loved where I stayed. In this post I’m sharing exactly where I stayed and why, as well as other options to consider all based on your budget and vibe preferences.

Where to stay in Syros by area and budget

There are several different sides to the island you could explore as part of your overall Syros itinerary. To decide what part of the island you should book accommodations in as your base, read on.

I’ve done my best to break these down for you by approximate budget, but note that seasonality can have quite the impact on prices. Be sure to check for your exact dates, especially if you’re traveling off-season.

You may find that a property that would normally be out of your budget could be quite affordable during shoulder season!

Ermoupoli

I chose to stay in Ermoupoli, which is the island’s capital. This is also where the ferry port is, so it was easy for me to arrive in Syros from Sifnos and to go directly to my accommodations.

The area is lively without being overly loud and chaotic. As a solo traveler in Greece it was important to me to not feel totally isolated, so being around the action of the port and the main city life was perfect.

Main town - where to stay in Syros Greece Outdoor café seating along a stone-paved sidewalk, with bright yellow and red awnings providing shade to red and yellow chairs and small tables. In the distance, a church sits atop a hill, and the sky is a vivid blue with a thin cloud streak.

Plus, there are lots of great cafes, restaurants and sightseeing opportunities in the area. I was able to access everywhere I wanted to go on foot, including up to the town of Ano Syros (which I’ll go into detail about in a bit).

I was also only a 10-minute walk away from what became my favorite activity in Syros – swimming at the concrete beach! Especially if you’re looking for where to stay in Syros without a car, my vote would be for Ermoupoli.

But if I had wanted to take public transportation to go further out, that would have been easy enough to do from here as well.

If you prefer more of the small city action with plenty of options for food, drinks and shopping on your doorstep then stay in Ermoupoli. I stayed here, and loved it.

Colorful sunset over a harbor town, with soft hues of pink, orange, and purple reflecting on the calm water. The shoreline is lined with buildings and streetlights beginning to glow as the day transitions into night. — *View from my balcony in Ermoupoli*

However, there are only 1-2 apartments at that property so here are additional options in case they are booked or you are traveling with a larger group:

🏨 Luxury: Castro Hotel Syros

Castro Hotel Syros is a 5-star hotel that was renovated in 2021, while maintaining its historic elements. Guests can indulge in wellness and spa services onsite, as well as enjoy the property’s restaurants and bars.

👉🏽 Click to check availability for your travel dates

🏨 Mid-range: Apollonion Palace

This stunning, 5-star hotel offers a charming and convenient location as well as stunning views. Apollonion Palace is housed in a 19th-century, neoclassical building and is fitted with a terrace where guests can enjoy dinner while looking out over the sea.

👉🏽 Click here to check availability for your travel dates

🏨 Budget: Casa di Lou

Enjoy the comforts of apartment-style living at the centrally located, Casa di Lou. Previous guests commend the host’s friendliness, the property’s cleanliness and the extremely convenient location.

👉🏽 Check prices and availability at Casa di Lou

Kini

If you’re craving a beach vacation then book your stay in the sleepier, seaside village of Kini along Syros’ western coast. Here, you’ll experience a slower pace as you split your time between lounging on the beach and dining at the cafes along the port.

Charming whitewashed guesthouse with red shutters and balconies, covered in blooming bougainvillea and surrounded by greenery. Set against a backdrop of rolling hills and scattered homes, the property exudes a peaceful, Cycladic village atmosphere. — *Ligaries property in Syros*

You could also visit the local aquarium, and of course head out to explore other parts of Syros as well by bus, rental car or taxi.

Staying in Kini will likely be more affordable, and the price difference between properties may not be as evident. Properties also tend to be more like apartments than hotels here.

🏨 $$$: Captain’s

Captain’s is a 4-star boutique hotel complete with pool, views, fitness room, yoga studio, library with kids’ corner and onsite dining options. This hotel even offers cooking classes and customized tours.

👉🏽 Check prices and availability for your dates

🏨 $$: Ligaries

Bright, minimalist bedroom with a Mediterranean style, featuring a white double bed, two woven wall lamps, and an open wardrobe with neutral-toned clothing. The room has terracotta tile floors, light decor accents, and a window with soft beige curtains.

Choose from garden or mountain views at Ligaries where you can also enjoy a lounge, shared kitchen, terrace and picnic areas. From here, you’ll have an easy walk to the nearby bus stop, mini market, restaurants and beach itself while staying in a peaceful area.

👉🏽 Click to check prices and availability

🏨 $: Guesthouse ERI

Guesthouse ERI offers family rooms with kitchenettes and sea or mountain views. Each room is also equipped with a balcony. Former guests have appreciated the modern rooms, friendly hosts and great location.

👉🏽 Check prices and availability

Galissas

For a more resort-like atmosphere along a stunning beach, choose to stay near Galissas Beach. This was the first main tourist hub on Syros island, and you’ll find plenty of great hotel options perfect for the whole family.

Quiet stone-paved alley framed by blooming bougainvillea, with a jewelry store on the left and modern building façades on the right. The path leads into the shaded interior of the old town.

In addition to relaxing by the water you can visit several picturesque churches in the area, as well as make your way into Ermoupouli only 5 miles away.

🏨 Luxury: Dolphin Bay Seaside Resort & Suites

Dolphin Bay is a 4-star resort built in the Cycladic architectural style. Guests can enjoy lounging at the pool, which includes a children’s play area and waterslides. The hotel also has a tavern, piano bar and restaurant onsite. It’s an easy walk from the property to exploring surrounding areas.

👉🏽 Check prices and availability at Dolphin Bay

🏨 Mid-range: Remvi

For a quieter stay without sacrificing charm and location, choose Remvi. This hotel also offers a pool on the premises, and the rooms are beautifully well-kept.

👉🏽 Check prices and availability at Remvi

🏨 Budget: Ventoura Studios & Apartments

Ventoura Studios and Apartments is an environmentally-responsible, pet-friendly, family-friendly accommodation with plenty of amenities. Here you can enjoy the pool, fitness center, sauna, spa facilities, restaurants and more.

👉🏽 Click to check pricing and availability

Ano Syros

Panoramic view of a coastal town on a Greek island, with white and pastel-colored houses cascading down the hillside toward a calm bay. A domed church stands on the left, and a few ships are docked in the harbor on the right.

Winding cobblestoned pathways, sweeping island views and medieval charm await you at the hilltop village of Ano Syros.

If you’re looking for a place to meander aimlessly and get a little lost amidst whitewashed buildings as you discover hidden cafes and shops, stay in Ano Syros.

But beware – you’ll encounter lots of stairs here as well so it’s not the place for everyone!

While staying in Ermoupouli, I spent one afternoon making my way to Ano Syros on foot.

After a long, hot, uphill trek I arrived and was able to admire the charm while enjoying some cold lemonade before walking back down to Ermoupouli. Of course, you could also take a taxi or bus to go between the two.

Charming alleyway with cobblestone pavement, lined with colorful buildings, potted plants, and small café tables. Bright pink bougainvillea arches over the narrow street under a clear blue sky.

Similarly to other areas of Syros, you may find accommodation availability within Ano Syros varies seasonally.

Additionally, you’re more likely to find villas or apartment homes in this area catering to individual travel groups or families rather than hotels with many rooms.

🏨 Luxury: Oceania House with Sea View

If you’re looking for a more private family getaway, you’ll love Oceania House. While you may have downstairs neighbors (unless you book the entire property) you won’t experience any crowding at the infinity pool or surroundings. Enjoy stunning views and a true family vacation with a stay here.

👉🏽 Check availability at Oceania House

🏨 Mid-range: Modern Loft Syros

For a spacious, modern room book a suite at Modern Loft Syros. While not as centrally located, it’s still near enough to a supermarket and a bus stop for ease of getting around the island.

👉🏽 Click to check prices and availability

🏨 Budget: The Balcony of Bougainvillea

The Balcony of Bougainvillea looks like something straight out of a storybook, and is definitely worth considering for your stay in Ano Syros! If you’re looking for a uniquely charming stay and don’t mind navigating a lot of stairs in the area, then don’t hesitate to book this one if it’s available for your travel dates!

👉🏽 Check availability for your travel dates

Common questions related to where to stay in Syros, Greece

Narrow cobblestone street in bright sunlight with a yellow neoclassical building on the left and a stone building with blooming pink flowers in a planter on the right. The alley gently slopes uphill toward a blue sky.

As you narrow in on where to stay in Syros during your visit, consider:

What is the main town in Syros?

Ermoupouli is the main town in Syros, and is the island’s capital. There’s plenty to do within Ermoupouli itself and it’s also well-connected to other areas of the island. Here is also where you’ll find the island’s ferry port and airport.

Is Syros walkable?

Yes, Syros is walkable for the most part. To go between different parts of the island you’ll want to hire a car, taxi or travel by bus. But the areas themselves – Ermoupouli, Ano Syros, the beach towns are walkable in and of themselves.

What is there to do in Syros?

From museums and restaurants to beaches and spas there is plenty to do in Syros. For a more detailed guide read my guide to the best things to do in Syros to help you plan the perfect itinerary.

Final thoughts on where to stay in Syros

No matter where you ultimately choose to stay in Syros I am sure you’ll have a great experience. However, being mindful of your own travel preferences and desired surroundings can help set you up for your ideal vacation.

So, what’ll it be – capital city, beach village or medieval fortress?