Syros has a lot going for it. It is the capital of the Cyclade Islands. The architecture is Venetian in style. There are plenty of art galleries, as well as music. The beaches are great, and as always, the restaurant, tavernas, and bars are as well. Some beaches are quiet and off the beaten path, while others are full service and popular. While there is a small airport with infrequent flights, the primary choice of transportation is the inter-island ferry. The ferry from mainland Greece is just under 2 hours in duration. If there was one island of the many Greece Islands which I have visited over the years where I would want to spend a significant amount of time, this one is it. I could live here for months on end.
Coastline near the main town of Ermoupoli. The ferry I arrived on from Naxos. The coastline at night has great luminescense. I could hear the music playing from the club below and the hour was past 1AM. Daytime image of the same coast. Hotel Aristides. This little charming hotel has only 8 suites for accommodation. To the left is its garden restaurant. The hotel lobby is eclectic and the owners saw to a great restoration of the building. The stairs, banisters, and columns are all Carrara marble. Town square in Ermoupoli. Many of the sidewalks as well as this square are also Carrara marble. On the positive side the marble lasts for centuries, but as slippery as ice on teflon when it rains. Interesting art galleries abound on Syos. This particular piece was created before the recent popular Barbie movie was released. Oil on canvas, 61cm x 91cm. Backgammon anyone. How do you say “can I play winner” in Greek?Typical street scene. And typical couple enjoying wine at the Box of Bush wine bistro.Great full service beach. Some days just call for it. Beers, cocktails, burgers, or sushi. I expected to spend 3 hours or so, but ended up spending the entire day. Long enough to have two meals and plenty of drinks. I did get back to the hotel before dark.Same beach, different perspective. The full service beaches in Greece are so good. There are a couple of dine-in restaurants too. That’s where this image was captured.Afternoon bliss. It’s easy to see why I spent the entire day here.A short walk from the Aristides Hotel brought me to dinner and this restaurant in the street. Great Mediterranean fare. The string band although not great, pulled me in like a magnet.And the band played on. They were having more fun than their expressions indicate. Keep buying them grappa and maybe they start to smile. I bought them two rounds just to see. This image was captured before the rounds. Very intoxicated but happy couple. No shortage of smiles here. This guy was a salty old sailor. They were at the table just next to mine. Not sure if they were a father and daughter, or if they were something else. My best guess is… not sure. Everyone is so friendly it’s hard to tell.Charming little bakery and great coffee too.I hiked up to a church and got this fabulous view of the main harbor below. This religion must have had some allure back in the day, because the walk to get here from the center of town was all uphill and lasted about two hours. I guess a follower must really have wanted whatever this place is selling.
My next stop is Lisbon, Portugal. Until then, safe travels wherever you go.
