What makes Syros so special?
We never would have thought Syros would captivate us like this. But here we are on the ferry, watching the pastel-colored houses of Ermoupoli fade into the distance, and, man, we’ve got a pretty big lump in our throat.
As digital nomads, we’ve traveled to a lot of places, but this dreamy island has sneaked its way deep into our hearts and will always hold a special place in our memories.
But what makes Syros so special? Honestly? It’s hard to put it into words. If we had to describe it, we’d say Syros is more than just a typical Greek beauty. Syros is a feeling – a place where you instantly feel comfortable and at home. Maybe it’s the people we met there or just the peaceful island life in the off-season. Syros has surprised us in so many ways and fundamentally changed our thinking about certain things. One thing’s for sure: Syros – we’ll meet again someday!
Why Syros is a True Gem for Digital Nomads
The small island of Syros, in the heart of the Aegean, might have been unknown to many. We hadn’t heard of it either until we were invited by Work from Greece.
Luckily, we got to know this special place last winter – an opportunity we’re incredibly grateful for. But why is Syros, despite its extraordinary charm, almost undiscovered by tourists?
We asked ourselves the same question and came up with five reasons why digital nomads should visit this hidden Mediterranean gem.
Work and Play in Balance
A trip to Syros isn’t just a great chance for digital nomads to work without distractions, but also to enjoy the island’s perks. Whether you start your day with a walk through the narrow streets of Ano Syros or energize yourself with a yoga session on the city beach – you couldn’t ask for a more balanced way to start a workday. Then, it’s off to a cozy café to be productive alone or with other nomads in mild Mediterranean temperatures.
Our everyday life on Syros was a balanced mix of a regular work routine and family time. In the mornings, Anni used the quiet hours to work with focus, while Thommy and the kids explored the playgrounds near the co-working hub. We used every spare minute to wander the small streets of Ermoupoli and take trips into the surrounding nature. And one thing we can say for sure: our work-life balance has never worked better.
Pleasant Climate Even in Winter
When you think of Greece, don’t you instantly think of bright sunshine and summery temperatures?
On Syros, the third-largest island of the Cyclades, this expectation is certainly not disappointed. Sitting with an open laptop on a sunny terrace while the kids play happily in the background? Sounds like a dream, but it’s reality when you choose a nomadic life on Syros.
Even in winter, the temperature here is a pleasant 15 degrees Celsius – perfect for working outdoors or relaxing at the beach after a day’s work. In summer, temperatures rise to an average of 28 degrees Celsius, ideal for ending the day with a cool drink and a breathtaking sunset.
Authentic Greece Without Mass Tourism
In contrast to many other Greek dream islands, tourism has not played a significant role in Syros so far.
Everything here is still authentic and untouched by the tourism boom. Although there are fast ferries and a national airport connected to the international airport in Athens, Syros is mainly visited by long-term travelers or locals. Only a few day tourists find their way to Syros, which makes the island unique.
For years, the island has thrived on shipbuilding, agriculture, and the production of delicious sweets, famous throughout the Mediterranean. Consequently, Syros is lively all year round and fortunately doesn’t fall into a winter sleep like Sleeping Beauty and other neighboring islands during the off-season. Another plus: Due to the low number of visitors, Syros is much more unspoiled than other islands in the Aegean and therefore also offers lower accommodation prices.
Small but Mighty
If you’re a digital nomad looking for an inspiring workplace, you should definitely consider Syros as a destination. Yes, it’s true. The island isn’t particularly big, but that’s what makes it so interesting. In just 20 minutes, you can cross the island by car and quickly get to secluded beaches, fishing villages, and green bays. And where better to enjoy your well-deserved evening off.
Another advantage of this beautiful Cycladic island: Thanks to its small size, many things are easily accessible on foot or by bike: There are numerous cafes with free Wi-Fi, co-working spaces, and even specially equipped accommodations for long-term vacationers. Whether on a deserted beach or in a cozy restaurant on the beautiful harbor promenade of Ermoupoli – here, you can fully enjoy the flexibility of digital nomadism.
Community spirit
Syros is not just a place to work, but also to dream and evolve. So it’s no wonder that there’s a community called Boundless Life here, addressing the challenges of digital nomads and supporting families who have decided to live and work location-independently.
During our stay, we were part of it for three weeks and immediately formed close and meaningful friendships with other nomad families. Unlike being on your own, Boundless Life not only takes care of the usual barriers that can arise when traveling abroad with family but but also offers a forward-thinking education programm for children, an organized and fully equipped co-working hub, a sense of community and overall a comfortable place away from home.
Syros – A Hidden Treasure Often Overlooked
Syros is full of surprises. Whether you’re a culture enthusiast, a beach lover, or a connoisseur, there’s something for everyone on Syros. The grace and beauty of the architecture in the Cyclades’ capital, however, can be largely attributed to its rich history. For a long time, Ermoupoli was the most important port in Greece, even surpassing Piraeus. Thanks to enormous shipyards, the city could finance its impressive streets and buildings.
Majestic Ermoupoli
The historical legacy of past rulers is omnipresent and tells exciting stories of times long gone. Everywhere in the city, one encounters the traces of significant personalities whose stories still seem alive. The marble-paved squares at the harbor give the cityscape an elegant charm and invite leisurely strolls. Walking through the alleys of Ermoupoli, one is immersed in a different time – a time full of culture and stories.
A Fusion of Contrasts
Syros has many faces. Even the main town, built on two hills, has a dual identity. Ermoupoli is imposing and grand, crowned by an orthodox church. On one hand, you’ll find traditional Greek culture: narrow alleys with pastel-colored houses and shutters exude Mediterranean flair. On the other hand, the island impresses with modern comfort and trendy restaurants. The interplay of tradition and modernity makes Syros a unique travel destination that will enchant every visitor in its own way.
A Treasure Chest Waiting to be Discovered
And then there’s the breathtaking nature of Syros: picturesque bays, crystal clear water, and impressive landscapes offer a beautiful contrast to historic Ermoupoli. Along the coast, you’ll find idyllic beaches for relaxation. But Syros has even more to offer: the island is a true paradise for hiking enthusiasts. Impressive hiking trails lead through lush vegetation and offer breathtaking views of the sea. Whether along the coast or inland, there are countless opportunities to explore the beauty of nature.
Sustainable and authentic cuisine
The Greek delicacies are a reason to visit this country. The cuisine from Syros, with its local dishes, is even better. In a cooking class at Villa Maria, we got to know the culinary tradition of Greece from a completely different perspective. Elisa Mavropoulou showed us a variety of Greek dishes that are rarely found in restaurants. The kitchen at Villa Maria mainly uses a variety of vegetables, legumes, and herbs that grow on the island and adapts to the seasons. Cooking with what the land offers is an essential part of Greek culture, making each dish unique and authentic.
Syros wine makes you happy
Besides the famous drink Ouzo, Syros also has amazing wines from unique and rare grape varieties of the Cyclades that you just have to try. During our visit to a wine tasting in the hilly south of Chrousa, we got to know the small family winery OuSyra better.
The winemaker, Edward Maitland-Makgill-Crichton, originally from Scotland, has been living on the island for over 30 years, where he also met his Greek wife Eileen. Together, they founded a winery that specializes in tradition, environmental protection, and innovations. OuSyra, which means “happy”, perfectly shows their love for Syros.
How to Get to Syros?
There are various options for reaching this beautiful island. From Athens, you can either take a short flight or opt for the slightly longer, but scenic, ferry journey. Our adventure started in Frankfurt, where we flew to Athens with Aegean Airlines, Greece’s largest airline and a proud member of the Star Alliance. From there, we chose to continue our journey with Blue Star Ferries. The trip from Athens’ largest port takes about 4 hours, and there are two connections daily. If you’re already on another Greek island, you can of course also catch a ferry to Syros from there.
Syros – A Hidden Paradise for Digital Nomads
After three weeks on Syros, we can confidently say that Syros was more to us than just a regular holiday destination – it became a home, a workplace, and a playground for our children.
We learned to take life slower, appreciate the small things, and have made new friendships with other nomads. Our time on Syros reignited our passion for traveling and working as a digital nomad family. It showed us that it’s possible to lead a balanced life that combines work, adventure, and family time.
