A Local Perspective on Syros…. by Will Gold, a member of Matt Barrett's Greece Travel Guides Group

I own a home in Ermoupoli, and am a very frequent visitor. What follows is my “standard” list of top tips for visitors to compliment the information in Matt's Syros Guide.

Restaurants/shops

Ermoupoli and Syros more generally are blessed with many excellent and reasonably priced eateries. These are a few personal faves:

- A new addition is Lygeros taverna, in the north of the island, which I heartily recommend - delightful food and astounding views.

- Seariani in the middle of Ermoupoli is wonderful, and owners Christos and Mina will look after you extremely well. They are very dear friends.

- Hotel Ploes (on the other side of our little square) is really beautiful. Do go and have a coffee on their terrace.

- Mazi (near Seariani) is a rather magical setting - an old ceramics factory that has long since lost its roof, with cover provided by beautiful creepers. The food is good, albeit less traditional.

- Laoutari (closer to the Neorion Shipyard, incidentally one of the biggest in the Med, and a hugely important part of the island economy) is slightly quirky, and the food delish. It’s Greek, with a few influences from further east, but not in a gimmicky way.

- To Mikraki is a charming traditional taverna near Neorion. Irini is the owner, and as delightful as her cooking is excellent.

- Tzitzikas (opposite the hospital) is a scream, and has brilliant octopus. Think old boys puffing away on Karelias and watching footie. We love it, despite the footie.

- Avant Garden is really wonderful, and has won major awards. Modern Greek cooking at its best, in a beautiful setting. You’ll probably need to book.

- For another treat go to Iliovasillemas (“Sunset”) in Galisas. Knockout food, in a delightful setting, especially in the evening.

- Plakostroto in the wild and beautiful far north of the island (about a 15-minute drive, or you could easily take a taxi) is extremely memorable, with astounding views, sweet service and great grub, and well worth a lunchtime or evening trip.

- To Petrino has nice food, and is on a cute street full of tavernas and bars.

- Sta Vaporia (beyond St Nicholas) has wonderful views and nice food - a great lunch spot.

- Kritsinis is the best booze shop in town - possibly my favorite shop in the universe.

- Athymeritis is an epically good bakery, which puts smart Parisian patisseries to shame.

- Pizza Giancarlo (just off Miaouli) is a great late-night bet after a few too many tsipouros.

- Don't forget Matt's favorites, Amvix Italian Restaurant near the Diogenis Hotel and Gianenna Estiatorio by the Hotel Hermes

Beaches:

- Swimming at Vaporia is a lovely thing to do - walk around to the platform, as a local would, or go to Ciel, the beach bar beyond for comfy loungers and cocktails. The water is crystal clear, and looking up at all the neoclassical architecture an utter joy. It’s unique.

- Achladi is cute, with a nice taverna and a little hotel with sun beds. It’s a simple, family kind of place.

- Galissas is a big “organised” beach with sunbeds etc

- Komito has a great beach, again with a little beach bar.

- There are loads of more remote beaches, but you’ll either have to get a boat, or be prepared to hike a bit. Highly recommend a trip to the northern beaches with the a lovely guy called Nikos…go for a trip on his boat Perla from Kini.

- Armeos beach is fab, too - if you can cope with a few naked fellow beach goers . Really beautiful, and fairly accessible. No facilities/bars!

Other things to do

- On a warm evening, few things are lovelier than a Greek summer cinema...and the one in Ermoupoli is famously charming. Films are shown in their original language, with Greek subtitles. Highly recommended.

- Go up to Ano Syros and explore the medieval town. Stunning views, and a huge contrast with neoclassical Ermoupoli. It’s quite a climb, or you can drive up. There are lots of cute bars and tavernas up there - Lilis and Maisonette du Mezé are a couple of favourites. There’s also quite a smart new place up by the entrance to Ano Syros just down from the windmill. Another one for a bit of a treat. It’s called Hygge.

- There’s an important early El Greco icon in the Church of the Dormition (near the casino) - worth popping in.

- The Industrial Museum is interesting - they even have an example of the electric cars that were manufactured there in the 1970s (bonkers but true).

- The Archaeological Museum is small but perfectly formed, and worth a visit. It’s down the side of the town hall.

- If you see it’s open, pop your head into the opera house/theatre, often said to be a mini replica of La Scala.