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This Affordable Greek Island Is One Of The Most Welcoming Destinations For 2025

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We all know Mykonos and Santorini for the whitewashed houses, volcanic-sand beaches, well-frequented beach clubs––and the overwhelming crowds––but what about all the other 200-plus populated Greek islands that are not as popular?

A short 3-hour ferry ride from Greece's most famous island duo, Syros is one of these lesser-known gems that are largely undeveloped, and that won't break the bank if you're visiting in summer, as it's yet to become a resort hotspot.

On top of that, the mere act of walking around as an American tourist won't make you feel as if you're stepping on some angry European's lawn:

Ermoupoli In Syros Island, Greece

Syros Is One Of The Friendliest European Spots To Visit This Year

Syros was voted the second most welcoming destination for 2025 by Booking.com, based on over 309 million verified customer reviews that take into account the standards of accommodation, activities, transport, and overall hospitality.

A small island located in the South Aegean, roughly 29 nautical miles directly west of Mykonos and 64 miles north of Santorini, Syros is one of the main cultural hotspots in Greece, with a rich history spanning over three millennia and numerous noteworthy landmarks.

Blue Dome Church In Syros Island, Greece

Syros is a largely residential island, with a limited variation in population regardless of season, unlike some of the most sought-after Greek hotspots, where seasonal workers flock into for summer, and actual islanders themselves are, in fact, a minority.

Perhaps that's why Syros feels so welcoming:

It's retained much of its Cycladic traditions, and as it has not been engulfed by mass tourism, locals are genuinely pleased or indifferent, at best, when coming across visitors.

Whether it's checking into a hotel, being approached by a chatty Greek yaya, or dining out in a marina restaurant, you'll likely be greeted with genuine smiles and some of that good old Mediterranean hospitality.

Historic Church In Ermoupoli, Syros, Greece

What To See And Do In Syros

Its capital and largest settlement, Ermoupoli, home to roughly 62% of the island's 21,124 residents, is a lively port town dominated by a blue-dome Saint Nicholas Cathedral, which towers above the colorful waterfront.

Ermoupoli concentrates a number of Syros' most famous sights, including Apollo Theater, built by an Italian architect in the 19th century as a miniature La Scala––as in, Milan's iconic opera house––and the shop-lined Eleutheriou Venizelou street.

Though it is where most tourists will land and spend a majority of their time, that doesn't mean it's all Syros has to offer.

Ano Syros, Greece

For instance, Ano Syros is a medieval hilltop village largely inhabited by Catholic Greeks and crisscrossed with winding pathways so narrow only pedestrians and bikers can access, and they all lead up to a monumental Cathedral of San Giorgio.

If you love History (yep, with a capital H), you can't miss out on a visit to the offbeat Chalandriani, an archeological site in northern Syros dating back to the Early Bronze Age, or the dawn of Western civilization.

On the southwest coast, Poseidonia is everything you'd expect a seaside town named after the Ancient Greeks to be: picture beautiful marine gardens, stately villas, and a long sandy beach lapped by turquoise seas.

Coastal Village Of Poseidonia, Syros, Greece

Beaches Galore

Speaking of, Syros is fringed with scenic beaches, despite being a small island at only 32 square miles––it takes 40 minutes to drive from its northernmost tip, marked by the Northern Syros Lighthouse, to the southernmost end, where its counterpart Lighthouse of Viglostasi stands.

In the southwest, Galissas is a peaceful settlement boasting postcard-ready golden sands extending along crystal-clear waters, while Kini, just opposite an east-facing Ermoupoli on the opposite coast, has a more laid-back atmosphere and a handful of family-owned taverns.

Greek Flag Flying Over Galissas Beach In Syros, Greece

In Agathopes, you'll be met with a sandy bay fringed by tamarisk trees, the promise of some much-needed shade in the scorching-hot Greek summer heat, and don't forget Vari, one of the largest beach towns, filled with cozy cafes and boutique hotels.

A Cheap Getaway Island

Syros is the perfect island getaway for a long weekend, and if you're planning on visiting this summer, you should know prices here are much lower than in more popular Aegean destinations––Oia, we're looking at you.

Sunset On The Island Of Syros, Greece

Booking a superior twin room at Afroditi Syros, within walking distance of restaurants and all the main sights in Ermoupoli, costs $54-a-night, while the small, chic Hotel Omiros, near a beach, is asking for an acceptable $68.

Even the beachfront Hotel Hermes, one of the top-rated listings on the island, will still only set you back by $93 in the peak of summer, and if you're concerned about daily expenses and food, you should know the price of a single meal is an estimated $12.34, according to Numbeo.

Do your maths.

Aerial View Of A Whiteashed Church In Syros, Greece

Oh, and budget traveler or big spender, you don't want to come to Syros if you plan on losing those extra pounds in 2025:

Chances are you'll become addicted to their local loukoumi, and don't get us started on those sweet pies with almonds…

Heading to Greece this year and looking for off-path islands, make sure you read further on Rhodes, an Eastern Mediterranean island distinguished by its UNESCO-protected medieval capital, and magnificent Crete, a trendy alternative to Santorini in 2025.

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