Ascend the marble staircase to the colonnaded mezzanine of this utterly stunning grand mansion and you’ll feel as though you’ve stepped back in time to ancient Greece. Shift your gaze up to see ornate ceilings and Doric columns, then around to admire the kaleidoscopic collection of vivid artwork on display everywhere you go. The old-world elegance is intoxicating.
Having been transformed into a luxury hotel, the mansion now houses nine characterful suites, each individual in its design. All have bold colour schemes, designer furnishings and eclectic paintings on the walls. Elsewhere, there’s an art gallery with temporary exhibitions, a rooftop bar with sea views, and a shady garden where lavish breakfasts are served. It's suave, sophisticated and oh-so stylish.
Located near the waterfront in the historical heart of Ermoupolis, you’re well placed for seeing the sights of this elegant town, famous among Greeks for its Neoclassical architecture and vibrant culture scene. Syros itself boasts lovely beaches and a pretty interior, and it’s just an hour by boat from Mykonos (direct flights from Europe); or you can fly from Athens in a little prop jet. The island, though beloved by Athenians, is still relatively unknown further afield, making it just the sort of hidden gem we love.
Highs
- Beautiful restoration of a Neoclassical mansion, with lots of original features and a grand marble staircase at its centre
- Chic, individually designed suites that are full of character; most have balconies, some have private plunge pools
- This is an elegant art-filled grown-up sanctuary with an on-site gallery featuring work by resident artists
- The rooftop bar with sea views is a dreamy spot for sundowner cocktails
- Ermoupolis is striking and unusual, yet still very a liveable little town, with its grandiose architecture, vibrant folk music scene and bustling commercial waterfront
Lows
- Ermoupolis isn’t your typical Mamma-Mia-style whitewashed town, but it’s a fine relic of Neoclassical Greece
- The town beach is more of a stone pontoon, but it’s a pleasant spot for a dip in the water; sandy beaches are a short drive away
- All rooms are double; this isn't an ideal hotel for families though they are made welcome
- Lunch and dinner aren't available at the hotel, but it's no hardship to find a good restaurant nearby
Best time to go
Spring and autumn are ideal, particularly April (and Greek Easter, if you can find space), May and October. Summer, especially August, gets very busy, as well as being hotter and more expensive. Winter is not out of the question as the hotel stays open year round – Syros continues to tick over, and there can be some lovely, bright, cool days, particularly in January.
Our top tips
Go for a drink at Asteria Bar, where you'll get one of the best views of Ermoupolis' Neoclassical villas. It's just a short walk away, located right on the waterfront, with a ladder leading directly into the water for a cooling dip.
- Boutique Hotel
- 9 rooms
- Breakfast included; restaurants nearby
- Children accepted
- Closed: Mid December to mid April
- Pool
- Spa Treatments
- Beach Nearby
- Pet Friendly
- Disabled Access
- Car not necessary
- Parking
- Restaurants Nearby
- WiFi
- Air Conditioning
- Guest Lounge
- Terrace
- Garden
- Gym
Rooms
The nine suites are opulent and luxurious. Each has a unique design, with the colour scheme determined by the artwork on display – the coordination is spot on! Colours are bold and daring. Expect lots of sculpture and designer furnishings, as well as restored original ceilings. We stayed in Levadia Suite which had a chandelier, a large balcony for those sea views, green walls and a statement oil painting. We liked the look of the Tinos Suite, with its striking blue walls, gold furnishings and miniature busts in blue and bright pink.
All suites come with kingsize beds, solid oak flooring, mod cons and marble bathrooms with rain showers. For the most extravagant bathroom, opt for the Kapandriti Suite or the Naxos Suite. Many rooms have balconies, facing either the sea or the surrounding Vaporia district. Some suites (Pteleos, Kirki, Kapandriti) also have private plunge pools.
No additional beds can be added to any of the rooms, but Eretria Suite and Oasis Suite can be set up as twins.
Features include:
- Bathrobes
- Hairdryer
- Mosquito net
- Safe box
- WiFi
Eating
Breakfast is served in the garden and is an absolute treat of local specialities – we could have stayed a week and not tired of the selection. Choose between the buffet, a la carte, Champagne breakfast, or brunch. The focus is on seasonal and organic ingredients, with local dishes on offer if you want to experience island cuisine – perhaps Tirititim eggs (courgette omelette), Avgotaraxo (Greek bottarga) with butter and lemon, or avocado salad with smoked trout and cream of local Anthotiro cheese.
The garden bar stays open all day for coffees, wines and cocktails. There's also a rooftop bar which opens in the evenings for drinks with sea views, a great spot for sundowners.
For other meals, there are dozens of restaurants within walking distance that tend to serve traditional Greek food – expect to see gyros and souvlaki on lots of menus. Syros is also famous for loukoumi, which is the Greek version of Turkish delight. Visit one of the traditional factories to watch it being made and shop around for your favourite.
Features include:
- Bar
- Breakfast
- Restaurants nearby
- Room service
Activities
- Walk into town to explore Ermoupolis’ gorgeous Neoclassical architecture - don’t miss the handsome City Hall and the Apollon Municipal Theatre, which was modelled on Milan's La Scala and hosts a string of cultural events throughout the year
- Climb to the summit of Ano Syros, the labyrinthine hill quarter with winding, pastel-coloured lanes topped by the Catholic Church of St. George – bring your camera; the views from here are spectacular
- For sandy beaches, head west to Kini or Galissas. Or, better still, take the Perla speedboat from Kini to the secluded beaches of Lia and Grammata in the north of the island, which are backed by rugged stony hills (there's no road access) and a brilliant green fringe of pines
- Walk some of the island’s old footpaths, which bissect the terraced hillsides of the interior; one takes you from Ermoupolis, past the sleepy hamlets of Richopo and Plati Vouni, to a Bronze Age hill fort
- For watersports, there’s a windsurfing school on Voulgari Beach, and pedalos and kayaks in Galissas
Activities on site or nearby include:
- Boat trips
- Historical sites
- Kayaking
- Museums / galleries
- Walking
- Watersports
- Windsurfing
Kids
Families are welcome but note there are no extra beds for additional guests. This is much more of an adult retreat. Baby cots can be placed in 4 suites free of charge.
Best for:
Babies (0-1 years), Teens (over 12)
Family friendly accommodation:
The four rooms which can take a baby cot are Oasis, Dionyssos, Kirki and Naxos. Families with older children will need to book two rooms; there is no charge for parents sharing a bed with one child aged 4-11 - both Oasis and Eretria have super kingsize beds.
For more family-friendly places, see our Kids Collection
Location
Hotel Aristide is located in Ermoupolis, the capital town of Syros island, in the Cyclades island group. Syros is nearest to Tinos and Mykonos; and also has ferries to Naxos, Paros and Andros.
By Air
Either fly via Athens into Syros (domestic flights only), or fly to Mykonos / Athens and take a ferry across to Syros.
By Sea
There are sailings (daily in high season, not necessarily in low) from the port of Rafina, a short taxi ride from Athens airport, to Syros. Most go by way of Andros-Tinos-Syros-Mykonos-Paros-Naxos and sometimes on to Santorini or other islands. There are also a few sailings from Piraeus, on Athens' west coast, to Syros.
We advise that you check boat timetables before confirming your hotel booking; and if flying back from Athens / Mykonos, it is always wise to have at least 1 night there before your flight (in case strong winds delay boat sailings).
From Syros Airport or Port
Take a taxi (very cheap) or, if you are travelling light and arriving by boat, you could walk from the port (about 15 mins).
By Car
You won't need a car around Ermoupolis, but if you plan to explore further afield, see our car rental recommendations.
Detailed directions will be sent to you when you book through i-escape.
Airports:
- Syros Island National Airport 4.4 km JSY
- Athens International Airport 130.0 km ATH
Other:
- Beach 0.3 km
- Shops 0.5 km
- Restaurant 0.5 km
Our guests' ratings...
Based on 1 independent review from i-escape guests
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