When you think of Greece, chances are you picture a turquoise bay bobbing with fishing boats, a sandy beach with a couple of table-in-the-sand tavernas, a sprinkling of white-cube houses. One of them - perhaps at the top of the village - has some stylishly simple suites, maybe a patio with views of rugged hills and island-studded horizons; if you're lucky, there's a glistening azure pool flanked by oversized lanterns and inviting daybeds. The sun shines, there are boat trips to secluded coves, wild flowers in spring, fresh grilled fish at dinner, fresh squeezed OJ at breakfast.
Hidden above the pretty fishing village of Kini on the west coast of Syros, Pino di Loto ticks all these boxes, and a few more. First off, it's all done with a touch of class: the just-baked croissants and loose leaf green teas at breakfast, generously tiered outdoor spaces (patios, pool-bar, pergola), a small Jacuzzi, and salvaged mirror frames in the all-white suites - and all for a maximum of 16 guests. The service, from multilingual young live wire Terezdina, is also a cut above; nothing is too much trouble. And Syros itself is something of a hidden gem: overlooked by most foreign visitors, though popular with Athenians in high summer. The northwest hides some of the Cyclades' loveliest little beaches, accessible by boat from Kini; Ermoupolis, too, is a real eye-opener, with its grandiose Neoclassical buildings, opulent churches and labyrinthine hill quarter of Ano Syros.
Highs
- With just 6 rooms and Terezdina's really personal touch, it feels just like staying with friends
- Each suite has a sitting room as well as a kitchenette; and the X_ecutive suites (if you can get past the name!) are truly spoiling, with private plunge pools
- It's just a short walk to Kini's seaside restaurants, including sublime Tzitzikia which will make you rethink Greek cuisine
- Just an hour by boat from Mykonos (direct flights from Europe), not much more from Tinos, Paros and Naxos; or you can fly here from Athens in a little prop jet
Lows
- These are more like serviced apartments than hotel proper; there's no indoor sitting area for example
- Syros is not Greece's prettiest island: the south is dotted with summer villas, there's a working shipyard - but the north is wonderfully wild, Kini is sweet and Ermoupolis is impressive
- It's not right on the beach but a 5-10 mins' walk above Kini and Loto, both sandy and sheltered, with parasols and eateries
- Children and young teens are not accepted (guests must be 15 or over)
Best time to go
As with most Cyclades islands, the best times to visit Syros are between May and September, but avoiding, if possible, the month of August (and July to a certain extent), which can get very busy with holidaying Athenians. If you come in April or October, be prepared for some chilly evenings, and don't count on using the pool or local boat service.
Our top tips
The island is small enough, and taxis cheap and plentiful enough, that you can easily manage without a hire car. This also allows you to explore without having to retrace your steps to your car. For example, for Ano Syros, have the taxi drop you at the top by the windmills, and walk down, stopping for a coffee at Lily's, the bouzouki bar where rembetiko legend Markos Vamvakaris sang his way to fame. At the town hall, head left to Vaporia district for the opulent church of St. Nikolaos, then end up at the harbour front taxi rank.
Location
Pino di Loto is at the top of the village of Kini on the west coast of the Greek island of Syros, in the Cyclades group. It's 9km from the main town, Ermoupolis, and 11km from Syros airport. 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 (Mykonos is closer than Athens). Click on the links below for a list of airlines serving these airports.
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 hire a car.
By Car
For car hire see our car rental recommendations.
Detailed directions will be sent to you when you book through i-escape.com.
More on getting to Greece and getting around.
Airports:
- Syros 11.0 km JSY
- Athens 160.0 km
Other:
- Beach 0.3 km
- Shops 0.4 km
- Restaurant 0.3 km
Our guests' ratings...
Based on 5 independent reviews from i-escape guests
Such a fantastic place to stay. Pre arrival communication was really helpful and set the tone of the property and the owners. All transfers were arranged via them with no hassle. Terezdina and Andreas and their wonderful staff totally made our holiday - the right level of friendliness and professionalism. They all love Syros and their knowledge and recommendations were invaluable - many thanks, we will be back!
Stayed in room 1 - fabulous and spotless
Ate in village at couple of recommended restaurants all serving great food with perfect sea views.
Hired a quad bike and found our way around the island with ease
We really enjoyed our time around the pool relaxing in the easy going atmosphere with fabulous beer and cocktails and bartender chats!
This really is a very special place and the hard work and dedication of the owners has paid off resulting in somewhere quite unique
We stayed in an executive suite which was huge and beautiful. Would definitely recommend this fabulous place. All of the staff are wonderful. Everything was of such good quality, from the service to the food to the bed linen to the towels to the sunbeds, etc. Amazing views and sunsets. Well done to team Pino di Loto, you're doing a great job.
We had an absolutely wonderful stay. We could not have been made to feel more welcome by Terezdina and Andreas and the rest of the staff. Fantastic scenic setting of the village which is only 10 minutes away. The accommodation, pool area, breakfast, all amazing. Definitely recommend and look forward to returning.
Beautiful hotel where the owner and staff could not do enough for us. We were looking for a relaxing time which is exactly what we had. Our room was beautiful, spotlessly clean with a beautiful outside pool - definitely worth the extra. The main pool and bar area are spotless and welcoming with large sun beds, Breakfast was lovely.
We wandered down the hill to the village and loved the local restaurants, which offer traditional Greek food. The main town is around 10mins away by taxi with plenty of restaurants and bars
It wasn't busy when we were there but there seems to be plenty of space on the beech and beds available if you buy a drink in the attached bar. Otherwise take a towel. Will definitely return.
We stayed in an executive suite for 12 nights in September. We were a little anxious about travelling because of the virus, but we are so glad we went. Once you're on the island almost everything is open-air and there is only minimal need for face masks.
The suite is perfect. It's large, elegant but understated, and brilliantly appointed, the design being carefully thought through. There are two main rooms, one with a sofa, small kitchenette and fridge. There's a large patio with plunge pool overlooking the sea, and french windows that open from the bedroom onto the patio, with a fab view of the sea and hills. There are 2 beaches within easy walking distance, both great to swim from (with some snorkeling). The best nearby beach is called Delfini and is maybe 2 miles away, so better to have a vehicle to get there. It has a very good taverna, and we spent several days here. Also within walking distance of Pino di Loto are the several tavernas, and one restaurant, of Kini village. The restaurant is excellent and right on the water.
Taking this all together, Pino di Loto is a gem - all you need is in walking distance. No need to drive for miles to swim or eat, and no need to refrain from the very good local wine with your meal! Bliss! Ermoupolis, the capital of Syros, is definitely worth a visit and has some good restaurants - Peri Tinos is great for seafood.
Leaving the best to last, Terezdina. Such a great host, very helpful with all our annoying questions, with lots of good tips and advice. But also respectful of privacy. Her staff are excellent too. We never return to hotels, but this may be the one exception. In a word, Pino di Loto is sublime.
Feedback is only from guests who have booked and stayed through i-escape