Syros

Syros, sometimes hailed as the Duchess of the Cyclades, radiates a regal splendour distinct from its island neighbours. A captivating blend of Venetian grace and Neoclassical grandeur meets in the bustling, buzzing island capital. Beyond that is a land of honey-hued mountains steeped in dashes of pine forests and meadows of fragrant highland herbs. Our luxury villa rentals in Syros offer access to the whole lot but also seclusion, privacy, and enticing frills like clifftop Jacuzzis and private infinity pools.

The main draw on the island is unquestionably Ermoupoli, the Neoclassical marvel of a capital. It's the largest and most lived-in of all the major towns throughout the region, so it's the place to immerse yourself in the raw rhythms of Aegean life. Graceful mansions, ornate churches, and grandiose squares lace the streets, with the majestic Town Hall by Ernst Ziller standing as its crowning jewel. As you stroll through the town's marble-paved boulevards, you'll be tempted by boutique shops and cheese-sizzling tavernas aplenty.

Perched atop a hill further inland, Ano Syros, with its medieval roots, offers a stark contrast to Ermoupoli's grand looks. It's all twisted alleys and backstreets, mini plazas, and crooked stone archways. Navigate the blocks to the sounds of the traditional Greek folk music that echoes out from the family-owned tavernas, or clamber up to the church at the top of the village for sunset shows you'll never forget.

The rest of Syros is indubitably wild and untamed. That's particularly true of the northern portion of the island, which is dominated by high peaks that drop to dusty valley bottoms in a cascade of agricultural terraces and ancient farms. There, you'll find some of the most relaxing luxury villas in Syros, with their peaceful private pools set between groves of old-growth olive trees.

Finally, Syros rarely disappoints when it comes to beaches, though you might have to explore a little to find the gems. Galissas is the star; shrouded by two muscular headlands in a deep inlet on the southwest shore, it's a 230-metre run of beige sand with crystal-clear water for swimmers out front. Or there's Agathopes, dotted with traditional taverns and aperitif bars, perfectly positioned for the evening sunset show.

A luxury villa rental in Syros offers a truly private paradise with easy access to the island's top sites.