2Ano Syros – The Medieval Secret of the Cyclades

While most visitors to the Cyclades head straight to Mykonos or Santorini, the island of Syros remains a hidden gem. Even fewer travelers venture to Ano Syros, a medieval hilltop town that offers an entirely different experience from the typical Cycladic scenery.

Unlike the blue-and-white architecture seen across the Cyclades, Ano Syros retains a strong Venetian character with stone houses, narrow alleyways, and colorful doors. The panoramic views of the Aegean Sea from the town’s hilltop location are truly unforgettable. Ano Syros is the birthplace of Markos Vamvakaris, a legendary figure in Greek rebetiko music. His legacy is celebrated in a small museum dedicated to his life and work.