Myths + Muses Field Notes on Naxos & Syros
Field Notes are firsthand travel recommendations for and by our ECT Clubhouse members. Get the lowdown on destinations across the globe from travelers and locals alike. This week, Christina Papavlasopoulos, cofounder of Greece DMC Myths + Muses, shares her insider tips for Naxos & Syros.
Step aside, Mykonos and Santorini…our favorite Cycladic duo offers character and a unique juxtapositioning of urban flair and rich tradition. Naxos and Syros, a pair that oozes character and combines urban flair with slow tradition, go together just as unexpectedly wonderfully as watermelon and feta.
Naxos remains a fairly under-the-radar destination to relax and unwind, though quickly growing in popularity due to its fine architecture, unique historic sites like the Portara and Temple of Demetra, crystalline beaches, and quaint villages. The largest and most fertile of the Cyclades, Naxos is one of the few places where you can still find traditional farming villages and slow-living; something Anthony Bourdain loved about the island during his filming of Parts Unknown. Syros, the buzzing capital of the Cyclades, is bursting with color and a uniquely neoclassical, Venetian influence. With a very different vibe from the other islands, it's one of our favorite little-known destinations where many Greeks reside year-round.
Eat
Sta Vaporia: Sta Vaporia is a perfect perch for a romantic meal or a coffee overlooking the picturesque port and seaside neoclassical structures.
Shop
Kriari: Kriari is a modern concept store showcasing Greek designers and vibrant, eclectic items (pictured right).
Do
Apollo Theatre: One of our favorite cultural things to do in true Syros fashion is to catch a show—whether it’s an opera at the Apollo Theater or a movie on a breezy summer night at the outdoor cinema.
Also included in the notes:
an upscale beach bar with delectable cocktails and house beats.
an exceptional chapel that is only accessible by boat
the food and drinks experiences that are a must to experience the best of Naxos
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