Syros holiday villa: Galissas

We came to the island of Syros 2 years prior for our friends engagement. 2 years later they were getting married on Syros and we wanted to find a place where our 4 year old son could be as loud as he wanted to be,,,because he can be loud.

When we arrived it was 2am and initially we struggled with some of the shortcomings. However, the sun came up and we realized how beautiful this place is. Our view from the front porch was spectacular. I would later find out that I took the same photo from the deck over and over, because everyday I would walk out and say "this place is gorgeous" and "click" snap a photo.

Our son loved it too. He bacame a little explorer, searching for insects, climbing, running and of course being loud. Since the house is like a home, we had the opportunity to go into town, pick up some groceries and easily make meals as we would see fit.

A few days had gone by and I would say to my son, "Where are we?". He would say "Greece". I would say "thats true, but where are we?" He would look at me confused at first, but he learned the correct response. "Paradise Dad!" he would say proudly.

That's how it felt to us. To be away from the traffic of things and find yourself only concerned with your view and the beach is a great thing.

When our taxi driver found out where we were going to stay in Galissas, he exclaimed "Oh, the house that sits IN the water!" In fact, the house does not sit "in" the water, but it might as well, It is so close to the lovely beach that we would be jumping in to the placid, clear waters of the bay every hour, even late at night under a full moon. Still, with so much access to the beach, we had complete privacy due to the slight elevation and the little tamarisk and pine trees surrounding the house. The terrace is the central feature of the house and sitting around the large table or lounging on the sunbeds made us reluctant to leave the house and sightsee; we just could not get enough of the view and the breeze coming off the water.
The house itself is very user friendly. The plan allows for each bedroom to occupy its own "space" and though there is only one full bathroom, there is a small half WC at the back of the house. Both bathrooms allow one to shower with a commanding view of the mountains!
I was impressed that the beds were as comfortable as they were,and though we did not have children staying with us this time around, there is a fun loft bed tucked away in a corner of the house that I can see our little nephews inhabiting both for sleep and play.
Though we did not cook extensively, there is a fully stocked kitchen. Still, it is a far more pleasant experience to walk up the beach and sample one of the many excellent tavernas in Galissas each night. Or hop on the very punctual bus to Ermoupolis which feels like a more graceful version of Athens, bustling with energy, with food and entertainment offerings for every budget.
This house reminds me of the way the islands were twenty years ago: an honest simplicity in the material circumstances but luxury beyond compare in terms of the natural characteristics of the place. I would recommend this house to anyone who likes to enjoy spending the day swimming, walking and, as the sun sets, imbibing an ouzo on their own terrace overlooking a spot off the beaten path.

We have been going to this house for many years and recommend it highly, especially for families with small children or teenagers. It is almost in the sea and is a short walk to a thriving village and all it's amenities. There is a mini-market, car and bike hire, tourist shops and restaurants and tavernas. Everything is on your doorstep and if you want to go to the main town and port there is a regular bus service from the village.
There is no road up to the house so you do have to carry your case for the last 500 yards but we felt this was a small price to pay for the peace of mind in not having to worry about children running onto a busy road.
The house itself is simply furnished suitable for a hot climate and for children running in and out from the beach. It faces West so it is alway nice to sit on the vernada with a drink and watch the sun go down.
The main town is very beautiful and on summer evenings the local people are out in the central square walking up and down and sitting in the surrounding cafes. We find it a great place for a holiday and not over-run with foreign visitors like some of the more touristy places. There is an outdoor cinema in the town and a theatre which holds performances during the summer season. There are also good fast ferry services to neighbouring islands for day trips or for shopping and night clubs in Mykonos ( for those without small children!)
This is a charming, well-situated beach house and we recommend it highly.