We booked an Easy Jet flight out to Athens airport, our first night was in the port of Raffina. From there we travelled later in the day, than expected due to a party member being poorly. We travelled via the excellent greek ferry service to Syros town on the Island of Syros in the Cyclades islands,

From there a 8 euro taxi fare took us the the Hotel Cyclades on the south west coast of the island. We were warmly welcomed by the hotelier Joseph who is part of the family team who runs the hotel.

We found that the two rooms we had booked exceeded our expectations, with the inclusive features of air conditioning, fridge and safe in each room, a nice touch rather than fleeced for the "extras" as at some earlier establishments.

In the morning we had an excellent breakfast, all inclusive in the price, up on the roof taking in the vistas over the sea, harbour and local countryside.

In discovering the local area the beach with natural (free) shade was just a stone throw away, two further excellent beaches were a short bus ride away with buses at 10 past the hour and at half past the hour.

Around 6 euros would take a party of four back to the main town by bus for further sight seeing.

We would highly recommend the hotel, as a quiet, clean, restful, Greek hotel for those who want to get away from it all this is the place for you - highly recommended.

I think the fact that the island is visited mainly by Greek holiday makers, makes it an ideal recommendation suited from those further afield.

We returned direct to the port of Athens at Pireaus by ferry boat, with a choice of around 4/5 departures each day.

Sue & Derek Housley derek@austria-holiday-apartment.com