Syros, Greece

A study in contrasts, the Greek island of Syros is as historic as it is modern, as Catholic as Orthodox, and as stately and traditional as it is hip and cosmopolitan. The capital of the Cyclades, the island is known for its own intriguing capital, the thriving port city of Ermoupoli. Ermoupoli is crowned by the bright blue dome of the Orthodox church and paved with marble flagstones that line the main square. The nearby Apollon Theater, inspired by the architecture of Milan’s La Scala, represents the city’s remarkable cultural renaissance in the 19th century, while the bordering beaches offer everything from cafés and restaurants to artisanal shops and a casino housed in a mansion from the 1830s. For a more serene perspective, the medieval village of Ano Syros lies just up the hill from Ermoupoli. From the hilltop Catholic Church of Saint George, Ano Syros offers scenic views of the coastline and the bustling capital city below.