The Olive House is one of the best Airbnbs we have stayed in. It was sparkling clean, beautifully decorated, well equipped and in a fabulous location for a peaceful stay in Syros. As well as enjoying the peace of the house, we explored the island in a hire car. Ermoupoli, the capital is a very interesting and beautiful town with much history. For swimming, our top tips are 'Kini' (dream like sparkly sandy beach complete with changing hut and great places to eat, see below), 'Asteria beach' in Ermoupoli (platform and rocks for swimming off along with picturesque setting) and along the rocks east of Mega Gialos (beautiful crystal clear water and quiet calm setting). There were some beach mats and a snorkel mask at the house - use it as there are lots of interesting fish to see and you can avoid stepping on sea-urchins, of which there are many so bring or buy aqua shoes particularly if you like to swim in rocky areas like us!
For eating we enjoyed 'The Talaras' (less than 1 minute walk from The Olive House, inexpensive traditional Greek food with great setting and friendly patron), 'ΜΕΖΕΔΟΠΩΛΕΙΟ-ΕΣΤΙΑΤΟΡΙΟ | ΑΕΡΙΚΟ' in Kini (sun loungers on beach and friendly staff - we just had drinks and ice cream but the menu looked good) and 'Αλλού Γυαλού' also in Kini (award winning restaurant looking right over the sea - food was pricey but delicious and really worth it for a treat). Eleni has lots of other suggestions in a well put together information booklet. All in all, The Olive House and Syros make for a fabulous holiday whether as a couple or a family. Eleni is an excellent and attentive host - always willing to help and replied quickly to our questions - don't hesitate to book, you won't be disappointed!