Swimmingly Good Syros

Beneath Agios Giorgios  Photo©Nigel Summerley

And so to the centre of the Cyclades... not Delos although of course that is the sacred island sitting in the midst of this circular group of islands... but Syros, home of the wonderful Cycladic capital, Ermoupolis.

Over the past six years it has become something of a second home, and I never tire of returning. I could write far more about it than I'm doing here. But I'll concentrate on just two of its attractions: the perfect swimming spots – at Galissas on the west coast and in the city itself beneath the grand church of Agios Giorgios.

It was a little bit of heaven to be able to bathe in the not-too-cold water at both of them during a quick stay before heading back to Athens.

Beneath Agios Giorgios  Photo©Nigel Summerley