The Maria Residence Greek Cooking Experience in the Heart of Syros

Step back in time at Maria Residence, a beautifully restored 19th-century neoclassical mansion built in 1873 by a prominent local factory owner, during the golden age of Ermoupolis. This listed heritage property is a rare gem — a striking example of period architecture, thoughtfully preserved and tastefully updated for modern comfort.

Every detail of Maria Residence reflects its rich history. Original features such as handcrafted wooden floors and ceilings, elegant marble bathrooms, and intricate decorative mouldings have been carefully maintained. Antique furnishings complement the architecture, creating an atmosphere of refined authenticity and quiet luxury.

Enjoy breathtaking panoramic views from the second-floor balconies and the rooftop terrace, overlooking the rooftops of Ermoupolis, the bustling port, and the Aegean Sea stretching out to the nearby islands. At the rear of the villa, a peaceful courtyard garden with lush greenery, built-in seating, and a shaded outdoor dining area offers a tranquil space for relaxation.

Despite its central location on a quiet pedestrian street, Maria Residence offers serenity just steps from the action. The main square, vibrant market, and shops are just a 2-minute walk away. In 5 minutes, you’ll reach Vaporia, the town’s famed “Little Venice” — a picturesque seaside enclave with charming cafés and crystal-clear waters ideal for a refreshing swim.

The property features 8 elegant rooms and a separate 2-bedroom, single-storey house that can be rented individually or in any combination to suit your group size. Whether you’re planning a romantic getaway, a family holiday, or a group retreat, Villa Maria offers a unique and memorable experience in the cultural heart of the Cyclades.

ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION

Join us for a hands-on cooking experience that goes far beyond recipes — a deep dive into the rich culinary heritage of Greece. You’ll not only learn how to cook, but also explore the stories behind the dishes, discover traditional techniques, and gain insight into local ingredients — both familiar and new.

Together, we’ll prepare a generous multi-course meal featuring seasonal dishes, typically including a selection of appetizers, a savory pie, fresh salads, a flavorful main course, and a delicious dessert. At the end of the class, we’ll gather in the shaded courtyard to enjoy the feast we’ve created, in true Greek fashion — sharing, savoring, and celebrating good food and company.

A Menu Inspired by the Seasons and Your Preferences

Menus change with the seasons and your tastes. Choose between meat, fish, vegetarian, or vegan options — every version is thoughtfully curated to highlight the best of local produce and flavors.

If you wish, our meal can be accompanied by carefully selected local wines.

And don’t worry — you’ll take the experience home with you. All recipes will be emailed to you after the class.

Sample Dishes Include:

• Sage-flavored split pea purée with capers & sun-dried tomatoes
• Stuffed tomatoes and peppers with rice and fresh herbs
• Smoky aubergine dip
• Courgette, mint & goat cheese pie
• Chickpeas slow-cooked with rosemary
• Rustic olive bread
• Anchovies wrapped in vine leaves with fennel
• Cumin & garlic meatballs in rich tomato sauce
• Creamy sweet milk pie
• Semolina halva with orange and cinnamon

In Greece, meals are shared — there’s no fixed sequence of courses. Everything comes to the table at once, and dinners are leisurely affairs that invite conversation, discovery, and joy in every bite.

Wine & Cheese Tasting – A Celebration of Cycladic Flavors

For wine and cheese lovers, our curated tasting session is a journey through the flavors of the Cyclades. You’ll sample four exceptional Greek wines — a white, a rosé, a red, and a dessert wine — each paired with artisanal cheeses from across the islands.

Accompaniments include:

• “Pastelaria” — dried figs with cinnamon and sesame
• “Louza” — Syros’ own cured ham, infused with wine and spices
• Country-style sourdough bread

Prefer a broader tasting? We can include wines from across Greece to expand your palate.

This tasting can stand alone or be paired with the cooking class, creating a full culinary immersion where wines are matched with the dishes you prepare.

Friends or family who’d like to join just for the meal (without cooking) are warmly welcome to do so for a small additional fee.