On the quiet shorelines of Milos and Kimolos, a new kind of Cycladic hospitality is taking shape, one that honors the past while embracing the present. Traditional fishermen’s houses, known as syrma, once served as practical shelters, with boats stored below and families living above. With the decline of small-scale fishing, many of these humble, sea-facing homes have been left behind. A thoughtful initiative, named Thavma Cyclades, is now reimagining these structures as refined yet authentic escapes for the modern traveler. Through careful restoration that respects the original architecture and natural setting, each one of them is transformed into a serene, understated suite. The approach is more than aesthetic; it’s ethical. Collaborating directly with local fishermen, either through purchase or long-term lease, the project ensures that each transformation supports the very communities that built these homes in the first place, with former owners receiving a share of the income from every booking. The result is a quiet revival rooted in sustainability, design integrity, and cultural respect.
Thavma Cyclades is giving old fishermen’s houses a second life on the shores of Milos and Kimolos
