Greek Island of Syros Welcomes New Cliff-Carved Olen Resort
Architecture enthusiasts can now book a stay at a new hotspot on the Greek island of Syros. Ateno Architecture Studio has designed Olen, a resort that seems carved into the coastal cliffs. The Greek islands are famous for their rugged coasts with crystal-blue waters. However, development projects increasingly touch these once-natural coastlines. Therefore, developing tourism while preserving the landscape is an ongoing challenge.
Design Inspired by the Landscape
When designing Olen, that challenge was central to Ateno’s mission. Instead of building a standard cliff-edge resort, the studio opted for a semi-built-in “amphitheatrical” approach. The seven-suite resort is half-hidden, using terraces, subterranean rooms, and skylights. This blends the building seamlessly into its surroundings.
“Olen is located on a remote site on the island of Syros,” explained Elias Theodorakis and Yiorgos Fiorentinos, co-founders of Ateno. “The natural landscape still prevails over the built environment.” The core design ambition was to preserve this balance. The project is defined by assembling horizontal and vertical surfaces, not 3D objects. Terrace planes, retaining walls, and cuts in the terrain allow the architecture to read as embedded in the landscape.
Three Distinct Levels
Instead of a one-level building, Olen divides into three separate levels: The Plane, The Line, and The Point. A zigzagging walkway connects them all. As guests descend, the resort becomes more intimate and exclusive.
The non-hidden side of buildings features terracotta hues. Inside, guests encounter natural materials like stone walls and wooden accents. The off-white floors reflect light onto the ceilings. Therefore, the feeling is one of openness and brightness, despite the underground setting.
Suite Inspiration and Pricing
“Each of our seven suites is a tribute to timeless elegance,” the resort’s website states. They draw inspiration from the soulful melodies of Demis Roussos. Every space harmonizes with the raw beauty of Syros. Some suites seem suspended above the Aegean Sea. Others nestle in nature or offer pure tranquility.
Prices for a two-person suite start at €268 per night. This includes breakfast and access to the resort’s common pool.
