The Island of Syros is the most central of the Cyclades island group, with Tinos and Andros to the
North, Mykonos and Delos to the East, Paros, Naxos and Amorgos to
the South East, Ios, Sikinos, Folegandros and Santorini to South and
Serifos, Sifnos and Milos to the South West.
Approximately 4 hours by ferry from Piraeus, Syros is also connected by ferry with Rafina, Tinos, Mykonos, Paros, Naxos, Ios, Santorini, and occasionally with some of the other Cycladic islands. Syros also has an airport with a regular connection to Athens by plane.
Syros has an area of 86 sq. km., a coastline of 87 km., a population of over of 20,000 people and today is the administrative center of the Cyclades Prefecture. Due to the Venetian influences of the past, the appearance and architecture of the capital of Syros, has little in common with the other islands of the Cyclades.
Ermoupolis, with its wonderful architecture, is the capital of Syros and while Ermoupolis is certainly the largest town with the most to see and do, the rest of Syros is a joy with an unspoiled and sometimes mountainous landscape, its authentic and traditional Greek villages, many beautiful beaches and rich maritime tradition.
THE TOWNS AND VILLAGES OF SYROS
Ermoupolis
Named after the God of Commerce and knowledge, Hermes, Ermoupolis
literally means "the city of Hermes".
In the aftermath of the 1821 revolution, Syros became a haven for refugees from the regions destroyed by the Turks and in a few short years Ermoupolis was turned into one of the most important ports of the country with an active economic and cultural life.
Today, Ermoupoli is a beautiful town with marble paved streets,
grandiose public squares, impressive churches
and old mansion houses
displaying a unique architectural style influenced by neo Classicism
and the Venetian school with a mixture of Western features.
A special feature of Ermoupoli is Miaouli square, where a tall palm tree shadows small coffee shops and restaurants. Surrounding the square is the magnificent neoclassical building of the Town Hall. Apart from the municipality, this architectural marvel also houses the Archaeological Museum. Also on Miaouli square is the "Ellas" Cultural building of Ermoupolis, a beautiful building with high painted ceilings, where various cultural activities take place throughout the year and where the public library is housed.
Ermoupolis has a number of beautiful churches, such as Metamorfosi tou Sotiros, Kimisi tis Theotokou and the richly decorated Agios Nikolaos Church which is the pride of Hermoupolis.
Ano Syros
On a hill above the town, dominated by the Catholic Cathedral of St.
George, is the picturesque and mostly catholic quarter known as Ano Syros. The
architecture of Ano Syros has nothing in common with that of the
neoclassical Hermoupolis despite being so close to each other.
A characteristic of Ano Syros is the medieval architecture combined with the typical Cycladic influences. Houses are built closely, one on the top of the other and surrounded by rocky slopes which created a protective fortress against pirates and other enemies that threatened around 1200 AD.
Today the wonderful scenery of narrow winding alleys linked by
whitewashed steps and archways, wooden doors and balconies plus
small courtyards filled with a plethora flower pots charms every
visitor wondering around Ano Syros.
Piatsa is the "commercial centre" of Ano Syros with numerous tavernas, shops, small galleries, etc. It is also home to a small museum housing the personal effects and records of Markos Vamvakaris, a famous rebetiko composer, singer and bouzouki master who was born in Ano Syros.
Galissas
Approximately 8 kilometres west of Ermoupolis is the seaside village
of Galissas. Popular during the summer months due to the long sandy
beach and many hotels, pensions, campsite and bars. Despite it's
popularity, Galissas preserves it's natural beauty and pleasant
strolls can be made along the pier or to the country church of Agios
Stefanos, built on the rocks just above the sea.
Kini
The picturesque fishing village of Kini is also west of Ermoupolis
and a few kilometres from Galissas. Kini is well known for its
beautiful beach, succulent sea food and magnificent sunsets, where
the sunlight sparkles off the white houses dotted along the bay,
where small fishing boats float on the deep blue surface of the sea
and the hills of Pano Meria creating a perfect backdrop.
Vari
A traditional farming village, 6 kilometers from Hermoupolis. Vari
is a sheltered bay suitable for quiet, family holidays where visitors
can sample delicious traditional snacks and fresh fish in local
tavernas. A Venetian tower can be found in the village and the
remains of an ancient settlement were found in the nearby site of Koskonas.
Posidonia
12 kilometres south-west of Ermoupolis, the coastal settlement of
Posidonia took its name from the god of the sea, Poseidon, while for
some the village is know as Delagratsia, derived from the Catholic
church, Santa Maria Della Grazia. Considered to be one of the most
beautiful villages of Syros it was favoured by the island's wealthy
during the 19th century. Visitors will therefore see quite a number
of neoclassical mansions around the village, some of which are open
to the public.
Finikas
Near to Posidonia is the village of Finikas. The little harbour is
a favourite with the people of Syros and tourists alike who like to
eat in the tavernas along the seafront or take delightful walks along the
coast. Facilities at Finikas include a medical centre, sport
facilities such as a basketball ground and a playground created
especially for children to play safe.
THE BEACHES OF SYROS
The beaches of Syros are perhaps not as well known or organised as the beaches of Paros and Naxos for example but nevertheless, there are some very nice and easily reached bays and with a little patience, it's possible to find your own little calm and secluded haven.
Vari
Beach is the most sheltered bay on Syros, attracts many families and
package tour groups but modern tourism and tradition manage to
coexist without spoiling its natural beauty. Most types of sea
oriented entertainment are available at Vari.
Galissas beach is also well protected from the winds. One of Syros' finest and most popular beaches, extending for about one kilometre, it has golden sand and tamarisk trees for shade when the sun gets too much.
Finikas is a large bay sheltered from the winds and a narrow beach boarded by tamarisk trees it also has a lovely marina, many eating facilities and all kinds of sports, both in the sea and on dry land.
Possidonia
beach is one of the most well-organized on Syros. With fine golden
sand sand and clear waters it also has good tourist facilities such
as restaurants, cafes, a mini market, and a diving center.
Megas Yialos, as the name suggests, is the largest beach on Syros and possibly the prettiest on the south coast. The sandy beach is shaded by tamarisk trees and is especially good for families because it's gently shelved.
Other beaches on Syros worth mentioning include Agathopes, a little south of Posidonia; Azolimnos, a small picturesque bay; Delfini Bay, a beautiful sandy beach in the north of Syros; Armeos, rocky beach with some nudism reached by footpath from Galissas; Kini, spotlessly clean and refreshing.
WORTH SEEING ON SYROS
The Archaeological Museum of Syros.
Housed in the beautiful neoclassical building of the Town Hall, the museum
displays findings from excavations made on Syros such as prehistoric
finds from the fortified settlement at Kastri and the cemetery at
Chalandriani plus finds from the ancient city of Syros and from
other Cycladic islands. Sculptures, grave columns and inscriptions
dating from the Hellenistic period are also on display.
Velissaropoulos Mansion
A really interesting building with a highly decorative architecture,
built by an architect from Syros in the 19th century. The building
has been proclaimed as a work of art and encircled by a protection
zone extending to the property's boundaries.
The Cycladic Museum
Located in Ermoupolis, near Miaouli Square, the museum exhibits an
interesting collection of Cycladic art and
findings excavated on
Syros and other Cycladic islands.
The Vamvakaris Museum
Markos Vamvakaris (1905-72), a famous son of Syros, was a rebetika
and bouzouki master. This museum can be found close to Piatsa in Ano
Syros and houses memorabilia, records and the personal effects of this most popular composer.
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