Syros (aka Siros)

Greek: Σύρος | Pronounced: `siros
  • Syros
  • Syros
  • Syros
  • Syros
  • Syros

Overview of Syros

Divided between two worlds that co-exist in harmony, the orthodox and the catholic, Syros stands out as the “Duchess of the Cyclades”, as many like to call it. Possessing a long tradition as an administrative, naval and economic centre, the current capital of the Cyclades is hospitable, cosmopolitan and noble. Syros is by far tourist friendly, with amenities for all budgets, vivid but not exaggerated nightlife, gastronomical surprises and a variety of relaxing sandy beaches.

The first thing that captures your eye as soon as you enter Syros’ port, is two hills with two temples at their top: the Orthodox Church Anastaseos and the catholic Saint George, a reminder of the Roman Catholic community that thrived here in the 17th and 18th century. These two districts, named respectively Vrontado and Ano Syra, together with the downtown part of Syros, are the major highlights of the island’s capital Ermoupoli, the biggest in all the Greek islands. Ermoupoli is a successful mix of Cycladic architecture, neoclassical mansions, an enchanting labyrinth of alleys (especially in Ano Syra), the old port, but also modern buildings, shops, restaurants, etc. The town’s large main square, the historic Platia Miaouli, is always full of life, with its palm trees, trademark imposing Town Hall and the famous Apollon Theatre (whose architecture refers, inter alia, at La Scala).

Another district worth exploring is nearby Vaporia, a picturesque testimony of the island’s 19th century prosperity, with neoclassical mansions and former residences of wealthy ship owners. As for the island’s villages, coastal or inland, Syros is proud to maintain its traditional Greek island character, with the charm of another era. Elegant and accommodating, Syros happily welcomes visitors to the sounds of both arias and rembetika. When night falls, you can still hear the songs of Markos Vamvakaris, a landmark native figure and pioneer artist of rembetiko, praising the beauties of Syros. Who can blame him?

Find more information on Syros at the official website for Greek Tourism VisitGreece.gr

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Beaches Food Things to see & do

Galissas

: The largest, most popular -and crowded- beach in Syros. It’s sandy, with shallow waters and many facilities. The island’s camping site is also located here, at the settlement of Galissas.
8.0

Agathopes

: Sandy, organized, with a cosmopolitan touch and many amenities, this beach is always full of life.
8.0

Vari

: Fine sand, beautiful waters, sun beds, umbrellas and the nearby tavern offer you an enjoyable day at the beach.
8.0

Megas Gialos

: A long beach with crystalline waters and tamarisk trees, ideal for swimming and relaxation.
8.0

Finikas

: A long, sandy, organized beach with tamarisk trees that provide shade. Nearby you can find some fish taverns, located in the settlement of the same name.
8.0

Azolimnos

: A sandy, family friendly organized beach, next to the coastal settlement of the same name. Avoid it, though, on a windy day.
7.0

Allou Gialou

: Kini, Greek cuisine and sea food
9.0

Kouzina Restaurant

: Ermoupoli, Greek, Mediterranean cuisine
9.0

To Plakostroto

: San Michalis, Greek cuisine
8.0

Talaras Taverna

: Megas Gialos, Greek cuisine
8.0

Archontariki Thalassa

: Foinikas village, Mediterranean cuisine
8.0

Posidonia

: Also known as Delagrazia, this settlement is one of the island’s most beautiful. It features magnificent old mansions with their gardens, properties of wealthy families of Syros, as well as orthodox and catholic churches.
9.0

More of Ermoupoli

: Visit the Church of the Dormition of Virgin Mary, where you’ll see El Greco’s homonymous piece of work. Also, the Industrial Museum and the repairing installments of wooden boats (tarsanas and karnayio), next to Neorio, the island’s historic shipbuilding dock. Last but not least, the Markos Vamvakaris’ Museum (his former residence) in Ano Syra.
8.0

Best sunsets

: From villages San Mihalis and Kini. San Mihalis is well known for its taverns serving local delicacies, among which the cheese of the same name. Coastal Kini is very picturesque, with a lovely beach and quality restaurants, too.
8.0

Arts in Syros

: Every year, the island hosts a variety of renowned cultural spectacles, such as the International Classical Music Festival of Cyclades, the αniμasyroς 6.0 International Animation Festival & Forum and the Festival of the Aegean.
7.0

Local delicious sweets

: Don’t forget to try the local delicious sweets “loukoumia” and “halvadopita”.
7.0

Map of Syros

Reviews of Syros

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