The Lady of the Cyclades
Syros- has been the capital of the Cyclades for over two hundred years, so has both cherished and upheld the quality of Cycladic culture; music, food, dance, etc, and also been quick to absorb the best of outside influences – it was a wealthy and peaceful island, protected from many common dangers and hardships through its status as a Venetian dominion, which means it is still today home to a large Catholic community. In fact, of the three cathedrals that top the hills behind the main port, one is Catholic, which is unique in the islands. Syros has always welcomed immigrants from less fortunate islands, and still has a generous, cheerful and friendly attitude to visitors.
Good access to other islands.
A varied holiday including sightseeing, eating and beaches
Feeling like a traveller rather than a tourist
The famous sweet called halvadopita , which has a sticky nougat consistency and is impossible to dislodge from your teeth.
Families with active children wanting to explore and learn water sports, foodies and those wanting a bit of history along with their beaches.
Beach bums – Syros beaches are great but few of them are easily accessible by car and get quite full, and while the summer winds tend to skirt past Syros relatively lightly, and some boating is certainly possible, it is still not ideal for those wanting to potter around in small boats.
Those wanting a wild nightlife.
Those hoping to lose weight.
Neo-classical Ermoupolis, the capital, especially the Vaporia district.
The Apollon theater, designed by the Italian architect Campo, a miniature version – some say the prototype- of La Scala in Milan
The church of Agios Nikolaos, "The Rich one", with an extraordinary basilica and an amazing marble icon screen, unique among the Balkan countries.
The 19th century neo-classical City Hall at Miaoulis Square designed by the famous German architect Ernst Ziller, ringed with cafes and seating areas under palm trees.
“Metamorphosis” is the most important Orthodox Church on the island, but the “Kimisis tis Theotokou” is of a great significance because it hosts a masterpiece by painter Dominikos Theotokopoulos known as El Greco.
Ano Syros the second town of Syros which was built by the Venetians at the beginning of the 13th century on the hill of San Giorgio, north west of Ermoupolis.
The industrial museum, where the second electric car was built in the 60’s on Syros is shown here, the first one was built in London.
The Archeological Museum and the museum of the Cycladic Art with the most beautiful statues from that period.
The Markos Vamvakaris museum established in 1995, in memory of this prestigious musician. Markos Vamvakaris, born in Ano Syros, was a great composer and a leading personality in “rebetiko” music. Syros holds a Rebetiko Festival “Syra of Markos Vamvakaris” every year in Ano Syros.
Agios Stefanos’ chapel built among the rocks inside a cave in Galissas, southwest of Syros.
Syros International Film Festival Open air movie festival which hosts film screenings, audiovisual performances, installations, workshops and innovative audiovisual projects.
The Animasyros, a festival of animation, and the International Festival of the Aegean with a superb classical music line-up, that take place annually on the island during July and August. Music - Theatre - Dance - International Performances in high quality.
Prekas, the little delicatessen shop of Ermoupolis, to buy sun dried tomatoes, capers and throumpa olives and the most amazing cheeses made on the island.
The Kyveli museum dedicated to the first international Greek actress.
The Kois Neoclassic Mansion built in 1860, expressing the classicism prevailing in the architecture of Europe at the time.
Asteria Beach, overlooking at the beautiful row of 10 grand neo-classical Captqain’s mansions, known as Syros’ Little Venice.
Last but not least, try the really cool bars of the waterfront of Ermoupolis and the alleys of Ano Syros, Django Gelatos and Syros’ famous Loukoumi.
Hike up to Ano Syros above Ermoupolis and enjoy the view or go off the beaten track and see the island’s unknown north side.
Rent a boat to go around Syros’ isolated beaches and swim in their crystal blue waters.
Enjoy a big variety of watersports at Komito beach, take a scuba diving training course or just enjoy a diving experience at areas of high underwater interest (caves, shipwrecks, reefs with a lot of underwater life) that will surely impress you!
Try horseback riding; trail riding, pony rides, and other educational activities available for adults and children.
Do a wine and culinary tour - taste local wines and distillates combined with local cheeses and local “mezze”.
Book a cooking class and discover the rich Greek culinary tradition by preparing authentic Cycladic recipes
Try the very many great eateries and bars or enjoy a private dining experience where you can taste dishes of the local cuisine of the Cyclades rarely found in restaurants.
ONO, a concept venue right on the popular sandy beach of
Agathopes. Featuring an open space above the sea with two bars, a restaurant, a private area and three places to catch the sun or leisure under the umbrellas, as well as a massage and body treatments place and indoor boutiques
“To Tsipouradiko Tis Mirsinis” and “Peri Tinos” at the waterfront of the city for Tsipouro and modern Greek mezzes; the appetizers of Greece.
"Iliovasilema" at Galissas for great dinners and sunsets
“Lilly's” at Ano Syros, the cellar where in the 1950’s, the ultra-cool Greek underground music style known as "rebetiko" was born or “Hygge” the secret ingredient of happiness according to the Danish people and the newest addition for casual dining in Ano Syros
Avant Garden opposite the Apollon theatre with creative Greek-inspired cuisine,
“To Petrino”, a traditional Greek taverna in the middle of the Bougainville Street in Ermoupolis
“MAZI”, an enchanting garden built around 1880 that turned into a fine dining restaurant bordering Miaoulis Square. Greek culinary philosophy and different cooking cultures around the world are presented here to their own creative cuisine. The best wines and most amazing cocktails, try a “Mazi Garden” or a “Amaro Pago” cocktail.
"Allou Yialou" at Kini beach for fish, seafood and more fresh and authentic recipes
Dyo tzitzikia st' armirikia" for a very traditional version, the ultimate summer greek taverna right on the beach of Kini.
Best thin sliced and crispy local lamb chop from the island and local wines at “Mitsos Taverna” in the village of Alithini with views over Ermoupolis and the islands of Tinos, Mykonos and Delos.
To Plakostroto at San Michalis village is a family taverna with a magnificent view of the Aegean Sea and the first choice for those searching for the natural beauty of Apano Meria and local herbal and herbal recipes.
The usual Cycladic winds and lots of summer visitors who tend to be sophisticated Greeks and low key international friends of the islands.
Syros remains a properly functioning island - as both the capital of the Cyclades, and also a viable agricultural island that is open all year round.
