Syros

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 cathedral-topped hills behind the main port, one is a Catholic one 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.

BEST FOR

Good access to other islands.
A varied holiday including sightseeing, culture, exploring,  eating and beaches

Feeling like a traveler rather than a tourist.

WORST FOR

The famous and horrible sweet called halvadopita, which has a sticky nougat consistency and is impossible to dislodge from your teeth.

WOULD SUIT

Families with active children wanting to explore, foodies and those wanting a bit of history along with their beaches.

Music lovers – Syuros is still home to some of the best bouzouki ‘rembetiko’ bars and music.

WOULD NOT SUIT

Those wanting to hire boats without skipper and potter around a coast dotted with deserted bays and beaches.
Those hoping to lose weight.

DON’T MISS

Neo-classical Ermoupolis, the capital, especially the Vaporia district of historic sea-captains mansions. The Apollon theater, designed by the Italian architect Campo, a miniature version of the Scala in Milano. 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 who designed the Royal palace in Athens, and which is 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 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 northwest of Ermoupolis. The industrial museum, where the second electric car was built in the 60s on Syros is shown here, the first one was built in London.
The Archeological Museum and the Museum of Cycladic Art with the most beautiful statues from that period.
Open-air movie theatre which hosts the newest movies played in original language.
Little delicatessen shops in Errmoupolis, to buy sun-dried cocktail tomatoes, capers and throumpa olives, and the most amazing cheeses made on the island.
Try the really cool bars on the waterfront of Ermoupolis,
Vaporia, a beautiful row of 10 palazzos known as Little Venice.

ACTIVITIES

Hike up to Ano Syros above Ermoupolis and enjoy the view.
Hire a bicycle and tour the island.
Try the very many great eateries and bars.
Agathopes – a beautiful long beach, and have lunch at the waterfront of the city for Tsipouro and modern Greek Mezes; the appetizers of Greece.
Dinner at Galissa and enjoy the great sunsets.
Lilly’s at Ano Syros, the cellar where in the 1950s, the ultra-cool Greek underground music style known as “rebetiko” fragosyriani was born.

HIGH SEASON

The usual Cycladic winds and summer visitors. Keep an eye out for the many art and cultural events, the highlight being the Festival of the Aegean, including opera, lyrical singing, and chamber music. Some of the best choirs, dance groups, classical ensembles, and maestros take part in these festivals.

LOW SEASON

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.