Syros is the capital of Cyclades prefecture. The distance from Piraeus port is 83 n.miles and has an area of 86 sq. km.
Ermoupoli, the capital and main harbour of Syros, is a jewel. Ermoupoli results from the Greek refugees’ hard labour and business acumen from Psara, Chios and Kasos islands. Syros was free from the Turks and was protected from France. So when in 1826, the hard-working people came to Syros to find a place to live after the destruction of their homelands, they inhabited Ermoupoli and made the city the pride of Cyclades. Ermoupoli developed in a town with intense social life, neo-classic buildings, industries, music rooms, and theatres, thanks to the island’s rapid commercial and naval growth. Unique churches, the magnificent Townhall, the Apollo Municipal Theatre, the Archaeological Museum, and the Municipal Library testify the glory, luxury, and greatness that the island knew.
Ano Syros (upper Syros), in perfect opposition with Ermoupoli, is built with a medieval Cycladic way, with arches, narrow lanes, graphic taverns, portrays the habits and the way of life of residents of the island (Catholics in their bigger part), before the big bloom of Ermoupolis.
Syros coastline is intended with inlets with hot waters and sandy beaches. Famous for their neo-classic house are their beautiful sandy beaches, Finikas, Delagratsia and Galissa. Many beaches have access only from the sea, like Delfini and Gramata, where ancient seamen engraved wishes for their boats on the rocks.
Syros is also called “The Lady of the Cyclades” or “the Aegean’s bride” because of its nobility – a result of the prosperous past.
Hermoupolis is the capital of Syros and the capital of the Cyclades islands as well. The whole town is a monument to its past. Old style architecture, neoclassical houses such as the town at Miaoulis’ square and the Apollon theatre.
Ano Syros
Situated on the left hill back from Hermoupolis, Ano Syros is worth visiting in an amphitheatrical arrangement. Built by the Venetians, the town remains a medieval settlement with its cubic houses painted in white. Narrow streets and innumerable stairs lead to the top of the hill where St. George’s cathedral is located. The view from there is magnificent as you can see a lot of the Cyclades islands like Tinos, Mykonos, Delos, Paros and Naxos. Monasteries from 1500 AC and Markos Vamvakaris’ (folk musician) museum are also worth visiting. Excavations at Kastri and Halandriani have revealed a prehistoric acropolis, an ancient cemetery settlement, and yielded artefacts of the Early Cycladic period.
Poseidonia & Agathopes
12 km from Hermoupolis and full of new and old villas growing between pine trees and palm trees, Posidonia is the most aristocratic resort of Syros. The village borrowed its name from ancient god Posidonas, as it used to be a place of worship for him. It is also called Dellagrazzia from the Italian “Madonna de la Grazzia”. The beach of Posidonia called Agathopes is one of the most popular. The rooms and restaurants of the area promise good quality service. If you are looking for a quieter beach, you can find the smaller beach of Komito next to the main beach.
Finikas & Kokkina
Finikas is a pleasant coastal village that has taken its name from the ancient Foinikes who used the bay as a port. Protected from the north winds, Finikas and the next beach Kokkina are suitable for swimming and sea sports.
Finikas has many lovely places for you to stay and tavernas, cafes and mini markets. There is also a small marina with water and a petrol supply if you come by yacht. Next to Finikas, you can find Visas, an agricultural village.
Megas Gialos – Ambela
Megas Gialos, an indented coastline, is 12km far from Hermoupolis, full of shady trees. Megas Gialos is a quiet, sandy beach ideal for families. Next to Megas Gialos, there is the neighbouring beach of Abela. You can find rooms, apartments and tavernas on both beaches. The church of St. Antonios over the beach is also worth visiting.
Kini – Delfini- Lotos
At a distance of about 9 km from Hermoupolis appears Kini, a beautiful coastal village. On the way, just before you reach Kini, there is St. Barbara’s monastery where hand made woollen fabric is made. Kini is surrounded by the beaches of Delfini and Lotos where somebody can go on foot. Kini has everything a visitor asks for: accommodation, cafes, mini markets and tavernas where you can enjoy fresh fish caught by the local fishermen.
In addition, nice boat trips to the bays of Varvaroussa, Aetos, Lia and Grammata are organised daily from Kini. More importantly, in Kini, you can enjoy incredible sunsets and a magic reflection of colours on the sea.
Galissas
The cosmopolitan village of Syros is 7.5 km from Hermoupolis, with the largest and the most popular sandy beach. In Galissas, you will find many lovely places to stay, nice tavernas to taste local specialities, cafes, bars with live music, souvenir shops and mini markets. At the top of the hill on the left is St. Pakou’s church, where you can enjoy the fantastic sunset. The beach next to the hill is a quiet, small beach for nudists. St. Stefanos’ little church inside a big cave is also worth visiting.
Vari & Achladi
Vari is the largest village in Syros. Although it is a traditional agricultural village, it also grows tourist concerns. Nevertheless, you can enjoy peaceful holidays, staying at Vari’s rooms or apartments. You can also enjoy swimming either on the main beach or on the smaller neighbouring beaches of Achladi, Santorinious and Fabrika. Fresh fish and Greek specialities are offered from the tavernas by the sea and cold drinks and cocktails by the local beach bar.
Azolimnos
At about 5 km from Hermoupolis, Azolimnos is the most developing tourist resort. Here you can enjoy swimming on a lovely beach, a nice dinner or lunch at the traditional tavernas, a coffee or fresh juice at the cafes. Remember not to miss the fantastic sun rising from the sandy beach or your balcony.
Hermoupolis
The city with the vivid history, the marvellous neoclassical buildings, well known all over Greece, is lively, proud for the past and the present, always welcoming visitors. The brightest jewel of the capital is the Town Hall situated at Miaoulis’ square, the assembly point of Syros. The building was designed by Ernst Ziller, a German architect. Apollon theatre, the first theatre in Greece and a miniature of La Scala in Milan, is another remarkable building.
The museums, St. Nikolaos’ church, El Greco’s painting of the Virgin Mary in “The Assumption”, and the library are also places of great interest. All these things make Hermoupolis one of the most important Greek capitals which can be visited at any time of the year. Especially in winter when various artists perform live at Apollon theatre. You will never feel bored in Hermoupolis because there are many things to do and places to visit. On every street, there is a small surprise, on every neighbourhood, a small miracle takes place.
