Syros is one of the idyllic islands with the impressive Neoclassical buildings, the glorious past and stunning beaches. It belongs to the Cyclades islands group and makes an immediate impression on all who visit it, since it combines glamour and tradition.
Ermoupolis, the "Queen of the Cyclades," is the capital of the island of Syros, the center of the Aegean Sea and a city of unique history and architecture.
Getting there
- By air. Syros has an airport which is directly connected with the Athens International Airport.
- By boat. The island is connected with the port of Piraeus and Rafina, either with conventional boat or high-speed ferries.
Accommodation
Syros is a place that attracts many holidaymakers. Hence, the visitor can find here a variety of accommodation facilities at Ermoupolis town which is the capital of the island or at coastal villages such as Galissas, Megas Gialos, Kini and Poseidonia .
Beaches
Megas Gialos beach
It’s a beautiful holiday resort, with calm clear waters and tamarisk trees that offer their shade to the bathers. It is placed to the south, some kilometers far away from Ermoupolis town.
Galissas beach
This beach constitutes a popular destination for the visitors of the island. Its sandy beach and the calm waters attract a great number of holidaymakers. It is situated close to Ermoupolis town.
Poseidonia beach
What strikes visitors about the resort is its unique surroundings with a touch of cosmopolitan air. A well-organized beach, with satisfactory facilities can satisfies the most demanding client.
Kini Beach
Kini is an amazing pebbled beach with crystal waters. It’s popular setting for its best sunset on Syros. Also local taverns serve fresh fish something that attracts the lovers of seafood.
Sightseeing
Industrial Museum
This museum is the epitome of the industrial and economic development of the island. The visitor has the opportunity to see a collection of old equipment that concerns the industry of the island. When visiting this museum, one cannot help but marvel the museum’s library that has at its disposal technical books and industrial designs.
Archaeological Museum
It is housed in the Town Hall of Ermoupolis town, since the early 20th century and it is one of the oldest museums in Greece. The Museum exhibits archaeological findings from Syros and the other Cycladic Islands.
Vamvakaris Museum
Markos Vamvakaris was a great composer, born in Ano Syros. He is considered to be the founder of rebetiko and folk song. The museum exhibits his photographs and old belongings, his passport and identity card, his clothes and shoes, handwritten texts and verses, his ring, watch and other personal items that were donated by his family to be exhibited in the museum that is named after him.
Churches
The island boasts numerous churches from both religions, Catholic and Orthodox.
- The metropolis of Syros is the church of Metamorfosis (Transfiguration), the oldest one in Ermoupoli. It is particularly interesting because its interior has a wonderful baroque architecture and decoration.
- The Assumption of Virgin Mary, is situated in Ermoupolis town as well. The most noticeable feature of the church is the icon of Mary which was created by Dominikos Theotokopoulos (El Greco).
- The Monastery of Capuchin played an important role in the religious and social life of Ano Syros. The historical church of Agios Ioannis, a Catholic Metropolis of the island between 1639-1652, is located here.
- The Church of Saint George is situated in Ano Syros. It is considered the metropolis of the Catholics.
Festivals
Ermoupoleia Festival
This festival takes place at the end of the summer and includes performances, concerts and art exhibitions.
“The moons of August”
This festival takes place in Ano Syros the birthplace of the great composer, Markos Vamvakaris. It is an event that is dedicated to rebetiko music.
Local products
- Halvadopites: it is a delicious sweet snack which is made of thyme honey and roasted almonds.
- Loukoumi: it is a soft sweet made of water, starch and sugar.
- Honey: the local thyme honey has a wonderful aroma and taste.
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The Greek Heaven Team