Syros

а different Cycladic island

Syros

Syros

Though it belongs to the Cyclades group, Syros is different and anyone who has been on the island would agree. Its architecture is dominated more by the neoclassical architecture than the white-blue Cycladic style, and being on Syros feels like being in Greece, Italy and France at the same time.

Hotels in Syros

General information about Syros

The City Hall and the Miaoulis square

Syros is one of the smaller islands of the Cyclades but it is the most populous one. It the past it had been a significant commercial and political center for ages and today it still offers rich cultural and social life for such a small island.

The impressive capital of Syros, Ermoupoli, proudly bears the nickname ”Queen of the Cyclades” and it is the administrative capital of the Cyclades group. Ermoupoli is the heart of the island, with lots of museums, churches, shops, cafes, etc. The old village of Ano Syros located on a high hill above Ermoupoli is now a quarter of the town and is a must-see.

Where to stay in Syros?

Street near the top of the old town

Ermoupoli and all the rest settlements of the island are located in the south half of Syros, all conveniently connected by the main island road. There is no real beach in Ermoupoli, except for a stone platform with access to the sea, but even if you prefer to stay there, you will have a choice of nice beaches within 15 minutes drive.

Popular seaside resorts are Galissas, Kini, Finikas. Poseidonia and Azolimnos. The smaller Megas Gialos and Vari are calmer but yet they have enough hotels and places to eat.

The north half of Syros is mountainous and uninhabited although there are some roads leading to remote villas and churches.

Which are the best beaches of Syros?

Shallow sandy beach perfect for kids

The largest beaches of Syros are those of Galissas and Kini. Both are sandy, with shallow water and with sunbeds and parasols to rent. Sandy beaches prevail on the island but in general they are smaller and narrower, although many of them are picturesque with their vivid blue water. Such are Agathopes, Megas Gialos, Vari and Lotos.

The municipality of Syros has placed parasols to use free of charge on many of the beaches. The beaches in the north part of the island are wild and accessible only on foot or by boat.

What to do in Syros?

Sights and points of interest in Syros include:

- The center of Ermoupoli with Miaouli square and its small alleys full of shops and cafes
- Vaporia quarter, a scenic seafront area of Ermoupoli with old mansions
- Ano Syros, a fortified town built by the Venetians
- The church of Agia Pakou in Galissas
- The cave church of Agios Stefanos, accessible only on foot or by boat
- The church of Agios Michail in the wild north part of Syros
- The aquarium in Kini
- Day trip to the neighbor islands of Tinos or Mykonos

How to get to Syros?

Syros has a national airport, located very close to the capital. The island port is in Ermoupoli and ferries arrive right at the seafront and the town center. Syros has ferry connections with Piraeus and with the other islands of the Cyclades group.

Syros photo galleryx