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    Ano Syros
    Hans Peter Schaefer, http://www.reserv-a-rt.de / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0

    Greece

    Ano Syros

    CityCulture

    Ano Syros is the medieval upper town on the hill northwest above Ermoupoli.

    by Felix Gillen

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    5. Greece
    7. Syros
    9. Ano Syros
    Ano Syros is the medieval upper town on the hill northwest above Ermoupoli. The Venetians founded it at the beginning of the 13th century; its houses stand close together like the walls of a fortress, and gates formerly sealed off the town against pirate attacks. Cars remain outside; alleys, vaulted passages, and marble steps lead through the town.Ano Syros remains predominantly Catholic to this day and is the seat of the Diocese of Syros and Milos. On the summit stands the Cathedral Agios Georgios; below it lie the Capuchin Monastery, the Jesuit Monastery, and – with Agios Nikolaos ton Ftochon – the older of the town's two Orthodox churches. The Rembetiko musician Markos Vamvakaris was born in Ano Syros in 1905, and a small museum commemorates him. From the terraces, the view extends over Ermoupoli to Tinos, Delos, Paros, and Naxos.

    Sights in Ano Syros

    Discover the most important sights and attractions

    Markos Vamvakaris Museum

    1Markos Vamvakaris Museum

    The small museum commemorates Markos Vamvakaris, born in Ano Syros in 1905 and considered one of the most significant Rembetiko musicians. Since 1993, housed in a traditional building, it exhibits photos, personal belongings, handwritten lyrics, and records. A half-hour documentary about his life is also screened. It is mainly open during the season from April to October.
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    Capuchin Monastery and Agios Ioannis Church
    Church

    2Capuchin Monastery and Agios Ioannis Church

    Agios Ioannis Church is Ano Syros' second most important Catholic church after the Cathedral. Given to Capuchin friars in 1635, who built their monastery next to it, it was briefly the island's cathedral. Beneath the church, crypts offered residents refuge from pirates; later, old Catholic family remains were interred. The monastery library contains some 6,000 old books and manuscripts.
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    Cathedral Agios Georgios

    3Cathedral Agios Georgios

    The Catholic Cathedral, locally called San Tzortzis, stands atop Ano Syros and is the seat of the Bishopric of Syros and Milos. A first church was built here around 1200, soon after the Venetian conquest. The structure was repeatedly destroyed – by the Ottomans in 1617 – and rebuilt; the present church dates from 1832 to 1834. Inside hang icons of Saint George and Panagia tis Elpidas. From its forecourt, views extend over Ermoupoli to the neighboring islands: Tinos, Mykonos, Naxos. The church is open until sunset.
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    Restaurants in Ano Syros

    1

    Apanochoritissa

    This small family-run tavern is located in the upper alleys of Ano Syros. It serves homemade Greek dishes and meze for sharing. The small rooftop terrace, offering views over Ermoupoli and the harbor, fills up quickly in the evenings, so it's best to arrive early if you want a spot there.
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    2

    Hygge

    The restaurant is located high up in Ano Syros, blending upscale cuisine with a laid-back atmosphere. The focus is on fish and seafood, such as ceviche, mussels, or orzo with prawns, paired with Greek wines. From the tables, you overlook the port of Ermoupoli and the sea. Open seasonally from April to October, evenings only.
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    Nightlife

    1

    Theosis Bar

    The cocktail bar in the alleys of Ano Syros is a bar, small gallery, and Syros souvenir shop, all in one. If you climb up in the evening, you'll find a quiet spot here for a drink with a view over the city.
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    Getting Here and About

    Up from ErmoupoliFrom the port to the entrance of Ano Syros, it's about one kilometer, mostly via marble steps. If you don't want to climb the stairs, you can take the local minibus from the market in Ermoupoli or a taxi.Within the VillageAno Syros is closed to cars. Through its alleys, you can only go on foot and via many steps. Sturdy shoes help on the smooth pavement.

    Accommodations in Ano Syros

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    Nearby

    Syros

    Syros

    Syros is located in the heart of the Cyclades and, unlike many neighbouring islands, does not primarily rely on tourism. Its main town, Ermoupoli, is the capital of the Cyclades and the South Aegean region. In the 19th century, it was Greece's most important commercial and industrial port until Piraeus surpassed it, and the city has preserved the Neoclassicism of that era.Instead of white cube houses, you'll find marble squares, an opera house, and shipowner mansions here. Additionally, Ano Syros features a Catholic upper town from the Venetian era. If you're seeking a Cycladic town with year-round daily life, this is the place.
    Kini

    Kini

    Kini is a small fishing village on the west coast of Syros. The sandy beach is right in front of the village, and fishing and excursion boats anchor in the small harbour next to it. The waterside tavernas are known for fresh fish, and Kini is considered one of the best places on the island to watch the sunset.Just to the north lies the quieter beach of Delfini. From Kini, boat trips depart to the secluded coves in the north of the island. About a kilometre outside, perched on a hill, is the Agia Varvara Monastery, founded around 1900, featuring icons depicting the life of Saint Barbara, embroideries, and views over the bay.
    Apano Meria

    Apano Meria

    Apano Meria is the mountainous, sparsely populated north of Syros, protected as a Natura 2000 site. Instead of beach resorts, you'll find scattered hamlets, dry stone walls, old marble quarries, and a network of marked hiking trails leading to secluded coves. Geologically, the north differs from the rest of the island, with striking patterned eclogite rocks.The north also holds the island's oldest traces: the fortified settlement of Kastri and the burial ground of Chalandriani from the Early Bronze Age. In the Bay of Grammata, sailors for centuries carved prayers and pleas for safe passage into the rocks. The island's eponymous cheese originates from the hamlet of San Michalis.
    Galissas

    Galissas

    Galissas is located on the west coast, about eight kilometers from Ermoupoli, and is considered the island's first seaside resort. The village stretches around a bay with one of Syros' longest sandy beaches; the water is shallow and clear, and tamarisks provide shade. The beach holds the Blue Flag award and is well-suited for families.The area was already settled in antiquity; the geographer Strabon names Galissas as one of the main cities of ancient Syros. On the hill at the edge of the bay stands the chapel of Agia Pakou, offering views over both beaches, and behind it, a short path leads to the quiet bay of Armeos. A little further on, in a sea cave above the sea, lies the chapel of Agios Stefanos, accessible via a path or by boat.
    Poseidonia and Agathopes

    Poseidonia and Agathopes

    Poseidonia, in the southwest of Syros, is named after the sea god Poseidon, but is often still called Della Grazia, after the Catholic Church Madonna della Grazia. In the 19th century, the place was the summer retreat for wealthy families from Ermoupoli. From this period, neoclassical villas stand here in large gardens with pine trees, along with the light blue painted church of Agios Ioannis Prodromos from 1876 with a freestanding bell tower.A few minutes' walk away lies Agathopes, one of the island's most popular beaches, with fine sand and shallow, clear water. Further south follows the small, wilder bay of Komito, north, the village of Finikas with a beach and marina.

    Sources & method

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