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    Syros

    Greece

    Syros

    CityCulture

    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.

    by Felix Gillen

    1. Home
    3. Destinations
    5. Greece
    7. Cyclades
    9. 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.
    Galissas
    Zde / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0

    District 1 of 4

    Galissas

    Galissas is located on the west coast, about eight kilometers from Ermoupoli, and is considered the island's first seaside resort.

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

    District 2 of 4

    Ano Syros

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

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    Apano Meria
    Glorious 93 / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0

    District 3 of 4

    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.

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    Kini
    FocalPoint / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0

    District 4 of 4

    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.

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    More districts in Syros

    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.

    Sights in Syros

    Discover the most important sights and attractions

    Miaouli-Platz

    1Miaouli-Platz

    The central square of Ermoupoli is paved with marble and lined with palm trees. It is dominated by the Town Hall, designed by Ernst Ziller, one of the largest town halls in Greece: Construction began in 1876, with its inauguration in 1898. Within, alongside the city administration, are the courthouse and the Archaeological Museum. In the centre of the square, since 1889, stands the statue of Admiral Andreas Miaoulis, next to a marble music pavilion. Evenings, the square is the city's meeting point.
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    Denkmal des Nationalen Widerstands

    2Denkmal des Nationalen Widerstands

    Since 1992, Ermoupoli's port monument commemorates Greek resistance during WWII occupation. The 16-meter-tall figure by Efstathios Leontis portrays Nike, the goddess of victory, with a wreath and large sword. Behind it, Eleftheriou Venizelou Street leads up to Miaouli Square.
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    Bathing Spots of Vaporia

    3Bathing Spots of Vaporia

    Below Ermoupoli's Vaporia shipping district, rock and concrete platforms lie by the water, not a sandy beach. Stairs from neoclassical captains' houses lead to the water access points. Swimming, gaze at hillside homes and the blue-domed Agios Nikolaos Church. The water at the platforms is instantly deep.
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    Vaporia and the Church of Agios Nikolaos

    4Vaporia and the Church of Agios Nikolaos

    In the Vaporia quarter, the captains and shipowners of Ermoupoli traditionally resided, their neoclassical houses perched closely above the sea. At the edge of the quarter stands the Orthodox Church of Agios Nikolaos, dedicated to the city's patron saint and completed in 1870. Its blue dome and two bell towers are striking; inside, the marble iconostasis and bishop's throne by sculptor Georgios Vitalis. In the small garden in front of the church stands an 1889 monument to the Unknown Soldier. Below Vaporia, steps lead down to swimming platforms by the water.
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    Industrial Museum of Ermoupoli

    5Industrial Museum of Ermoupoli

    The museum occupies three restored factories on the southwestern outskirts opposite the hospital: a late 19th-century dye works, shot foundry, and tannery. It shows how Ermoupoli thrived, with sections on trade, seafaring, the Neorion shipyard, and industries such as textiles, metal, and leather. On display are machines, tools, photographs, maps, and testimonies from workers. A highlight is the Enfield 8000, an electric car built on Syros in the 1970s.
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    Apollo Theatre

    6Apollo Theatre

    The municipal theatre, built 1862-1864 to plans by Italian architect Pietro Sampo, opened April 20, 1864, with Verdi's Rigoletto. Modeled on Italian houses such as Milan's Scala and Naples' Teatro San Carlo, it's often dubbed the "little Scala." The auditorium features three tiers with wooden galleries; its painted ceiling shows portraits of poets and composers like Homer, Aeschylus, and Rossini. After decades of 20th-century decline, the house was restored and now again hosts performances. An exhibition in the foyer featuring posters, programs, and costumes recalls the theatre's history.
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    City walks in Syros

    Curated walking tours through the city's highlights, handpicked by experienced travel journalists.

    Ermoupolis' Elegance: A Walk Through Neoclassicism

    Immerse yourself in the timeless beauty of Ermoupolis, the capital of Syros. This walk takes you through magnificent neoclassical districts, past historic landmarks, and offers wonderful views over the Aegean. Discover the unique flair of this architectural gem.

    ~2 Std.
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    Stops (6)

    Food and Drink

    1

    Elexis restaurant

    The restaurant belongs to Hotel Argini, a city mansion from 1853 on Apollonos Street in Ermoupoli, a few steps from the City Hall. The cuisine is creative Greek-Mediterranean and uses island ingredients, such as Kopanisti from Syros or fava with capers. Dining also takes place on the rooftop terrace with views across to Ano Syros.
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    2

    Amvix

    The Italian restaurant is located on the Akti Papagou waterfront in Ermoupoli, in a stone building that was formerly a distillery. The chef is from Italy and stayed on Syros. The menu features homemade pasta like spinach ravioli, pizza, and Italian desserts, along with Italian and Greek wines. Outside, you sit with a view of the harbor.
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    3

    Mazi

    The restaurant is in an alley near Miaouli Square in Ermoupoli, with a green courtyard where plants climb over arches and the ceiling. Its cuisine offers modern Greek with international influences, like ceviche and tartare, using Cycladic ingredients. Reservations are recommended for dinner.
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    Eating and Drinking on Syros

    Syros, a trading city, has developed its own sweets tradition, unique in the Cyclades. It also features one of Greece's most renowned cheeses.
    Loukoumia from Ermoupoli

    Loukoumia from Ermoupoli

    The jelly-like cubes of starch, sugar, and rosewater arrived in Syros in the 19th century with refugees from Chios and became an export item. Several workshops in Ermoupoli still produce them by hand today and sell directly. Traditionally, they are served with Greek coffee.

    Chalvadopita

    A layered slab of honey, egg white, and almonds between two wafers, made on Syros alongside Loukoumia. It is drier and less sweet than Turkish Delight. In the pastry shops by the harbour, it is available loose by weight.
    San Michali

    San Michali

    The only hard cheese of the Cyclades with Protected Designation of Origin is made from cow's milk from Syros and aged for at least four months. It is spicy, slightly sharp, and enjoyed grated or in pieces with wine. The dairy is located near Ano Syros.

    Kopanisti and Louza

    As on the neighbouring islands, the sharp, matured spreadable cheese Kopanisti and the air-dried pork loin Louza are part of the mezze plate. Both are sold in Ermoupoli's delicatessens. In the tavernas, they are served as a starter with tomato and olives.

    Rebetiko and Ouzo

    In the taverns of Ano Syros, Rebetiko, the musical form originating on Syros, is played on several evenings a week. Accompanied by Ouzo or Tsipouro and small sharing plates. The taverns fill up late, usually not before 10 PM.

    The Art and History on Syros

    Catholic Ano SyrosAno Syros was founded in the early 13th century after the Venetians conquered the island following the Fourth Crusade. On the hilltop, a first church dedicated to Saint George already stood around 1200; today's cathedral dates from 1834. For centuries, the majority of the island's inhabitants were Catholic, and after the end of Venetian rule, the community was under the protection of France. To this day, Ano Syros is the seat of the Catholic Diocese of Syros and Milos.Ermoupoli and NeoclassicismDuring the War of Independence in the 1820s, Greeks from Chios, Psara, Asia Minor, and other islands fled to Syros and founded a new city by the harbor, named after Hermes, the god of trade. Ermoupoli quickly became the leading commercial and industrial center of the young state. From this period date the Apollon Theater, Ernst Ziller's Town Hall, and the villas in Vaporia.Rembetiko and FestivalsMarkos Vamvakaris, one of the most famous Rembetiko musicians, was born in Ano Syros in 1905; a small museum in his birthplace commemorates him. Orthodox and Catholics celebrate Easter together on the Orthodox date, a unique feature rarely found elsewhere.

    Nightlife

    1

    Okio

    This café and bar is located directly on the harbor promenade of Ermoupoli, with tables both indoors and outdoors right by the water. By day, enjoy coffee, brunch, and an unusually large selection of loose teas; in the evening, cocktails and beer with views of the harbor and sunset.
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    2

    Belle Époque Café & Bistrot

    The café-bistro is located on Miaouli Square in Ermoupoli, with tables set out on the marble pavement opposite the Town Hall. During the day, it offers coffee and light meals, and in the evenings, drinks, while the town's families gather in the square.
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    3

    Porte Galleria del Cocktail

    The cocktail bar on Androu Street in central Ermoupoli operates as a brunch café by day and a bar by night. The menu categorizes cocktails by flavors like sour, sweet, and spicy, alongside modern twists on classics. The space in a historic building is elaborately decorated.
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    4

    Theosis Bar

    This cocktail bar is in the alleyways of Ano Syros, the medieval upper town. It's a bar, small gallery, and souvenir shop for Syros in one. Climb up to Ano Syros in the evening for a quiet drink with city views.
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    Exploring locally

    ArrivalSyros is one of the ferry hubs of the Cyclades. Ferries operate year-round from Piraeus, taking approximately two to just under four hours depending on the vessel, with additional connections from Rafina and Lavrio, as well as to many neighbouring islands. Ferries dock right in Ermoupoli. The small airport is located about 3.5 kilometers southeast of the city and is served year-round from Athens.Bus and Car RentalKTEL buses depart from Ermoupoli harbour to the southern and western beach resorts like Kini, Galissas, Finikas, and Poseidonia. A municipal minibus connects the market with Ano Syros. For the mountainous north, you will need a rental car or scooter; rental agencies are available at the harbour.On FootErmoupoli is best explored on foot, as many streets in the centre are pedestrianised. From the harbour to the entrance of Ano Syros is about one kilometer, mostly via marble steps; within the upper town itself, further exploration is only possible on foot.

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    Nearby

    Ano Syros

    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.
    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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