Xionodromika

Syros: Sense of nobility

Syros


Σύρος, Κυκλάδες

In the center of Cyclades complex, Syros dominates the islands. Evidence of the times of the glory and prosperity and that it has been the cultural center of the whole Europe, is present everywhere.

The name Syra or Syros originates from the Phoenician name Ousyra or Ousoura which means “happy”. A name verifying the flourishing of the island in the prehistoric times but also in the late nineteenth century. In the early 6 th century B.C. the great philosopher Ferekydis was born in Syros. In Halandriani, located on the north-east side of the island, the greatest prehistoric cemetery of Cyclades has been discovered. A little further to the north, in Kastri, the ruins of the first protocycladic acropolis are still visible.

Syros Map

Syros Attractions & Surrounding Area

Ano Syros is a medieval settlement with narrow roads and low houses, amphitheatrically built on a rock. The whole town is a sight for its medieval architecture, unchanged in time. Mentioned in many songs by Markos Vamvakaris, a composer born in this town, Apano Chora, as it is called by the locals, is famous for Saint George’s church on the top of the hill, the narrow streets, the thousands of steps, the Capuchin monastery, the Jesuit monastery, the little taverns and the fantastic view.

Syros is an example of the harmonious co-existence of Greek Catholics and Greek Orthodox. There are wonderful villages in the southern part of the island. Beaches, fresh fish, swimming, sea sports, fishing, every village has something to offer you. The northern part of the island is hilly and rough, a landscape worth going. If you meet any of the local farmers, it is sure that you will be offered honey or local cheese.

Ermoupoli is the capital of Syros and Cyclades complex, built in 1822 by refugees from Chios, Smirni, Psara and other parts of Greece. It was named after the ancient god of commerce Hermes, by the first inhabitants. Some of the most important sights in the town are the central paved square with the statue of Admiral Miaoulis and the marble bandstand, the grandiose Town Hall, the archaeological museum, the Apollo Theatre, the churches, the wonderful mansions, the library, the historical archives, the cemetery and others. If you stay in the town, you can swim in Kymata or Agios Nikolaos. At night you can enjoy yourselves in the taverns, the casino, the cafeterias and the bars along the harbour, the square and other parts of the town.

AZOLIMNOS: A settlement with a beach very near to Ermoupolis. It is located on the south-east part of the island and has been rabidly transformed into a remarkable tourist resort. You will find rooms and apartments to rent, also taverns and cafeterias.

MEGAS GIALOS: A lovely beach full of trees. Walls of bamboos reach the sea and the old draw-wells scattered in the area are signs of the agricultural past of the area. Next to it there is a small quiet bay called Abela with a few houses.

POSSIDONIA–AGATHOPES: The most aristocratic resort of the island with the wonderful villas where once, only the upper social class of the island had their summer houses. Its name originates from Poseidon, the ancient god of sea, and it was a place of worship in the ancient times. It is also called Delagratsia after the Italian “Madona dela Gratsia”. In Agathopes there is a long beach , rooms and taverns. The scene is completed with the two uninhabited islands in the middle of Agathopes Bay. Two kilometers further, you can find the small quiet bay of Komito.

FINIKAS: A seaside village with a long beach , rooms and taverns. Almost all kinds of sea sports are catered for in the village, which according to tradition, was a colony of the ancient Phoenicians. Swimming, waterskiing, sailing, windsurfing and fishing are just some of them. A safe and well-equipped mooring area is also available for yachts.

GALISSAS: A cosmopolitan tourist and one of the most popular beaches of the island with a long beach and trees. Next to that, there is the small bay of Agia Pakou behind the hill with the church on the top. From Galissas you can reach the cave of Agios Stefanos, on foot or by boat, with a small church in honour of the Saint built in it.

KINI & DELFINI: A traditional fishermen’s village on the west coast of the island. One of the most beautiful places on the island, Kini is a quite village ideal for family holidays and romantic people, since the sunset there, is pure magic. In the wide bay there are two beaches, Kini and Loto. Further to the north there are the quite beaches of Delfini (at a distance of 1800m.), Varvaroussa and Aetos.

How to get there

By plane: There are regularly flights from Eleftherios Venizelos airport to Syros.
By Ferry: There are regularly itineraries from Piraeus and Rafinas port to Syros.
By high speed boat: There are also departures of High Speed ferries from Rafinas port.
Connection with other islands: Syros is connected with the rest of the Cyclades, Astypalaia, Rhodes, Karpathos, Heraklio, Chalkida, Skiathos, Crete, Samos, Mytilini, Thessaloniki.
By hydrofoil you can visit the islands: Tinos, Myconos, Paros, Naxos, Iraklia, Schinoussa, Koufonissia, Amorgos, Donoussa.
Transportation on the island includes buses, taxis, rented cars, motorbikes and boats.

Syros Photos


Syros Useful Telephone Numbers (Calling code for Greece 0030)

Syros Municipality
22810 82766
Syros Airport
22810 81900, 82255
Syros Police Station
22810 82610
G.T.O.
22810 82375, 86725
Syros Hospital
22810 86666
Syros Bus Station
22810 82575
Syros Port Authority
22810 82690, 88888
Syros Taxi Station
22810 84222, 86222