Syros

The coastal town of Ermoupoli (named after God Hermes) besides being the capital of Syros Island, was the first commercial and industrial centre of Greece. It saw unprecedented economic growth during the 19th c. As the city started to get populated and thanks to its ideal geographical position Ermoupoli’s harbour became the most important commercial and shipping centre of the newly established Greek State (by 1850 the income of its custom office was equal to three quarters of the country). During your stay in Ermoupoli make sure you visit the Industrial Museum, housed in three different structures that show the town’s economic growth. This elegant town is home to exceptional neoclassical architecture highly influenced by 19th c. western standards. Houses, public squares and buildings such as the Town Hall, the Customs office, the Apollon theatre are what make Ermoupoli an architectural museum to explore.     

Ermoupoli is a hillside town that overlooks the Aegean Sea. Its most prominent landmarks among others are the Orthodox churches of Metamorfosis Sotiros, Agios Nikolaos Plousios and the Dormition of the Virgin Mary (Kimisis Theotokou). Ano Syros (upper town) is a Venetian 13th c. neighbourhood where a Catholic community resides, whose houses are built around the cathedral of Saint George (San Giorgi) dominating the top of the hill. Today Ano Syros’ (aka Epano Chora) mediaeval style is evident on its whitewashed houses and its winding alleys and stairs that lead to the neighbourhoods. The view from the hilltop is amazing and only 2km from Ermoupoli, so it's definitely worth the climb.

Azolimnos is a seaside village on the northeast side of the island with a golden sandy beach, the nearest one to Ermoupoli (5km) and among the most famous of the island.

The renowned village of Galissas is located 9 km W from Ermoupoli on a bay inhabited since ancient times. Walk up to Agia Pakous hill and see the ruins of a small fort and the ancient citadel walls. Drink in the panoramic view of the sea and the village below.

The peaceful village of Kini is famous for the little fish eateries. It is located 9 km west from the island’s capital next to a wonderful sandy beach. The beaches of Loto, Varvarousa, Aeto, Grammata or Delphini are ideal for more off-grid getaways.

Chalandriani is mostly visited for its archaeological sites (cemetery, settlements and other finds), which were unearthed in the end of the 19th c. by archaeologist Christos Tsountas. Don’t miss the site of Kastri, a prehistoric settlement surrounded by walls from the later years of the Early Cycladic period (2300-2200 BC). Stop by the cave where philosopher Pherecydes (also written Ferekydi) used to reside (6th c BC) as well as Syriga springs, from where the view is astounding.

The seaside hamlet of Megas Gialos is on the southernmost side of the island (12 km from Ermoupoli). It has a lovely sandy beach that will please the whole family. At a short distance there is also the beach Ampelas, found in a small sheltered cove. Foinikas is yet another famous seafront village with a sandy beach.

The most renowned village on Syros is Posidonia (aka Delagratsia) located 13 km from Ermoupoli. Don’t miss out on seeing the stately neoclassical houses with their manicured gardens - once vacation homes of the wealthiest families on the island. The name Delagratsia was taken from the catholic church found in the area, Madonna della Grazia, while Posidonia is the name of the ancient town that stood in the exact same place in the past. On your way towards Ermoupoli, make a point in visiting the traditional hamlet of Parakopi and its beautiful houses.

Located on a hill in the village of Vari, prehistoric ruins of a settlement and tombs from the Roman period have been unearthed. At a short distance you can visit the charming traditional village of Chrousa and its beautiful beaches.