the queen of the cyclades is waiting for you
Syros is an island of the Cyclades. Its area is 86 km², it has 21,507 inhabitants. Ermoupoli is the capital of the island, of the Cyclades.
It has always been an important port city, and in the 19th century it was even more so than Piraeus. The other villages are Galissas, Vari, Finikas, Pagos, Manna, Kini and Poseidonia.
Throughout history, the island was known as Syra and then Syros. Later it seems to have been inhabited by the Phoenicians. The island was also the home of the philosopher Pherecydes, the teacher of Pythagoras.
Ermoupoli stands on a naturally amphitheater site, with neo-classical buildings, old mansions and white houses cascading down to the port. It was built during the Greek War of Independence in the 1820s.
The town hall is in the center of town, on Place Miaoulis, surrounded by cafes, lounge areas and palm trees.
Ano Syros is a medieval city, it was built by the Venetians in the early 13th century on the hill of San Giorgio, northwest of Ermoupoli. Countless steps between narrow streets and houses with colorful doors lead to the top of the town. The Catholic Cathedral of Saint George was built in the 13th century.
Our Hotel recommendations
Fetouri beach, Poseidonia, Syros
T: +30 22810 42100 | M: +30 6972783565
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Aristide Hotel Syros
Housed in a restored mansion in the historical centre of Hermopolis, the Aristide combines old-world elegance with contemporary design features .
All suites have air-conditioning and heating, Wi-Fi, amenities, dimmable lights, the possibility of black-out, soundproofing, under-bed night lights, rain showers, king-size or super-king size beds, solid oak flooring and doors, and speakers that guests can connect to with their personal devices. Almost all suites have five-meter-high ceilings, sea views, balconies or terraces, and private plunge pools or stone bath tubs. All suites are for one or two guests. Due to the architecture of this historical building and for reasons of safety, the hotel can unfortunately not accommodate children under 15 years of age.
Address : Babagiotou 27 – Ermoupoli, Syros
Telephone : +306986624881
Hotel Hermes
Hermes hotel occupies one of the most historic neoclassical buildings of Syros island. The hotel is located in a privileged location on a narrow stripe of land at the right edge of Syros port with historic city center at the background. With a view of the deep blue water of the Aegean sea from the one side and the quiet waters of the harbour from the other side, our guests are surrounded by the sea.
Our luxury renovated rooms, our outstanding Mediterranean cuisine, our excellent service and our friendly environment guarantee a memorable experience to our guests.
Hermes Hotel features 70 rooms. Rooms overlooking the sea, rooms overlooking the bay of the harbor.
Kanari square 84100, Hermoupolis
Syros Island, Cyclades, Greece.
Tel.: +30 22810 83011, 88011, 85312
E-mail: info@hermes-syros.com
GOOD LIFE GRECE ECO VILLA
Located in Posidonia, Good Life Greece Eco Villas is set in a converted 220-old farm and includes a vineyard, a garden with fig and olive trees, BBQ facilities and outdoor seating areas. The villas offer unobstructed views over the Aegean Sea. Free WiFi is featured throughout and free parking is available on site. the elegantly decorated villas open to terraces. Each unit includes a seating area, a fully equipped kitchen with dining area, and a modern bathroom with walk-in shower. Guests can collect organic products from the gardens, while organic olive oil can also be provided. Free use of bicycles is available at the property. A mini market, taverns and a butcher’s shop can be reached within a 15-minute walk, while the nearest beach is a 10-minute walk For info: info@goodlifegreece.com Phone: (+30) 2281043328 www.goodlifegreece.com
Hotel BENOIS
Only 50 meters from where the sea laps gently on the sand of the long and very popular beach of Galissas, Hotel Benois is situated in a lively seaside site that honestly provides the world famous Greek island postcard scenery. Offering quick on foot access to the beach and to a range of modern and traditional cafés, family-run tavernas, casual and high-end restaurants, convenience shops and small stores with souvenirs and beach accessories, the Benois encourages guests to have it both ways; lay back and soak up the Greek summer or/and mingle with the crowds.
Hotel BRAZERA
Hotel Brazzera is situated above the beach of Finikas, on a bay in the southwest of Syros island, only 12 km from the capital town Hermoupolis. Popular destination, Finikas is ideal for water sports, fishing, cycling and hiking, has an organized beach and a marina offering shelter from the northern summer winds for yachts and small private boats. Along the beach there are many restaurants, cafes, bars and stores. Easily accessible by car or bus, Finikas is the perfect starting spot for guests to tour around Syros.
Brazzera Hotel FinikasTel: +30 22810 79173 Mob: +30 6986243488 hotelbrazzera@gmail.com
NESTORIAN hotel
Nestled in the breathtaking island of Syros, Nestorian hotel combines the cosmopolitan ambiance with the imposing traditional architecture of the area. As it is set in a restored 19th century neoclassical property, the hotel will steal your heart with its unique features that interwine the rich history of the region with its cultural wealth.
2 Stamatiou Vafiadaki, Ermoupoli 841 00, Syros
T. +302281080052
E. hotel@nestorian.gr
Ano Syros
Ano Syros is the medieval administrative center of Syros, an island of the Cyclades and the historical seat of the unified municipality of Syros. It is located on the east side of the island at the place which was previously called Mesovouni. It has 1,062 inhabitants and was until recently the seat of the former municipality of Ano Syros.
DIDYMI SYROU
Didimi: This is one of the most famous small islands of Syros, as it is located opposite the port of Ermoupolis to the east. It is also called Gaidaros or Gaidouronisi and has beaches that are flooded in summer by boats. On Didimi, however, stands its lighthouse, built in 1834 by the French lighthouse company. Part of it was destroyed during World War II, but was repaired in 1948 and has been running continuously ever since. It emits a white light every 2 minutes, the height of its tower is almost 30 meters and it has a lighthouse on the ground floor. Its very large focal height (68.3 meters) fueled the tradition that its brilliance could be seen even from Smyrna.
SAINT DIMITRIOS
Although it is so small, Agios Dimitrios is one of the most popular places in Syros. The cause is the orthodox and majestic church of Agios Dimitrios which dominates the edge of a cliff in the village. It is an imposing Christian church with a large dome that stands out from afar and a background in the blue landscape of the sea.
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Chalandriani
Chalandriani is a small settlement on the northeast side of the island of Syros, where a prehistoric citadel has been excavated. It is 9.5 km from the capital Ermoupolis. In the area today live a few inhabitants who are mainly engaged in agricultural work, while the small church of Panagia Halandriani was built. North of Halandriani and about a 45 minute walk away is the prehistoric village of Kastri. These two areas are connected by an inaccessible path.
Our restaurant recommandations
Aristide Restaurant in Ermoupolis
Aristide is a gourmet restaurant located in the heart of Ermoupoli and is part of the Aristide hotel. The seating area can be found on a charming rooftop that provides a breathtaking panoramic view of the Aegean Sea and the surrounding areas. It showcases a delightful traditional design with stone walls and plants scattered throughout.
Laoutari kafreneio
Quality traditional dishes in this tavern located behind the port. Pleasant welcome and good Greek music in a pedestrian street behind the port. Good value for money.
18 Thermopilon, Hermoupolis – Tel +30 2281 079667
Melydron cafe-tavern
Superb little non-touristy restaurant that you won’t find on the seaside… the kind of typical restaurant that you look for everywhere without finding it.
A friendly, simple place, offering a menu of local and Greek specialties as we like them. The attentive staff, making sure you ate well, explaining the menu to you… and all this at more than affordable prices! To recommend.
Ioanni and Kandios Talaki, Poseidonia Tel : +30 2281 045023
Ecclesiastical Museum
In 1984, the Metropolitan of Syros Dorotheus I realized his thought and his idea for the creation of an ecclesiastical museum in Ermoupolis. So, by his order, the then Archimandrite and now Metropolitan of Syros Dorotheus II, came to all the islands of the diocese and collected icons I. Churches and monasteries, church utensils and vestments, which abbots and pastors have voluntarily granted and which have been exposed. in a special area, in a building belonging to the Holy Metropolis adjacent to the Metropolitan Palace.
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IMSYROY
Agios Stefanos (Galissas)
The attraction of Galissas is the cave of Agios Stefanos, at the entrance of which a white church with running water has been built. According to legend, this church was built by a fisherman named Stefanos, who once escaped from a giant octopus and in exchange for his salvation, built the church in honor of the Saint who bore his name.
Kyveli Institute
The Kyveli Institute is a cultural institution that studies the theatrical history and historical fortunes of Hellenism, highlights converging processes in Europe and internationally, creates cultural synergies and promotes cultural decentralization centered on the sea Aegean, starting with a great family adventure. , which marked the theater, politics and arts of the Greek twentieth century.
Church of the Resurrection
It was founded in 1874 on top of Delhi Hill by the Metropolitan of Syros Alexandros Lykourgos and is the work of Dimitris Eleftheriadis, architect of the Municipality of Ermoupolis. The original plan (1858) of the Municipality was to erect the monument to those who died during the Revolution of 1821 here, but in the end it was decided to place it in front of the Holy Temple of Agios Nikolaos.
Visit the beaches of Syros
AGATHOPES
The busiest beach in Syros is Agathopes Beach which is located at a distance of about 14 km from Ermoupolis. Organized beach with golden sand and shallow waters, Agathopes stands out for the narrow strip of land that enters the sea but also for the lilies that bloom along it, during the summer.
KINI
Its privileged location on the hill allows visitors to enjoy the most magnificent view of the sunset before a magnificent meal in one of the taverns in the village of the same name. From Kini beach depart – weather permitting – boats to the northern beaches of Syros, for which there is no road access (Letters, Eagle, etc.).
VARI
Vari Beach is one of the most popular beaches on the island just 8 km from the capital, as it covers all needs and tastes. Shallow crystal clear waters make it an ideal destination for families with young children, while the tourist infrastructure attracts even the most demanding travelers.
Galissas
Galissas is a seaside village and one of the most touristic in Syros. It is located on the west side of the island, at the homonymous bay hostel and the homonymous valley beach that opens between the Harassona and Glaronda mountains. It is 7 km from the capital Ermoupolis. The name is ancient Greek as evidenced by an ancient inscription which mentions a “Syrian Prianus Galissios”. The village beach has fine sand, while there is a small harbor with a stone jetty and palm trees. Galissas also organized hotels, campsites, numerous rooms and apartments for rent, taverns and cafes and a beach soccer field.
KOMITO
Komito is a beautiful beach southwest of Syros on the road to Poseidonia that travelers choose for the crystal clear waters, wicker umbrellas and beach bar that provide a breath of fresh air for sunbathers. Just 1 km from Poseidonia and 15 km from Ermoupolis, Komito Beach is a favorite destination for those looking for an oasis of relaxation on hot summer days.
EPISKOPIO
Episkopio (or Piskopeio) is a colony of Syros. It is built on the slopes of a pine-covered hill and is one of the richest sources of greenery on the island. It is located approximately in the center of Syros and 4.5 km from Ermoupolis. It is therefore the closest holiday village to the capital. Near the diocese are the ruins of the building that once served as the residence of the Catholic bishop. This 15th century building also gave its name to the colony. It was the first favorite seaside resort of wealthy Syrian merchants after the creation of Ermoupolis in 1830, which in the 19th century built impressive and imposing villas with lush gardens. The road to the village passes through the Sklipi hill, where the estate and villa “Aurofiliton” of doctor Ioannis Fustanos (former Fthiatrio) is located. Abandonment prevails today and most villas are in ruins.
FABRICa
Fabrica beach takes its name from the ceramic factory that operated in the area. It is a quiet beach 9 km from Ermoupolis on the south side of the island with a few umbrellas, ideal for those looking for absolute calm and relaxation during their vacation.
Poseidonia
Formerly known as Delagratsia by the Catholic Church Madonna de la Grazia, it eventually prevailed as ancient Poseidonia, dedicated to the god Poseidon, as the aristocratic resort of Syros. Even in the village dominate the country villas with turrets and gardens that transport visitors to the glamor of another era.
PAGOS
The village’s history dates back to 2800 BC, while great examples from the Roman period are on display. The ice community was founded at the beginning of the 20th century. Pagos is considered a purely rural settlement (like all settlements in the interior of the island), with fertile land, tree crops and vineyards. The Dutch agronomist Paul Cooper arrived on the ice in 1963, after the intervention of the Catholic Church, in order to breathe new life into agricultural production which had been frozen until then. With its help, greenhouse cultivation was developed in the region, which then gradually spread to the rest of Syros. In the center of the settlement today there is a marble statue in honor of the agronomist.
FINIKAS
Finikas beach is a beautiful beach in the west of Syros, just after Poseidonia. It is a favorite destination due to its infrastructure, such as parasols that protect bathers from the sun, an organized marina for sailing and fish taverns right by the sea.
Megas Gialos
The village has a large beach and a few smaller ones. There are hotels and restaurants in the area, while a large number of holiday homes have been built. Next to the beach is the church of Agios Antonios, while across the bay is the ancient chapel of Agia Thekla. At the top of the hill above the settlement there is another chapel, that of Agios Ioannis Prodromos
Achladi
Achladi is located 8 km from Ermoupolis and is an ideal choice for families with young children, travelers who love swimming and those who want to relax on a beach that offers all the comforts. Between Vari and Mega Gialos lies the picturesque village of Acladi, which takes its name from the shape created by the houses in the village.
Visit the villages of Syros
AZOLIMNOS
It is a developing tourist settlement which includes a beach with tamarisk trees and the nearest seaside village in Ermoupolis. Thus, it is preferred by many -especially during the summer months- due to its short distance from the capital. It has several rooms for rent, hotels, taverns, cafes and a private 5×5 football field. Three Catholic churches have been built in the village: Agios Joseph, Agios Frangiskos and the Church of the Ascension, where the feast of the Holy Trinity takes place every year.
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Santorinioi
Santorinioi beach is located in the south of Syros between Azolimnos and Vari, just 6-7 km from Ermoupolis and is an ideal choice for travelers who want to swim in the crystal clear waters away from tourist crowds. You can reach the beach by following the small alley on the left side of the Vari road.
AMPELA
For those of you looking for something quieter and more romantic just 12 km from Ermoupolis, you can walk down to a wonderful beach with shady tamarisk trees.
Voulgari Beach
Voulgari beach is a beach between Poseidonia and Finikas, ideal for those who like to play in the sea. The rocks and stones along the coast, but also in the sea are suitable for diving, while the tamarisk trees allow bathers to enjoy a picnic out of the sun.
Kokkina Beach
Kokkina Beach is a secluded beach protected from the winds 1.5 km from Finikas Beach. It is a messy and narrow beach with sand, red pebbles and tamarisk trees which provide shade for bathers.
ARMEOS BEACH
Small quiet beach in a very narrow opening between the rocks, very close to Galissas beach. The beach is also called Agia Pakou, from the homonymous church located on the hill. It is accessible by a path that starts from Galissas, while it is not at all improbable that you will come across nudists there. It has pebble sand and a few trees.
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Apano Meria
delfini beach
Delfini is a cove in the western part of the island of Syros. It is located very close (about 1 km) north of Kini, while it is 11 km from Ermoupolis. Access to the estate is from Kini either on foot via a coastal path or by road following the signs. In addition, a boat that runs regularly in summer from Kini to the pristine beaches of the northwestern regions of the island, stops at Delfini Bay. During the summer months, the area is home to vacationers with chalets, while the beach has a cafeteria and a tavern. Opposite is a small rocky islet, which bears the same name as the bay.
VARVAROUSAS BEACH
This beach is deserted and is about 4 km from Ermoupolis. Access is either by boat (during the summer months several sailboats stop here, while there is a regular boat route from Kini village) or by hiking from nearby areas. The small bayside building was built in 1981 by architect Iosif Stefanou (NTUA Emeritus Professor) over an existing stone structure, and is owned by him and his wife, architect-urban planner Ioulia Stefanou.
AETOS BEACH
To the north of Varvarousa beach and south of the area known as Ano Meria, in the northwest of Syros, is the calm and secluded beach of Aetos. The Aetos can be reached either by sea (with one of the boats that, during the summer months, connect Kini to the inaccessible beaches in the northwest) or on foot. Those who dare to hike should know that Aetos can be reached either from Varvarousa (at a distance of about 1 km) or from Ano Syros (about 5.5 km on foot).
MEGA LAKKOS
Megas Lakkos is an unpaved beach located in the northwestern part of the island of Syros. The beach is not accessible by car and has no infrastructure. Access is either by sea (boats run regular services from the village of Kini to the pristine northwestern beaches during the summer months) or by footpaths from the northern regions of the island. Nearby and with the same access routes, are the Grammata, Gria Spilia, Marmari (north) and Lia (south) beaches.
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MARMARI BEACH
Marmari is a secluded sandy beach located in the northwestern part of the island of Syros. The beach is not accessible by car and has no infrastructure. Access is either by sea (boats run regularly from the village of Kini to the pristine northwestern beaches during the summer months) or by footpaths from the northern regions of the island. Nearby and with the same access routes are the Grammata, Gria Spilia (west), Megas Lakkos and Lia (south) beaches.
GRIA SPHLIA
Gria sphlia is a beautiful beach surrounded by lush vegetation, a landscape inspired and created by American economist John Pearson in his quest to beautify this arid part of the island. The beach is accessible either by boat from Kini or on foot following the path from the Kampos estate and offers itself for hours of true carelessness.
PAPOURI
Papouri is a small village located on the northern side of the island of Syros and within walking distance from Myttaka. In recent years, a small number of residents have settled in the area, who are mainly engaged in agricultural work.
SAN MICHAEL
Ai Michalis is one of the few settlements in Apano Meria of Syros, the northern part of the island. It has only 11 permanent residents, all of whom settled there in the last decade, as the colony was long deserted. The few inhabitants of Ai Michalis are mainly engaged in agriculture and animal husbandry, while cows whose milk produces the famous cheese of Syros are also bred here. The settlement takes its name from the homonymous church of Saint-Michel which is located there. Today, in the picturesque streets and traditional houses of Ai Michalis, visitors can find a few taverns and cafes to enjoy traditional, home-cooked meals.
ΜΥΤΤΑΚΑΣ
Myttakas is one of the small villages located in Apano Meria of Syros, that is, in the sparsely populated northern part of the island. Myttakas is permanently inhabited by about twenty people, who maintain the beauty of the traditional village. If you are passing through here, it is worth trying the local cuisine offered by the few traditional taverns.