Posted by Syros (area 84 km²) is the most populous island in the Cyclades with around 20,000 inhabitants. The bustling main town of Ermoupolis is the official capital of the Cyclades and the largest city in the archipelago. However, the big tourist business takes place on other, more southerly Cyclades islands. On Syros, people live mainly from agriculture and shipbuilding. Despite the high population density, Syros is suitable for a quiet hiking holiday. 50% of the population of Syros are Roman Catholic in Orthodox Greece.
Our opinion: Syros has a special charm with its mixture of Venetian architecture and Greek culture, which makes it unique. However, the island can seem a bit too urbanized and less idyllic in some parts, which means that the rural charm of some other Cyclades islands is lacking.
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Ermoupolis
The main town of Syros has the features of a big city in terms of architecture. When you see the classic, monumental buildings, you quickly get the impression that the island of Syros was much more important in history than it is today. Ermoupolis has one of the most important archaeological museums on the Greek islands. Most tourists are Greek, mainly from nearby Athens. There are very few foreign tourists. There is no shortage of private rooms starting at around €35 and hotels. The gigantic shipyard in Ermoupolis is the most important employer on Syros and the largest industrial plant in the Cyclades.
Along the harbour front are the cafes, taverns, shops and the larger hotels of Ermoupolis. Just 50 metres behind is the gigantic square Platia Miaoulis. The square with its light marble floor and gigantic town hall would actually fit much better in a big city with half a million inhabitants. Around the square are cafes, small shops and pedestrian zones.
Further away from the sea, the capital of Syros goes steeply uphill through narrow streets and stairs. Here you can enjoy the old town atmosphere that is typical of the entire Mediterranean. Greeks drive through the narrow streets on mopeds, and there is always time for a small coffee at the kafenion on the corner.
The upper part of the town on Syros is built on two hills, each with a large church on top. The upper part of Ano Syros is particularly quiet and Greek. The town is large; it takes 30 minutes to reach the top on foot.
The name of the island is sometimes also written Siros or Syra. The shipyards on Syros are still a major employer. The largest shipyard, Neorion Shipyards, is by the sea in the main town, just about a kilometer south of the center. Today, however, fewer ships are built on Syros. Today, the maintenance and repair of ships is an important industry. The major crisis in Greece a few years ago also hit shipbuilding hard. Today, the vast majority of ships are imported.
Syros can get quite busy at Easter. Many pilgrimage tourists stay overnight on Syros then. The main destination of the pilgrimage, however, is the nearby island of Tinos, where there are not enough hotels for the many people.
Villages on Syros
Kini: Small fishing village in the west of Syros with the best of the rather average beaches on the island. There are a few hotels and restaurants in Kini.
Galissas: Most foreign visitors to Syros can be found in the small, tourist-oriented town of Galissas in the west of the island. Several guesthouses and hotels, many restaurants and a small nightlife. There are good beaches in Galissas.
Finikas: Nice, quiet, small fishing village with little tourism in the south of Syros. Recommended for those seeking peace and quiet. Some cheap accommodation and taverns. The beach is OK.
Overnight stays on Syros
The Two Hearts campsite in Galissas in the west of the island of Syros is very friendly and well run. Unfortunately, this campsite no longer seems to exist or is closed (?) (as of 2019).
Recommended in Galissas when booking online is the guesthouse Peter and Tony Rooms. Beautiful double rooms with bathroom, balcony, fridge and much more cost less than 30 euros in May 2017, for example. There are also single rooms and triple rooms. The rooms with a sea view cost a little more. The location is good, centrally located in the small town of Galissas just 100 meters from the beach. There is a small supermarket and some good taverns near the Guesthouse Peter and Tony. Bookable at Booking.com
When you arrive in Syros by ferry, many locals wait at the harbor and loudly offer rooms. Usually there is an older lady among them who works for the Hotel Esperance and some private rooms (both just 50 meters from the harbor). I really liked my simple private room (single room) for 30 euros a few years ago, with bathroom, TV and much more. In the Pension Esperance you can find upper middle class rooms for around 50 to 60 euros. Bookable at Booking.com
Like everywhere in Greece, it is now better and cheaper to book accommodation in advance online on Syros. On Booking.com you can find almost 200 hotels and guesthouses on the island of Syros.
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Map of the island of Siros (Cyclades, Greece) with surroundings
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The main town of Ermoupoli is in the east of the island. The small tourist town of Galissas is opposite in the west. The north is sparsely populated. Important neighboring islands are Mykonos, Tinos and Kithnos. The island of Giaros (Gyaros) north of Siros is uninhabited. |
The well-known sweets
Every child in Greece knows them. There are two different sweets that make Syros famous throughout the country: Halvadopita and Loukoumia.
Halvadopita is delicious. It is 2 wafers filled like a sandwich with a kind of white sweet foam containing honey, nougat and almonds. It is often in a white paper packaging. A small Halvadapita can be bought for as little as 50 cents.
Loukoumia are very sweet, soft candies made from a kind of jelly in various, very bright colors in an equally bright packaging. There are usually about 10-12 in a pack – costs from 1 to 4 euros. Loukoumia seems to suit Greek tastes more than Central European ones.
Both are offered almost everywhere on Syros. Around the port of Siros, at least 20 shops sell just these two items (in dozens of variations). They are made by many confectioners on Syros at different prices and in different qualities. Be careful: the prices for the same package vary considerably from shop to shop on the Syros harbor promenade.
Ferries to Syros
Since Syros has a lot of inhabitants and the island lies between Athens and the most touristically important Cyclades, the connections are excellent. In summer there are at least 2 ferries a day to Athens, as well as to Paros, Naxos, Ios and the island Santorini, and at least once a day to Tinos and Mykonos.
Buses on Syros
Almost all villages are served every hour from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. in the season. Syros has one of the best bus networks on the Cyclades islands due to its high population. The fare is around two euros one way on most routes.
In the low season the buses do not run quite as frequently. The following bus timetable applies to weekdays in the low season (as of a few years ago). The timetable has changed little in recent years.
Syros bus timetable
Line 1: Syros port – Galissas – Finikas – Possidonia – Vari – Syros port (circular route in the south of the island of Syros)
6:30, 7:30, 12:30, 13, 14:20, 15:10, 16, 18:10, 21 o’clock
Line 2: like line 1 but the other way round:
7:45, 10:30, 11:30, 13:30, 16:30, 17:30, 18:30. 19:30
Line 3: Syros port to Kini:
9:30, 12, 14:20, 16:30, 19:30 (return journey 20 – 30 minutes later)
Other smaller lines to other villages with fewer departures daily.
This timetable is valid from Monday to Friday. On Saturday afternoons and Sundays there are slightly fewer buses on Syros than stated above. There are also fewer in winter.
Syros Island TOP 10 (Sights, Attractions)
1. Ermoupoli
The island’s capital and vibrant port city, Ermoupoli is famous for its impressive neoclassical architecture, bustling squares and imposing landmarks such as the Apollo Theater (a mini version of La Scala). Don’t miss Miaouli Square and the Vaporia district with its magnificent mansions.
2. Ano Syros
A picturesque medieval settlement perched on a hill above Ermoupoli. Stroll through the narrow streets, admire the traditional whitewashed houses, visit the Catholic Cathedral of Saint George and enjoy panoramic views of the island.
One of the most popular beaches on the island, Galissas Syros boasts golden sands and calm, shallow waters. It is ideal for families and offers opportunities for water sports, sunbathing and beachside dining.
4. Agathopes Beach
Known for its crystal clear waters and sandy beach, Agathopes Beach is another popular spot for swimming and sunbathing. There are tavernas in the area where you can enjoy traditional Greek dishes.
5. Poseidonia (Dellagracia)
This area is known for its old summer villas and elegant mansions that reflect the island’s aristocratic past. It has a tranquil atmosphere with beautiful gardens and scenic walking paths.
6. Apollo Theater
Modeled after La Scala in Milan, this 19th-century theater is a must-see. It hosts cultural events, performances and the International Festival of the Aegean every summer.
7. Saint Nicholas Church
A large Greek Orthodox church in Ermoupoli with impressive architecture and beautiful interiors. It is one of the most important churches on the island and offers stunning views of the sea.
8. Archaeological Museum of Syros
One of the oldest and best museums in Greece, it houses artifacts from the island’s long history, including items from the prehistoric Cycladic civilization. It is housed in the Town Hall, another architectural marvel.
9. Kini Beach
A quiet, relaxed beach known for its sunset views. The nearby village of Kini offers seafood tavernas and charming accommodation.
10. Local Festivals and Events
Syros hosts various festivals, especially in summer. Highlights include the Syros International Film Festival and the Syros Jazz Festival, as well as traditional Greek music and cultural events in Ano Syros.
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