Syros
Eastern Europe and the Balkans · Greece
Did you know?
- Loukoumi and chalvadopita are traditional sweets sold in local shops.
- Ermoupoli serves as the Cyclades' administrative center.
- Agios Georgios Cathedral stands in a medieval district of passages and stairways.
See also
Mykonos
Greece37.44°N 25.33°E
Overview
Ermoupoli gives Syros a neoclassical cityscape and a role as an administrative center. Its architecture makes the island a rewarding stop for exploring Greek island urban life.
Languages: Greek
Why Go
Syros is known as the grand dame of the Cyclades, offering an authentic Greek island culture experience off the normal tourist track. Ermoupoli, the capital of the South Aegean region with 13,000 residents, features magnificent neoclassical architecture and serves as the Cyclades' centre of government. The majority of residents do not work in the tourist industry, providing visitors with genuine local interactions rather than tourist-focused commerce.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Getting In
Syros is accessed primarily by ferry. The main port serves connections to other Cyclades islands including Mykonos, Paros, Naxos, Ios, and Santorini. Ferries arrive regularly from Piraeus (Athens mainland). No airport is present on the island.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Getting Around
Ermoupoli is fairly walkable, but reaching other parts of the island requires the local bus (KTEL) service or taxi. A taxi from Ermoupoli to Finikas costs around €15, while the return journey costs €19 due to the taxi having to come from Ermoupoli. Taxis to Ano Syros cost around €6. The KTEL bus service is cheap, reliable, and punctual, with tickets purchased directly on the bus. Free town buses run between Ermoupoli and Ano Syros every two hours from 8:30am to 2pm, and hourly from 7:30pm to 10:30pm.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
When to Go
The article does not specify optimal travel seasons. As with most Greek islands, the best weather is typically from May to October, with July and August being peak season. Shoulder seasons (May-June, September-October) offer milder temperatures and fewer crowds.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Where to Stay
Accommodation options include Faros Resort in Azolimnos (a luxury hotel with private beach), Syros Atlantis Hotel in Ormos Varis (a small boutique hotel), and Syrou Melathron on Babagiotou Street in Ermoupoli (traditional-style accommodation). Prices are not specified in the article.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Food and Drink
Ermoupoli offers traditional tavernas and local specialties. Django Gelato (Emmanouil Roidi 10) serves excellent hand-made gelato with unique flavors like tonka bean. Ithaki tou Ai (Stefanou 1) provides traditional Greek tavern fare. In Galissas, Iliovasilema is a seafood tavern near the beach where you can try saganaki (fried San Michali cheese) and gouna (traditionally prepared fish). Finikas has Calmo Mare, an inexpensive option with generous portions where the small meat platter for two actually serves 3-4 people.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Things to Do
Walk the narrow back streets of Ermoupoli to discover the city's charm. Visit Ano Syros, the medieval district with winding passages and stairways, chapels and churches, and take in views from the ancient Catholic Cathedral of Agios Georgios. Hang out with locals at Plateia Miaouli, considered one of Greece's best public plazas. Walk to the Holy Church of the Resurrection of Christ for opulent interior and splendid views over Ermoupoli. Beach destinations include Kíni and Galissás.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Buy
Traditional products are widely available, including herbs, loukoumi (chewy sweets), and chalvadopita. Hiou street has many shops offering traditional products. At Prekas grocery store (4 Chiou Street), look for local San Michalis cheese with saffron. The Korres workshop (29 Chiou Street) sells halvado-pita (nougat), while Denaxas (52 Ethnikis Antistaseos Street) offers loukoumi.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Go Next
From Syros, continue by boat to other Cyclades islands: Mykonos (famous for nightlife), Paros (traditional charm), Naxos (largest island), Ios (beaches and nightlife), or Santorini (iconic caldera views).
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Field guide adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0. Text has been adapted and organized for this guide. About our sources.
Places to know
A few starting points from the guide. Check current hours and prices before you go.
- sleep
Faros Resort
Luxury hotel with private beach.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- sleep
Syros Atlantis Hotel
A small boutique hotel.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- sleep
Syrou Melathron
Traditional-style accommodation in Hermoupolis.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- eat
Calmo Mare
Inexpensive Greek food with generous portions; small meat platter serves 3-4.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- eat
Django Gelato Syros
Excellent hand-made gelato with unique flavors like tonka bean.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- eat
Iliovasilema
Seafood tavern near Galissas beach serving saganaki and gouna.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- eat
Ithaki tou Ai
Traditional tavern offering local Greek specialties.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- see
Ano Syros
This is the city's medieval district, with many winding passages and stairways, myriad chapels and churches, as well as the Cathedral of St George (see below). There are some tasteful tourist shops and tavernas with breathtaking views over the bay of Ermoupoli. Most of the places to eat only serve food in the evenings, after 7pm.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
Before you go
Connectivity
The article does not provide specific information about internet or mobile connectivity on Syros.
Culture
Syros maintains authentic Greek island culture as most residents do not work in tourism. The island has both Catholic and Orthodox religious traditions.
Food
Traditional tavernas offer local specialties including San Michali cheese dishes, fresh seafood, and regional sweets like loukoumi.
Money
Euro (€) is the local currency. Prices for taxis range €6-19 depending on destination.
Transport
Local buses (KTEL) are cheap and reliable, connecting Ermoupoli to beaches and villages. Taxis are available at Plateia Miaouli. Free buses run between Ermoupoli and Ano Syros.