Photo Tour: Syros Island

I found Syros island to be quite unique in comparison to its sister Cycladic isles. I was most impressed by its history which has contributed to its outright elegance today.  Here’s my photo tour and some facts about this beautiful island.

Ermoupoli: The City of Hermes

Ermoupoli is the capital of Syros.  In Greek, it means the city of Hermes.  Greek history buffs will be the first to point out that the island had a wonderful heyday the 19th century as the first important trade and industrial center in Greece. It was the place to be and to be seen.

Who wouldn’t want to be seen on streets like these? The neoclassical architecture was impressive. So were the unexpected views of the island’s hills.

I walked along the port to take in beautiful views like this.

Here was the view I enjoyed from my hotel room at the Syrou Melathon, located in an area called the Vaporia district.

Miaouli Square

More of the island’s rich past can be seen in the main public gathering places including city hall, Miaouli Square and the Apollo Theatre. These sights were all within walking distance of each other, right behind the harbor in Ermoupoli.

Miaouli Square view towards the port, from the steps of city hall.

The Apollo Theater

The Apollo Theater, also known as La Piccola Scala, was constructed between 1862-1864. Many international festivals schedule performances here.

Throughout history the Roman Catholic and Greek Orthodox community has coexisted on the island pretty peacefully. (Greece is a Greek Orthodox state.)  In fact, Syros still has a sizable Roman Catholic community. Churches from both religions dotted the island landscape.

Ano Syros

The View in Ano Syros

Head up to Ano Syros, which means Upper Syros, to walk through the narrow streets of the old town.  St. George’s Cathedral is up there and so are some open spaces with breathtaking views of the island.

Greek Traditional Music Roots

Syros is significant in the traditional Greek music scene. The island was the home of Markos Vamvakaris, a very famous rembetika player. He wrote “Frankosyrianni” one of the most popular Greek songs. Here’s a peek at the old dining area of Lili’s Tavern in Ano Syros, a space that clearly pays homage to the island’s musical heritage.

Dining in Syros

Here’s a photo from the balcony of Lili’s Tavern overlooking Ermoupoli.  Lili’s is one of the oldest and most respected Greek taverns on the island with amazing food and well, you can see the view.

In fact, Syros has a really great foodie scene.  I reviewed many restaurants writing for the Fodor’s Greek Island travel book, and I loved the combination of great cuisine, atmosphere and hospitality.  Look at how scenic this outdoor dining street is in Ermoupoli!

I loved the Mediterranean dishes at Kouzina in Ermoupoli. Kouzina is the other side of the street above, on Androu Street.

The Best Beaches of Syros Island

So, let’s head to the beaches.  Like its sister Cyclades, you can find some beauties. Just take your pick. Some of the most popular are: Vari, Foinikas, Yalissas and Kíni, Possidonia and Dellagrazia.

Dining was also a pleasure beach side.  One of my favorite dining experience of all time in Greece? In Syros. At Allou Gialou. Don’t miss it!

My Favorite Photo from Syros Island

I’ll end with my favorite shot. It was “so Syros” to me. This was a colorful corner of Ermoupoli with lovely bougainvillea flowers and draped over the walls of such a lovely sunny marbled lane.  What I really loved about this shot? The cat snoozing in the shade.

For more on what to do in Ermoupoli, the captial of Syros check out my earlier post here.

Where to Stay
Syrou Melathron |Babagiotou 5, Vaporia district|22810 86495

Check out my review on this beautiful property here.

Where to Eat  (minimum pp main course & drink)
To Kastri | Parou 13 | 22810 83140 | 10 €
Kouzina | Androu 5 | 22810 89150 | 20 €
Lilis Taverna | Piatsa in Ano Syros |22810 88087 | 20 €

Allou Giallou | Kini Beach |2281 071196 | 25€   Check out my review dedicated to my dining experience here.

Nightlife
Mammo | Akti Petrou Ralli 38 |22810 76416

To Do List
Syros Industrial Museum | Georgiou Papandreou 11 | 22810 81243 |Wed-Mon 10-2, 6-9 | 2 Euro
Municipal Palace | Miaouli Square | 22810 86300
Archaeological Museum | Miaouli Square | 22860 88487  | Tues-Sun 9-3 | 5 Euro
Apollo Theater |small entrance fee | various hours

How to Get to Syros
Flights: Olympic Airways has one daily flight from Athens to Syros Airport

Ferry: Several ferry companies schedule regular runs including Blue Star Ferries, Nel Lines, and Hellenic Seaways. As the administrative center of the Cycladics there are an abundance of ferry routes connecting to and from all over Greece. www.opeanseas.gr

Getting Around
Rent a car or motorcycle. Also, there’s a bus that leaves regularly from Ermoupoli up to Ano Syros and the beaches. www.ktel-syrou.gr

Have you ever been to Syros island?