Syros is located in the very core of the Cyclades, 83 nautical miles off the Port of Piraeus and 62 nautical miles off the Port of Rafina. It has an overall surface of 84,069 square kilometers. The ferry ride to Syros lasts no longer than 4 hours and less than 3 hours by the modern, faster ferries. Syros is surrounded by the islands of Andros, Tinos, Mykonos, Naxos, and Paros to the east, by the islands of Sifnos, Serifos, Kythnos, and Kea to the west, and by the island of Gyaros to the north. Gazing out on that island cluster from the top of the hill of Ano Syros makes you understand instantly why Syros grew to be the administrative, commercial, intellectual, and cultural hub of the Cyclades.
Syros has a population of approximately 20 thousand Greek Orthodox as well as Catholic people. Hermoupolis, its capital city, is known as “The Lady of the Aegean Sea”. Built amphitheatrically on the hills embracing its port, Hermoupolis will instantly take your breath away with its imposing architectural gems: in all likelihood, it is the only classic city left in Greece. Its architecture bears witness to the island’s history and, starting in ancient times, continues to the present. It masterfully combines the old with the new, the classical with the modern.
Syros has a population of approximately 20 thousand Greek Orthodox as well as Catholic people. Hermoupolis, its capital city, is known as “The Lady of the Aegean Sea”. Built amphitheatrically on the hills embracing its port, Hermoupolis will instantly take your breath away with its imposing architectural gems: in all likelihood, it is the only classic city left in Greece. Hermoupolis was born and created within the blaze of the greek revolution in 1821 by refugees to save their lives from the Turkish massacre. Its architecture bears witness to the island’s history and, starting in ancient times, continues to the present. It masterfully combines the old with the new, the classical with the modern.
The Apollon Theater is a building of great historic significance, directly linked to the history of the island and its culture. Ever since the establishment of Hermoupolis, it became apparent that the city needed a theater that could host a variety of events and house theater troupes visiting the island. The initiative to construct the theater belonged to Michalis Salvagos.
The City Hall of Hermoupolis on Miaouli Square is the city’s crown jewel and it’s no coincidence that it has been listed as a “masterpiece” by ministerial decree. This magnificent building has three floors on the side overlooking the square and two floors in the rear due to the ground’s incline. It was built in 1876 under the supervision of architect Ernst Ziller and its design draws architecturally on three different styles: Tuscan, Ionic, and Corinthian.
The building’s outstanding features include a princely staircase 15.5 meters high; two wings with five vertical window axes right and left, overhangs, towers, a marble pediment, portraits of former Syros mayors, and more.
The quarantine hospital (Lazaretto) is an abandoned stone building complex at the port’s southern part, in the area of Lazaretta. Built in 1834, on Weiler’s design, the Lazaretto was initially used as a quarantine space for visitors to the island in order to protect the native population from outbreaks of cholera and other infectious diseases. From the late 19th century and up until the early postwar years, Lazaretto first served as a prison and then as an asylum for the mentally ill.
It’s one of the island’s top choices for swimming forays thanks to the area’s majestic landscape. More of a base and meeting point than a beach in the conventional sense, Asteria’s landmark is its stone-built platform which, gazing out onto the wide blue yonder, invites you to dive straight into the waters. Behind you, on the shore, let your gaze sweep over the beachfront buildings (old sea captains’ mansions) which seem to have managed to perch themselves on the cliffs so that they can get a better view of the open sea. Among those buildings, there is no way you won’t single out the lovely church of Aghios Nikolaos of the Rich (Saint Nicholas of the Rich).
Golden sand and shallow, crystal-clear waters: two of the beach’s most attractive features become even more inviting to visitors who will find that Agkathopes is easily accessible, has the amenities to take care of every comfort, and provides plenty of food and drink options. What is more, there are a number of rooms to let around the beach. No wonder, it is considered one of the best beaches of Syros.You can reach the beach quite easily by driving in your own car or by taking the local bus service (KTEL).
This beach has it all: loungers, sun umbrellas, lots of food & drink alternatives, and all sorts of accommodations. That’s exactly why it is a popular holiday destination for families, groups of friends, or those looking for a straightforward food-tasting experience in one of its classic taverns. For those seeking alternative locations, Vari is close to several other beaches as well.
The beach of Vari is 8km south of Hermoupolis and 1km away from the titular village. Visitors can choose between driving there and taking the local bus.
Kini, is a quaint fishing village in Syros’ western part, just 9km away from Hermoupolis. Its sandy stretch has been awarded a Blue Flag status, proof of crystal clear waters and a beach with full amenities. Take your pick of beachfront taverns, restaurants, and cafés where you can enjoy Kini’s one-of-a-kind sunset while sipping on your coffee or ouzo.A hundred meters off the beach, visitors to the area have the rare opportunity to browse around a museum unique throughout the Cyclades, the “Museum of Fishing Vessels, Tools, Aquatic organisms and Shells”.
Finikas has a fabulous sprawling, sandy stretch with inviting crystal-clear waters. It has ample free parking space, its seawater sports promise great fun, and its scenic beachfront offers heavenly relaxation and carefree strolls. It is particularly recommended for children as its sports facilities, basketball court, and playgrounds make it a fun and safe home away from home.It is worth noting that, with the exception of the port of Hermoupolis, Finikas is Syros’ only natural harbor. Tourism in the area has been on the up and up in recent years, thanks to the area’s ideal location and the seamless tourism infrastructure and services offered by the village’s businesses catering to visitors.
