Top Things To Do: Cosmopolitan And Neoclassical Syros Island, Greece

1. Ermoupolis Town: the seigniorial capital of the island

The Town of Ermoupolis is definitely the heart of the island, not only because it is the port and the capital, but also because this is where you will find some of the most impressive buildings. The gem of the area is undoubtedly the Town Hall, designed by Ernst Ziller.

Located at the most central square of the town, Miaouli Square, you will pass in front of it, admiring its beauty among flowers and palm trees. Just around the corner, there is another architectural gem, the famous Apollo Theater that is a miniature of Milan’s famous opera house Teatro alla Scala.

Apart from its historic and cultural importance, Ermoupolis Town is the best place to stay in order to enjoy the island’s nightlife. Built on a slope, while walking up and down the many stairs of the town, you will see impressive mansions and small alleys with colorful little houses. Explore the central market located on Chiou Street and don’t forget to buy the famous chalvadopita (a special type of nougat with almonds and wafers) of Syros along with some loukoumia (Turkish delights).

2. Admire the majestic views at Ano Syros

A visit to Ano Syros district (literal meaning Uphill Syros) is a must. It is built by the Venetians on the hill of Agios Georgios (Saint George) in the northwest part of Ermoupolis.

Ano Syros still retains all its charming medieval atmosphere. Narrow streets with whitewashed houses and colorful doors compose a picturesque image and traditional taverns and stunning harbor views will compensate for the long and tiring walk uphill.

Visit the house of Markos Vamvakaris, one of the greatest Greek folk musicians, which is a famous attraction of the area and do not forget to visit to the most noble area of Posidonia, a district where former aristocrats used to live. On the top of the hill stands the Catholic Church of Saint George, built in the Middle Ages. The magnificent view of the sea is unique, giving visitors the opportunity to see the neighboring islands of Tinos, Delos, Paros and Naxos.

For a coffee break in the area, visit the coffee shop Feggari and Maison Meze. If you want to have a taste of the local cuisine then Lilis Taverna, where Markos Vamvakaris used to play music, is a must.

3. Vaporia district: beauty by the Aegean sea

Located in the eastern part of Syros, only a 10 minute walk from Ermoupolis Town, Vaporia district is built by the sea, with wonderful houses that seem like ships hanging over the rocks. The houses in Vaporia are mainly impressive mansions with high ceilings, frescoes, marble balconies, wooden floors and carved wooden doors.

Being the prestigious district of the island, the richest people of Syros used to live here during the 19th century. The area is dominated by the imposing church of St. Nicholas with its characteristic blue dome.

You can swim at the small beach called Asteria and have a cold refreshment at the bar above it. In the one and only tavern of the area, the famous “Sta Vaporia” you will enjoy local cuisine admiring the coastline of Ermoupolis Town in front of your eyes.

4. Dive into the beautiful beaches of the island

Syros has wonderful beaches with crystal clear waters. The closest to Ermoupolis Town is Asteria Beach in the Vaporia district that is only a 15 minute walk and very popular among youngsters. Other beaches are Galissas, Kini and Agathopes all a 15 minute drive from Ermoupolis Town in the eastern part of the island. They are all organised beaches with bars and umbrellas.

It is better to rent a car in order explore them as bus schedules can sometimes be confusing and buses are really crowded during high season. If you are a nature lover or prefer unorganised beaches without crowds, then take a small boat from Kini that reaches the inaccessible beaches in the northern part of the island, like Barbarossa, Aetos, Lia and Grammata.

5. Exceptional local gastronomy

On Syros Island, food is very delicious and cheap. You will taste fresh fish like on all the Greek islands, but also the traditional louza (a typical Cycladic sausage) the traditional cheese called kopanisti, sun dried tomatoes, the typical pasteli-stuffed figs, the delicious loukoumia (Turkish delights), and the special sweet nougat of the island chalvadopita. Made by meringue, almonds and wafers this special sweet of Syros will make you addicted! You can also find it with chocolate nougat.

For fresh fish, visit the region Kini where many taverns are located by the seaside. In Ermoupolis Town visit the bar-restaurant Elia located inside a renovated mansion with a great atmosphere (4 Chiou Street) to taste traditional gastronomy. At Prekas grocery store located at Chiou Street in Ermoupolis Town, you will find all kinds of traditional delicacies to take back home.

6. How to get there

You can get to Syros Island directly by boat from Piraeus Port. A one way ticket per person costs between 19 - 31 EUR (21.49 - 37.34 USD) depending on the duration, the type of the boat and the seating allocation. Discounts apply to elders over 65 years old and students. You can also get to Syros by plane. There are daily flights from Athens International Airport operated by Aegean Airlines. Syros Airport is located just 3 km (1.86 mi) from Ermoupolis Town.