Anticipate the famous postcard-level vista of whitewashed houses huddled together on a slope overlooking the big blue expanses of the Aegean Sea?
Although that would have been enough, there is so much more. As the ship approaches the port, Syros reveals two hills; resplendent pastel-hued neoclassical mansions cascade down the Hermoupolis hill oozing the town's unique brand of cosmopolitan flair, while on the hill of Ano Syros the trademark maze of small homes wind around the top dripping with Cycladic charm.
Shaped by thousands of years of history and culture, from prehistoric and ancient to modern times, the sophisticated landscape of Syros offers many surprises. 1822 was a major turning point for the island; the Greek War of Independence from the Ottoman occupation was in full swing and Syros, being neutral and under French protection, attracted waves of refugees from other islands and areas in Asia Manor who were persecuted by the Ottomans and needed a safe place. Among them a high concentration of ship owners, entrepreneurs and merchants who founded Hermoupolis and turned it in less than a few decades into the industrial and mercantile heart of the eastern Mediterranean, the first and dominant shipping and international trade center of the newly founded state of Greece.
Vast fortunes were made and the affluent citizens of Hermoupolis, fittingly named after the ancient Greek god of trade Hermes, commissioned the most renowned architects of Europe to build a town in glorification of artistic and architectural beauty. Inspired by values of Neoclassicism like the grandeur of scale and dramatic use of columns and combining them with features of imagination and emotion that characterized Romanticism, the outcome is a miracle of romantic neoclassicism in the heart of the Aegean Sea.
As conveyed by the abundance of historic buildings which transport you to another era, when wandering it's hard to escape the unprecedented, for its time, cultural magnificence the cultivated citizens provided their city with. Start with the crown jewel of the island; the Town Hall of Hermoupolis. A glorious style combination of Classical Greece and Western Romanticism, the island's most iconic landmark is a 19th-century architectural masterpiece that celebrates the rich heritage of the capital of Syros. Designed by the influential architect Ernst Ziller to convey the message of power and wealth, the neoclassical of palatial proportions dominates the Miaouli Square, one of the most remarkable 19th-century piazzas of Greece. A prime spot that attracts locals and tourists, the square is flanked by other neoclassical beauties like the former Club Hellas and nowadays home of the Cultural Center where the Cycladic Art Replicas Exhibition and the Municipal Library are hosted, or the Ladopoulos mansion that now houses the Historical Archive of the Cyclades.
Before you relax in one of the cafés dotted around, visit the Archaeological Museum of Hermoupolis and the 1864's Municipal Theater of Apollo that was designed by Pietro Sampô who drew inspiration from 4 Italian standards including the La Scala in Milan. Stroll through the much prestigious and most aristocratic quarter Vaporia where neoclassical palazzos hover over the sea as if they are about to sail, explaining the name Vaporia (Ships). Swim at their urban beach Asteria with that spectacular backdrop.
Spend time absorbing the town's unique character while traversing through marble-paved streets, squares and narrow alleys infused with culture and aesthetics and flanked by majestic dwellings of another era. Peek inside small trendy boutiques and elegant shops, notice its architectural landmarks, pause in one of the numerous cafés, brunch spots, quaint tavernas and chic restaurants where the food scene is incredible. Visit the 1870’s monumental cathedral of magnificent Byzantine architecture that is dedicated to the patron saint of Hermoupolis, Saint Nicholas.
Notice more architectural landmarks, like the identified as a work of art Velissaropoulos Mansion now headquarters of the Cyclades Workers and Employees Union, the monumental buildings of Customs Office and the Transit Warehouses, the Town Clock, the historical High School of Syros and first high school of the Greek Nation, the Christian Orthodox Church of the Assumption of Virgin Mary with El Greco’s masterpiece The Dormition of the Virgin, the former lead shot factory that now houses the Industrial Museum of Hermoupolis, the Merchant Marine Academy by the seaside where you can hang out and gaze at the 1891’s lighthouse which is the tallest in Greece and the first with a revolving machine in the Aegean Sea. Climb up cobblestone alleys and numerous marble steps through charming neighborhoods to reach the Orthodox Church of the Resurrection on the top for amazing views.
Follow stone steps, or drive up the road, straight to Ano Syros. Perched on the neighbouring hill of Hermoupolis, the Cycladic fortified settlement of the later Byzantine era was built high above the Aegean Sea to ward off pirate attacks. A maze of winding whitewashed narrow stairs and alleys with humble quaint houses snuggled up to each other with vibrant-painted shutters and tiny terraces decorated with bright bougainvilleas. One of the most well-preserved settlements in the Cyclades complex, Ano Syros seems committed to maintaining its character.
You can only navigate the labyrinth of cobbled alleys and winding arched passageways by foot. So, roam streets - and steps - with tiny shops selling local artisan creations, minuscule cafés and cocktail bars, restaurants and family-run tavernas to reach the top where the 17-th century Capuchin Monastery and the Catholic Church of Saint George stand overlooking Hermoupolis, the port, the neighboring islands and the endless blue of the Aegean. Aside from awe-inspiring panoramas, must-see attractions are the Historical Archive of Ano Syros, the Exhibition of Traditional Professions, the spring of the Orthodox Church of Saint Athanasios and the house dedicated to Markos Vamvakaris who was one of the most influential Greek rebetiko musicians.
One of the most charming and unexpected drawcards of Syros is villages like Episkopeio. Nestled on a green hillside only 4.5km from Hermoupolis, the village is a serene sanctuary that used to welcome the most illustrious families of Hermoupolis in the late 1900s to spend their summer. Find the atmospheric village of Chroussa where imposing mansions of Hermoupolis’ mighty entrepreneurs dating back to the early 20th century and lush gardens mingle with picturesque chapels and churches.
Be sure to follow the popular advice that will lead you to the seaside Poseidonia, where the elite of the glorious past built grand manors of unique architecture embellished with fairytale-like towers and surrounded by beautiful gardens with pine and palm trees for their summer retreat. There, the prestigious Agathopes beach will feed the need to lounge in luxurious daybeds and umbrellas, be waited on hand and foot and to check out the modern cafes, restaurants and tavernas. Or visit the neghbouring Komito where the crowd is laid-back and the beach is semi-organized.
The southern part of Syros has seaside resorts and a variety of beaches. Have fun in the sea, go stand up paddle boarding, or scuba diving or swimming at the seaside resort of Finikas with its sprawling sandy beach and yacht marina. Lined up with tavernas, restaurants and cafés right by the water Finikas features all comforts. If you are looking to enjoy quality beach days on less frequented stretches of sand or pebbles, the low-profile Ambela, Achladi, Delfini, Lotos and Kokkina are all good choices. Have a laid-back day with a side order of water sports at the most popular beach of Galissas where you can join the beach volleyball games on the sand and will need more than a moment to choose from a variety of restaurants, tavernas and cafés. Sandy and family-friendly beaches like Megas Gialos, Vari and Azolimnos are easily accessible with shallow waters, ideal for relaxing and swimming or splashing around with the kids and with charming places where you can eat or have a drink. One of the most visited beaches on the western Syros, the long, organized and family-friendly beach of Kini with shallow waters and dotted with cafés, restaurants and tavernas is an “observatory” of beautiful sunsets by the sea. From there, you can board one of the small boats and sail to remote, peaceful and secluded beaches like Aetos, Lia, Varvaroussa, Marmari, Gria Spilia and Grammata.
Drive north through winding mountain roads to a rugged landscape, where mythology met history and created one of the most ancient civilizations in the world, to the prehistoric sites of Chalandriani and Kastri, both of major importance.
Much like food brings people together, Syros' cuisine is a delightful amalgamation of several influences. So, when in Syros you are invited to embark on a culinary sojourn that will tantalize your taste buds. Our curated list of suggestions feature the most iconic delicacies of Syros with the famous loukoumi and chalvadopita on the top, the celebrated caper and fennel-spiced sausages, the chefs’ “must have” PDO San Michalis cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, the amazing thyme honey, fig pasteliers and the delectable louza.
