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Sweet dreams are made of this; deep blue sea and beaches with golden sand, the royal splendor of the vibrant neoclassical wonder of Hermoupolis, the distinctive Cycladic minimalism and medieval charm of the whitewashed houses in Ano Syros glimmering in bright light, the quintessential rocky landscape and some of the most elegant villages with sumptuous villas surrounded by groomed gardens. Syros has been crowned as the capital of the Cyclades island complex for more reasons than one.
Syros is an island where history is lost in the mists of time, blending with myths and legends. Revealing one layer after another, the trail takes us back to the 3rd millennium BC, the prehistoric period of the Early Bronze Age and era of the world renowned enigmatic Cycladic marble figurines. Over the millennia, the island evolved, thrived and survived the influence of many. The Greek War of Independence against the Ottoman Empire marks one major turning point in the history of Syros. Hermoupolis was born in the early 1820s within the blaze of the Revolution as refugees from Chios, Smyrna, Psara, Asia Minor, Constantinople, Crete and other locations found safety there. The newcomers created their town rapidly transforming it into a major international trading and transit centre connecting the east to the west; a powerful industrial and shipping hub exercising a commanding economic and social influence. The rise of the bourgeoisie and flourishing arts crowned Hermoupolis as the vibrant core of the Neo-Hellenic Enlightenment. At the turn of the 19th century, Piraeus dethroned the port of Syros as the leading one of the country. A new era began focused on manufacturing, textiles industry and ship building. Today, Syros is the administrative centre of Cyclades and Hermoupolis is the capital with vigorous urban life all year round. With a vibrant local economy, the island has never been passionately tourist-oriented preserving its authenticity.
Once you are on Syros, sightseeing becomes a much larger part of your “sun and fun” plan. Maybe it’s the sweeping beauty of Hermoupolis, the postcard-perfect Cycladic scenery of Ano Syros, or the excitement of being surrounded by so much culture and history, but there’s something about Syros that captures your soul. It could be the exquisite food, or the courteous locals, or the pleasure of simply enjoying the nonchalant lifestyle, but everything about this island makes it hard to resist its charms.
Hermoupolis celebrates its magnificent past with grandiose mansions, stunning marble piazzas with palm trees, impressive public buildings and exquisite town planning. The capital, fittingly named "Town of Hermes'' after the Greek god of trade, reflects the wealth, the courtesy of origin and the influences of Romantic Neoclassicism. Stroll around to feel its magnetism or enjoy your swim at Asteria, the popular urban beach with the neoclassical mansions looming over the sea. Climb up the hill to Ano Syros, the Cycladic citadel of the later Byzantine era where narrow cobbled streets mesh into a labyrinth of picturesque small houses built close together in circular order with a radial street plan and covered passageways.
Tour around the southern part of Syros with seaside resorts and a variety of beaches. Make a stop at Episkopio, the 19th century's resort with imposing mansions, Posidonia with the prestigious Agathopes beach and grand manors of the past embellished with towers or at Chroussa, the village with quaint chapels and pine trees, majestic mansions and estates.
Spend your day at the popular long beach of Kini; family-friendly with shallow waters, the sandy beach is organized and ideal for the children to play and run around. The abundance of cafés, restaurants and tavernas is always a plus.
Megas Gialos, Vari and Azolimnos are also easily accessible beaches, ideal for relaxing and swimming or splashing around with the kids and dotted with cafés and tavernas. Have a laid-back day with a side order of watersports at the most popular beaches of Galissas and Finikas where you will need more than a moment to choose from a variety of restaurants, tavernas and cafés.
Time to take a break from the crowds? You can have your pick among beautiful beaches such as Komito, Ambela, Achladi, Delfini, Lotos and Kokkina.
Plan your time by the sea with at least one visit to the secluded beaches of Syros. Climb aboard a small boat in Kini for a whistle stop tour of the northern unspoiled beaches of Aetos, Lia, Marmari, Gria Spilia and Grammata, where the vibe is unlike anywhere else on the island.
Drive north to the place 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.
Syros is a culinary destination where delectable gastronomic Cycladic flavours are brought about by local ingredients. So, when you are in the island, start with the stars; Loukoumi, the iconic trademark of Syros, the celebrated cheese San Michali, Louza (special dry cured ham), fennel sausages, sun-dried tomatoes, caper and the amazing thyme honey.
Food is a reflection of the people who eat it, so α restaurant tour is a great way to experience the culture of the island. We suggest starting from our neighboring multi-award-winning allou yialou where their masterful cuisine, focused on seafood and supreme fresh fish dishes, competes with the exceptional scenery. Savour the menu-ode to local produce with an innovative twist of the multi-award-winning Iliovasilema at the beautiful beach of Galissas. Or revel in the fine dining of quiet elegance at Avant Garden or the chill-out ambience of the enchanting garden at MAZI restaurant, both in the heart of Hermoupolis. If you are looking for a high-end dining experience at a glamorous venue by the sea, ONO at the prestigious Agathopes beach is the perfect place to see and be seen.
