Endearing little Syros merges conventional and fashionable Greece. One of many smallest islands of the Cyclades and comparatively rural exterior the capital, it however has the very best inhabitants because it’s the authorized and administrative heart of your entire archipelago. It’s additionally the ferry hub of the northern islands and residential to Ermoupoli, the grandest of all Cycladic cities, with an uncommon historical past.
Because the Cyclades’ capital, it pays much less heed to tourism, and its seashores by no means get as crowded as these of the neighboring islands. It buzzes with life year-round, has nice eateries and showcases the perfect of on a regular basis Greek life.
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If you wish to add Syros to your Greek islands itinerary, this is what it is advisable know.
When ought to I’m going to Syros?
Summer time on the island may be fairly scorching, however since Syros is not as closely touristed as another Cyclades locations, you may probably nonetheless discover a good spot on the seashore to unfold your towel, even throughout peak season. In comparison with different Cyclades islands, Syros tends to be much less crowded. Late spring and early autumn additionally supply nice climate, with gentle temperatures and sunny days, making it an gratifying time to discover the island.
One other wonderful time to go to is in the course of the low season. Many hospitality companies stay open, significantly within the vigorous predominant city of Ermoupoli. In contrast to locations like Mykonos or Santorini, companies right here aren’t as strictly seasonal, and the ferries function year-round since Syros serves as a significant ferry hub for the Cyclades. Temperatures can drop to as little as 12 levels (53F) in January and February, however the days will usually be vibrant right now of yr. If you happen to go to in late February, you possibly can participate within the vibrant celebrations for Apokries (Greek Carnival).
How a lot time ought to I spend in Syros?
You will want not less than an evening or two right here. Whereas many guests usually deal with it as a quick stopover of their Cyclades itinerary, Syros has sufficient to supply to warrant a bit extra time. Allocate at some point to discover Ermoupoli and maybe one other day to delve into the island’s historic websites and exquisite seashores.
Is it simple to get to and round Syros?
Syros has an airport, and Sky Specific flies from Athens to Syros Island Nationwide Airport in about 35 minutes. There is no such thing as a public transport, however taxis congregate round flight instances.
Because the island group’s capital, Syros theoretically has truthful to good year-round ferry hyperlinks with all of the Cyclades islands and to Piraeus (Athens) on the mainland. Excessive-season companies to Ermoupoli embrace Piraeus, Kythnos, Naxos, Mykonos and Tinos. Normally, frequencies and routes increase drastically in excessive season and may diminish to a few instances per week in winter. All the time examine forward (on a website like Openseas) and reserve a ticket in excessive season.
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Buses loop from Ermoupoli bus station beside the ferry quay, taking within the seashore cities of Galissas, Finikas, Posidonia, Megas Gialos, Vari and Azolimnos. The complete loop takes an hour, and buses run in each instructions (not less than three every day, rising to hourly within the peak season). Three to 5 buses additionally go to Kini, a few of which be a part of the primary island loop. There are additionally common minibusses to Ano Syros from the waterfront finish of El Vanizelou Avenue.
You may rent vehicles and scooters at companies resembling Vassilikos on the Ermoupoli waterfront. Keep away from driving in central Ermoupoli, as there are many stairs, pedestrian-only lanes and one-way streets.
High issues to do in Syros
Eat your approach by way of Ermoupoli
The capital’s streets and lots of pedestrian precincts are busy by day and likewise at evening when the air of objective provides approach to enjoyment. Strolling lanes shaded by canopies of bougainvillea and lined with markets, cafes, souvlaki stands, bars and extra is certainly one of Syros’ nice pleasures.
Working between the harbor and the sq., Chiou is lined with retailers promoting native meals merchandise, together with the island’s wonderful cheeses. Cease in for house-roasted espresso on the book-lined Nook Cafe. For sweets on the go, native legend Sykoutris Turkish Delights is an old-time maker of the Cycladic favourite. Django Gelato is solely excellent. The proprietor will advocate what’s on supply and produced from fruits in season (the fleetingly accessible recent fig is classy).
For dinner, you possibly can’t go unsuitable at Cantina Analogue, a high-ceilinged restaurant with a bohemian inside that gives inventive takes on taverna fare. In an upscale secluded Ermoupoli courtyard, you may discover Avant Backyard; a classy spot with a inventive Greek menu of locally-sourced meals.
See Renaissance artwork within the Church of the Dormition of the Virgin
After being badly bombed throughout WWII, it’s a surprise something survived on this stately 1820s Orthodox church – which made the invention, in 1983, of a signed icon painted by El Greco much more extraordinary. The work dates from the 1560s earlier than the artist left his native Crete to develop into a number one gentle of the Spanish Renaissance. It’s now proudly displayed within the porch of the Church of the Dormition of the Virgin, to the appropriate of the primary door.
Plan a seashore day
Outdoors Ermoupoli, Syros includes a collection of hills and valleys that fold right down to small bays and seashores, most of that are effectively served by buses. Kini, on the west coast, is a sandy seashore in a horseshoe bay with a small strip of bars and tavernas. As a result of its shallow waters, it’s common with households. Standard with French vacationers, Galissas has an interesting seashore, a smattering of white-and-blue-trim Cycladic buildings, some good tavernas and a cute little white church on the headland. On the opposite aspect of the church is Armeos, a fairly little pebbly nudist seashore.
Additional south, Finikas sits on a big bay with a marina at one finish and a slender strip of pebbles and sand. It’s extra constructed up than a lot of the others, with a considerably shabby really feel. Additional alongside the bay is Voulgari Seaside, close to the village of Posidonia. South of the headland is tiny however common Agathopes Seaside, with calm waters and a taverna. One other 10-minute stroll south brings you to Komito, a sheltered bay backed by olive groves.
The south-coast city of Megas Gialos has a few seashores onerous up in opposition to the primary highway. Attractive (and sheltered) Vari, additional east, is the higher wager with its sandy seashore, although the waterfront and tavernas get filled with households in excessive season.
Get pleasure from a sundowner in Plateia Miaouli
This nice sq. is maybe the best city area within the Cyclades. As soon as located instantly upon the seashore, right this moment it sits effectively inland and is dominated by the dignified neoclassical city corridor. Flanked by palm timber and lined alongside all sides with cafes and bars, the sq. and accompanying statue are named for Hydriot naval hero Andreas Miaoulis.
Take a look at the views from St George’s Cathedral
Proudly capping the medieval hilltop settlement of Ano Syros, this beautiful cathedral is the mom church of the Cyclades’ important Roman Catholic minority. Name in to admire the pastel-hued inside and star-fretted barrel roof and benefit from the view of the medieval city under.
Go to the distant village of San Michalis for nice meals and views
Don’t miss the drive alongside the mountainous backbone of Syros to the northern village of San Michalis, a small hamlet of stone homes and vineyards with spectacular views of unspoilt valleys and close by islands on both aspect. Stroll the rock path to St Michael’s Catholic Church. Then, cease for wonderful Syran meals and grand views at timber-framed Plakostroto. It serves the famend native cheese plus wood-fire-grilled meats.
How a lot cash do I want for Syros?
Because of the business actions on the island, there are many lodges and eating places, however the costs are decrease than on the extra touristically oriented islands.
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hostel room: €14 – €20 per dorm mattress per evening in excessive season
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fundamental lodge room for 2: €100 – €120 per evening in excessive season
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self-catering residence (together with Airbnb): €80 – €120 per evening in excessive season
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public transport ticket: €1.50 – €1.60 a method on bus (kids underneath 5 journey totally free)
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espresso: 50c for an espresso, €3.20 for a latte/cappuccino
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informal lunch: €3 – €5 for a gyros at a market
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dinner for 2: €30 – €50
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beer: €3
This text was tailored for digital from two of our Greek guidebooks. Our guidebook on Greece was written by Alexis Averbuck, Rebecca Corridor, Paula Hardy, Helen Iatrou, Vangelis Koronakis, Vesna Maric, Leonid Ragozin, Simon Richmond, Helena Smith, Sarah Souli and Ryan Ver Berkmoes. Our guidebook on the Greek Islands was written by Kate Armstrong, Stuart Butler, Peter Dragicevich, Trent Holden, Anna Kaminski, Kate Morgan, Isabella Noble, Leonid Ragozin, Kevin Raub, Simon Richmond, Andrea Schulte-Peevers and Greg Ward.
