Welcome to Syros Island : Complete Travel Guide
The Greek Islands have fascinated travelers for millennia. We find Roman writings of the rich and famous heading to Greece for the beach vibes, spectacular vistas, and laidback air of sophisticated relaxation. Modern travelers see them as a haven of beauty, tranquility, and adventure. It’s off-the-beaten track and unmarred by the ravages of mass tourism. While there’s worthy destinations at every turn in Greece, Syros captivates visitors over and over again. What makes this island such a noteworthy hidden gem? Let’s take a closer look.
Soak in Syros Island Culture
Syros offers the discerning traveler something a little different from the standard-issue ‘sugar cube’ Greek village redolent in whitewashed lanes. At one time the island was occupied by the Venetians, and it has an intriguing Orthodox/Catholic split heritage you rarely find in the Greek Islands.
Twist your way through romantic back alleys and admire gorgeous churches. Find little touches of hidden Italian heritage as you pick through the marbled piazzas of Ermoupoli, and admire the villa-inspired mansions. There’s even a mini replica of La Scala, today the anchor points to a year-round frenzy of culture.
Everything from dance, film, jazz, and classical music to animation, film, digital art, and a unique form of the blues rendered through a Greek lens (rembetiko) can be found here. Sip cocktails in the crowd at rembetiko joints in Ano Syra, and experience a unique side of Greek culture few even know exists.
Boat-building legacy
Once in the mists of time, Syros was Greece’s center of ship-building. While the boatyard at Neirio still celebrates this legacy, for the interested adventurer the manor houses at Poseidonia and Vaporia will prove a massive drawcard for exploration.
This isn’t the only way to enjoy the fascinating history of Syros. Halandriani offers an archaeological site dating to the Early Cycladic period, showing how embedded marine culture has always been in the area. There’s also the Cycladic Art Museum, where even the neoclassical mansion that houses it is worth enjoying. Some of the objects here date back to the 3rd millennium BC, so you’re in for a treat. The archaeological museum and the Town Hall are both worth the visit, too.
Celebrate seaside life
You will sometimes hear it said that Syros lacks in beach culture, and to an extent it’s true. Yet the wild north brings us Aetos, Varvarousa, and Delfini, so if you must soak in some sun on your adventures don’t despair. Yet there’s something even more spectacular to enjoy in Syros, and that’s the true spirit of the sea.
Sample ultra-fresh seafood in quaint seaside tavernas. Rockfish soups and sea-urchin salads vie with traditional samphire at Galissas Beach. Ambela boasts fresh fish by the dozen. The breathtakingly pretty village of Kini brings you lobster at its peak. Ermoupoli offers outstanding culinary experiences, from the Italian-Greek pasta blends and succulent salads to custom ice creams, Turkish delight, and fig sorbets. In fact, Syros is a haven of delicious desserts. Feast in a vine-draped courtyard rich in color from the bougainvilleas, and pack some delicatessen-worthy cheeses in your bag for home. It’s a feast like nothing else, so come hungry and ready to enjoy.
Getting to Syros
Syros is also counted as the capital of the Cycladic Cluster, so there’s plenty of convenient ways to get here. If you want to fly, connect from Athens no matter what time of the year you travel. You can also catch summer seasonal flights from Thessaloniki, too. You’ll touch down at the airport, which lies just a few kilometers from the center of Ermoupolis. Do note that the airport has no bus service, so you might need to grab a rental or taxi. It’s a 30min flight from Athens.
Greek ferries are a popular and convenient way to get around, and make for a very chill and relaxed holiday vibe. Again you can reach Syros from Athens, via the main port at Piraeus or from Lavrio. It’s connected to most of the Greek Islands, however.
Is Syros Kid-friendly?
While this stunning island is perfect for romantic couples and digital nomads, it also has a lot to do with children. The aquarium at Kini is always worth the visit, especially as it has some shipwreck artifacts on display too. The beaches are kid-friendly, and the fascinating architecture of Ermoupolis is sure to enchant them. There’s horseback riding and pony trails to enjoy, and the boat rides are sure to delight.
Syros is one of our favorite Greek Locations. It’s enough off the beaten track to avoid the summer crowds and preserve the magic of exploration, but has true luxury to offer through charming boutique hotels and amenities. The romance of the towns is something a little different from the ‘typical’ Greek experience, and the people are charming and friendly. There’s plenty to do, over a wide range of tastes, and the food is an experience everyone should try at least once in their lives.
In short, if you’re looking for a Greek adventure with a difference, there’s no place more beautiful than Syros. Be sure to add it to your travel bucket list today.
