Towns & Villages

1. Ermoupoli

Ermoupolis is the largest settlement and capital of Syros, located on the east side of the island and is known for its shipyard and its important port. It used to be an industrial, shipping and cultural center of Greece, while now it is a picturesque resort. Εrmoupolis has an excellent tourist infrastructure and offers a wide variety of facilities for accommodation, dining, entertainment and relaxation with a breadth of accommodation options, cafes, restaurants and bars as well as plenty of sports facilities and cultural venues. The Syros Culture festival constitutes one of the island’s main cultural institutions and a benchmark for its guests. It is a festival held each year during the summer giving an even more impressive cultural extension to the island.

The neoclassical buildings of Ermoypoli are the monuments that make it special. The center is Miaoulis Square, where is the City Hall, designed by Ernst Ziller, inspired by the palaces of Troy. The theater Apollon, miniature of Scala in Milan, the Archaeological Museum of Syros, Syros Industrial Museum, Library, the mansions in the upscale Vaporia and many others, that must be visited.

Vaporia district is located in the northern part of the port of Syros, east of Ermoupolis. The mansions of the captain's houses are built on the edge of the rocks by the sea. The way they were built makes them look like ships, which led to the name Vaporia. This district was created by wealthy refugees from Chios, Psara, Kasos and Crete, who came to Syros after the destruction of their homeland during the Revolution of 1821. During the 19th century it was the most aristocratic district of the city where the richest people of Ermoupolis lived, shipowners and industrialists. The houses of the area belong to three generations, while from the first generation that reaches until about 1840, very few survive to this day. The mansions of Vaporia have high ceilings, decorated with frescoes, marble balconies, wooden floors and wood-carved doors. At the entrance of the district is the church of Agios Nikolaos, their patron saint, with two bell towers and a blue dome. In the district, however, there are some of the most expensive and luxurious hotels on the island. Between the rocky shores of the Vaporia district, small beaches are formed for swimming in the urban environment of the island. One such beach is Asteria, which has a diving platform and there is still a ladder in the water for swimmers.

A separate position on the sightseeing of Ermoypolis has the churches, Orthodox and Catholic. The Church of the Resurrection on the hilltop, Agios Georgios and the Cathedral, just some of them.

Today the city is the administrative nucleus of all the Cyclades and the South Aegean Region, bringing together all the public services, the courts, the Department of Design Engineering University of the Aegean and the Shipyard. Also is the main port of the island connected daily with the ports of Piraeus, Rafina, the Cyclades and the North Aegean Sea. The island’s airport is situated at a distance of 3 kilometers and offers direct flights to Athens.

History

Ermoypoli was created during the Greek Revolution of 1821. After the destruction of Chios, Samo , Psaron, Kasos and various cities of Asia Minor, the persecuted refugees found safe haven in the natural harbor of neutral and then under French protection of Syros. At this point there was nothing, and the main settlement was the hill of Ano Syros. The refugees then settle there, dealing with the business of the port and begin to build the new city. From their first creations is the Orthodox Church of the Transfiguration, in the courtyard of which in 1823, after a form of popular assembly was decided to name the new city: dedicated to the ancient god of commerce, Mercury and was named Ermoypoli.

Since then the growth is continuous: the port is the commercial center of New Greek State, and were made the first industries. Furthermore, in Syros shipyards had been built the most beautiful ships of the era, with unstoppable rhythm. In Ermoypoli, has been inaugurated the first branch of the National Bank in the mid of 19th century. The population was multiplied and in 1856 Ermoypolis was referred as the second city after Athens in population. In the first high school of the city, teaches the teacher of the Nation Neophytos NKJV, and later had graduated from here Eleftherios Venizelos. The heyday is maintained till the 20th century, as the change of economic balances with the transfer of the center in Athens but also changes Ermoypoli. The great famine of 1941-42 leaves behind thousands of dead and the city struggles to regroup after the war ended.

Protected Historical Monument - ΦΕΚ 709/Β/28-5-1976

2. Galissas Syros

Galissas is a seaside village, built in a natural harbor. It is located on the west side of the island of Syros around 7 km away from the capital, Ermoupolis. It is the first coastal village that was developed on the scope of tourism, on the island. The name is ancient Greek as evidenced by an ancient inscription that mentions a "Prianeus Syrian Galissios".

On the left side, is the quaint chapel of Saint Pakous and the remnants of the walled city that exists since the 6th century BC. Along with Ermoupolis, Galissas was the most important archaic as well as classical center of Syros. The tiny chapel of Saint Pakous stands on the top of hill from which you have an excellent view of the bay and the village. On the back side of the hill there is the nudist beach, Armeos. The small chapel of St. Stephan is a bit further away. According to tradition, it was built by a fisherman, called Stephanos, who survived after the attack of a huge octopus. After the incident, he built the chapel in honor of the Saint. On Sunday during the last week of August, a traditional festival is held there, gathering lots of people. The chapel can be reached either by boat or trail. It is also worth visiting the Catholic Church of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, built in 1892 and the small port with the picturesque stone pier and the palm trees.

Galissas is also famous for its beach, one of the most beautiful and well organized on the island. It is a tourist resort offered for relatively quiet vacations. In Galissas you can find restaurants, traditional taverns serving local delicacies, coffee shops, hotels and rooms to let. A little further north is the village of Kini.

3. Ano Syros

Ano Syros was founded in 1200 by the Venetians and continued to be inhabited throughout the course of history. Built amphitheatrically on the hill where the famous church of Agios Georgios (San Georges) is, it retains all its medieval charming atmosphere. Narrow streets, arches, and whitewashed houses with colorful doors make Ano Syros one of the most picturesque settlements on the island.At the top of the settlement is the Catholic Diocese of San George. In Ano Syros there is no central square and the meeting point is the main street "Piatsa". The ancient philosopher Ferekidis was born and lived here.

Ano Syros is the medieval settlement of Syros. It was built during later Byzantine era or early Frankokratia. It is a classical cycladic medieval settlement that is densely built with narrow roads, circular order and a radial street plan. The overall effect reminds a fortified citadel. Ano Syros is inhabited by Catholic Greeks. The reason for it is the long period of Frankokratia in Syros that started immediately after the fourth crusade. Frankokratia ended during 16th century but the Catholics of Syros came under France protection and the Catholic religion survived in the island. After founding of nearby Hermoupolis, Ano Syros ceased to be the administrative centre of Syros. Nevertheless, the settlement remained a religious centre since it is the seat of Roman Catholic Diocese of Syros and Milos.

The Museum of Markos Vamvakaris, the exhibition of traditional professions and tools, many churches and busts of well-known and historical personalities are some of the many that you will encounter in your wandering through the narrow alleys of Ano Syros. Ano Syros is approximately 3.5 km from the port of Ermoupolis. With your car you will reach some of the entrances of the settlement (Kamara or Epano Terma) and from there you will start the walk.

Protected Historical Monument - ΦΕΚ 709/Β/28-5-1976

4. Kini Syros

Kini is a seaside fishing village on the west coast of Syros Island, approximately 9 km away from the island’s port town and capital Ermoupolis. A small tourist resort with a lovely sandy beach and a pier where local fishermen moor their wooden boats. The village can be easily reached by road or bus from the capital Ermoupolis and the other villages on the island. Kini is best known for its beaches and delicious food, but it is also home to a few attractions that tourists can visit: the Agia Varvara Monastery is situated just outside the village, the Catholic Church of the Virgin Mary lies on the hillside and The Museum of Fishing Boats, Aquatic Organizations and Shells is near the southern end of Kini beach. However, one of the first things visitors will see when arriving at the Kini beach, is the bronze statue of Panagia Gorgona (Virgin Mary the Mermaid) made by the Greek sculptor Giorgos Xenoulis. A memorial dedicated to fishermen and others who lost their lives at sea.

Besides Kini beach which extends along most of the village seafront, there are two more good beaches – Lotos and Delphini. Lotos is 600 meters down the bay and Delfini is just 2 kilometers away. During the tourist season, boats make several return trips from the pier at Kini harbor to a half dozen beautiful coves and bays that are accessible only from the sea mainly on the north coast of the island. In Kini there are many choices for lodging, along with additional places to drink and dine. The village offers a low-key, laid-back ambiance along with its scenic location, marvelous sunset views, sandy beaches, interesting walks and excellent bars and restaurants. It is one of the most chill and relaxing places on the island, perfect if your goal is to rest and recharge in a peaceful and picturesque authentic Greek village.

Towns & Villages

1. Ermoupoli

2. Galissas Syros

3. Ano Syros

4. Kini Syros

TOP Settlements