Syros Island is a hidden gem among the Cyclades Islands in Greece, in the Aegean Sea, offering a variety of attractions and activities for visitors to enjoy. It is the largest in population among the Cyclades and its capital, Ermoupoli (named after God Hermes), is also the capital of Cyclades. Hermoupoli was a very important commercial and industrial center in the 19th century, in the newly established Greek State, with a remarkable shipping center.

Syros has a rich history, with archaeological evidence suggesting that it was first inhabited in the prehistoric times (4000 BC) and later in the Cycladic period (3000 BC). Since then, it has also been inhabited by Romans, Arabs, Ottoman Turks, Franks and Venetians. During the War for Greek Independence, refugees from Chios, Psara and Asia Minor escaped the destruction of their towns, came to Syros and built Hermoupolis, bringing with them their culture, know-how and great food!

The old quarter of Hermoupolis, Ano Syros (upper town- Epano Chora), is a community of narrow winding streets, mostly steps, small shops, tavernas, cafes and has a completely different feel from the city below. It was founded in the 13th century by Venetians on the site of a Classical town and It had been the main town on the island before the building of Ermoupoli in the early 19th Century. It’s where a Catholic community mainly resides. Ano Syros’ appealing mediaeval atmosphere is viewed in its whitewashed houses and its narrow serpent alleys and stairs that lead to lovely neighbourhoods. The view from the hilltop is mindblowing and only 2km from Ermoupoli, therefore the walk up is definitely worth the climb.

Syros has a unique combination of culture, entertainment and religion that are evident throughout the island. It is known for its neoclassical architecture, old mansions, marble and cobblestone streets, and numerous churches, both Orthodox and Catholic. Syros hosts many festivals such as the Syros Tango Festival, the Festival of the Aegean, International Classical Music Festival of Cyclades, ANIMASYROS-International Animation Festival, Ermoupoleia Cultural Festival, Stray Art Festival, Syros International Film Festival, Akropoditi DanceFest, Eye’s Walk Digital Art Festival, Rembetiko Festival Markos Vamvakaris, Syros Jazz Festival etc.

There are also some religious feasts and festivals as such as the festival of Agios Petros on June 29th at the village of Kini, the festival of Agios Ioannis on August 29th at the village of Poseidonia, and the festival of Agios Panteleimonas on July 27th in Finikas. Easter is also honorarily celebrated in Syros and attracts many visitors. Of course, 15th of August (Dekapentavgoustos) is a national holiday full of non-stop celebration with unique traditions. It is an unrivaled experience with devout atmosphere combined with Orthodox and Catholic coexistence that should not be missed.

There are many attractions to explore on Syros, including the the Apollon Theatre, The Ermoupolis Townhall, the Archaeological Museum, Ermoupolis Industrial Museum, the Vamvakaris Museum, Ano Syros, Vaporia Quarter, Villa Tsiropina. There are also many worth visiting churches and chapels as the Capuchin Monastery, Church of The Assumption of Virgin Mary, Saint Pakou, Agios Stefanos. For the lovers of beaches and astonishing landscapes there are the limestone rock mountainous terrain of Apano Meria, Kastri and the surrounding area of Chalandriani, Gria Cave, Ano Meria, and the beaches Galissas, Megas Gialos, Kini, Poseidonia, Agathopes, Delfini, Vari, Ampela, Agios Nikolaos – Asteria, Azolimnos, Achladi etc.

The best way to get to Syros is by taking a direct high-speed ferry from Piraeus, the port of Athens. This journey takes approximately 2,5 hours and runs daily. There are also other ferries from Piraeus that one can choose which are more affordable and take more time to the destination. Alternatively, you can take a ferry from Rafina, the smaller port of Athens, which stops at other Cycladic islands such as Mykonos, Naxos, and Tinos before arriving at Syros. There are also daily flights from Athens to Syros that take 35 minutes. Taxis are available at both ends of the flight. Additionally, great trips can be taken from Syros to nearby islands such as Tinos, Mykonos, Ios, Santorini and more.