Places to visit at Syros

Ermoupoli Syros

Ermoupoli is the best place to stay in Syros in all seasons. It is the largest settlement of Syros and the capital of the Cyclades. It is located on the eastern side of the island and there is the port that connects daily with Piraeus and the other islands. In the past, it was an industrial, shipping and cultural center of the country.

The architecture of the settlement exudes a romantic atmosphere, with elements from ancient Greece and the Western world. Picturesque alleys and neoclassical buildings coexist with historical monuments and Orthodox and Catholic churches, giving a unique character to the city.

Ermoupoli has many attractions worth seeing such as:

  • the Town Hall in Miaouli Square, designed by Ernestos Ziller and built between 1875-1891
  • the Apollo Theater, built between 1862-1864 by the Italian architect Pietro Sambo, with its architecture inspired by four Italian theaters
  • the Archaeological Museum, housed in the Town Hall and founded in 1834
  • the Industrial Museum of Ermoupolis
  • the Municipal Library

The closest beach is Asteria Beach, in the Vaporia district, which overlooks all the neoclassical buildings.

Ermoupolis has developed tourist infrastructure and facilities, with an excellent selection of accommodations, cafes, bars, restaurants, cafes and many cultural activities. Most of the nightlife is concentrated in Ermoupoli, so if you are a fan of nightlife, you had better stay there.

Ano Syros

Ano Syros is the medieval center of Syros, which dominates over Ermoupolis. The settlement dates back to 1200 when the Venetians founded it. It is built amphitheatrically on the rocks, creating a natural fortress for protection from pirates and raiders.

In Ano Syros, you will see some notable monuments and historical buildings, such as the Exhibition of Traditional Crafts, the Museum of Markos Vamvakaris, the Catholic Cathedral of San George, the Jesuit and Capuchin monasteries, the Virgin of Carmel, the spring of Agios Athanasios, etc.

In the settlement, you will find a multitude of restaurants and traditional taverns and some accommodations. It may be 3.5 km from Ermoupoli and not close to the sea, but it is a magical place to stay if you want to feel like you’ve been transported to another era. There is simply not as much accommodation available and they are more expensive.

Azolimnos Syros

Azolimnos is the ideal place to stay with children and family in Syros and the closest tourist resort to Ermoupoli. It is located southeast of the capital, just 5 kilometers away. It is a settlement that is constantly developing for tourism and attracts a large number of visitors in the summer months.

It is an excellent choice to stay if you are traveling with children, as you will have the sea at your feet and at the same time you will be very close to Ermoupoli.

In Azolimnos you will find taverns and cafes and everything else you will need during your stay there. The beach is organized with sunbeds and umbrellas and has clear blue waters. Along it, you will find cafes and taverns, which will satisfy your needs.

Villa Salty is located in Azolimnos Syros; just an 8-minute walk from Azolimnos Beach, Villa Salty provides beachfront accommodations with an outdoor swimming pool, a garden, a terrace and free Wi-Fi. This property offers a private pool and free private parking. Villa Salty also offers an uninterrupted view of the Aegean Sea and Hermoupolis and an amazing sunrise spot.

Vari Syros

Vari is an excellent settlement of Syros, close to many beaches a village 9 kilometers away from Ermoupoli. It is located at the southeastern end of the island and there is evidence of its existence from 4,000-3,000 BC. It is a popular tourist destination and has a good selection of accommodations and restaurants, cafes, taverns and the entire tourist infrastructure.

The beach of Vari is sandy and shallow waters, suitable for families with small children. There is also a beach volleyball court for those who love outdoor activities even on vacation. However, apart from the beach of Vari, near the village are also the quieter beaches of Fabrica, Achladi and Santorini.

Vari is one of the best tourist destinations, in the summer hosts various cultural, artistic, and sports activities.

The most important attractions of the village are the plain, the Pyrgotospito of Goulandris and the small church of Panagia, which has a panoramic view of the island and the Aegean.

Poseidonia Syros

A neoclassical area in Syros with many beaches nearby. You will have heard Poseidonia under its other name, Delagratsia, from the song of Fragosyriani by Vamvakaris. Poseidonia is located in the gulf of Phoenice, at the southern end of Syros and is 10 km from the capital of the island.

The name Delagracia comes from the Catholic Church Madonna De la Gracia (Our Lady of Grace) which is located next to the cemetery.

The settlement includes buildings of neoclassical architecture, with villas with towers and large gardens built in the 19th century, such as the Tsiropina mansion. The catholic church of Agios Petros and the orthodox church of Agios Ioannis dominate the hill. Other attractions are the Catholic Hierarchy and the Poseidonia Club.

In Poseidonia there are several beaches, such as Fetouri Beach and Komito Beach, which has golden sand, is organized with umbrellas and beach bars and are ideal if you are looking for peace and relaxation. The nearest beach is Voulgari, which is not organized but is ideal for families and windsurfing enthusiasts.