The 11 things to do in Syros

Visit Syros: what to do and see when you go to this real Cyclades gem?

Syros is a tourist destination in no other way. This relatively little-known Greek island still houses the capital of the archipelago Cyclades : Ermoúpoli (Ermoupolis), the city of Hermes. Today, visiting Syros returns to discover a fabulous natural territory.

Beautiful sandy beaches border the Aegean Sea, which in the summer oscillates between deep blue and turquoise. Cities and villages with Venetian and Neoclassical architecture typical of the Cyclades are home to an exceptional historical heritage. Secular archaeological sites and beautiful possibilities of maritime walk are to seduce travellers.

Are you wondering what to do in Syros, an authentic island with a strong character? We recommend the best activities on site: follow the guide.

1. The beaches

What to do in Syros when you don’t want to do anything about it? Well, like everyone: go to one of the splendid beaches on the island. Start with that of Galissas which enjoys a deep blue water and a calm olympian.

Close by, the Crique d’Arméos by which you can access by taking an impressive path along the coastline. Useful precision: this is taken from naturists. You can also take a look at Agathopes, a few kilometers from the village of Poseidonia. The water is crystalline, shallow and has all the necessary amenities and restaurants.

Then, located near the seaside resort of the same name, you have the beach of Kini and its fine sand. Let’s finish by Lotos beach, one of the most preserved and welcoming the followers of the mask and tuba couple. Protected naturally from the wind, it is a true haven of peace!

2. Place Miaouli in Ermoupolis

Miaouli Square is the historical heart of the island and one of the must-see places to visit in Syros. Here we come to contemplate majestic historic buildings such as the city hotel inspired by the Palais de Troie.

A statue, representing Andreas Miaoulis, an admiral of the war of independence, sits on the square. He gave him his name! Beautiful drawings retrace scenes of Greek mythology. More than a place said, it is a space for exchange and meetings.

Place Miaouli welcomes musical shows throughout the summer and, to avoid spoiling anything, picturesque cafés and mult restaurants succulent. Let yourself be tempted by stuffed vines, a pita coating tzatziki or moussaka miam!

3. Underwater diving

It is important to know that Syros Island has three diving schools. These are essential to safely access the back of the decor. Syros, it’s pretty spots off that attract many scuba diving enthusiasts. The local underwater landscapes are punctuated with wrecks, reefs and caves. The fish nest there when they do not seek to eat in the fields of amphitheatre dating from Antiquity...

Dives are usually easy and descend rarely below 20 meters . A small family adventure to make in Syros that changes the ordinary completely!

4. Ermoupolis Industrial Museum

Visiting the island of Syros is the only island in the Cyclades with an industrial heritage. The museum is located at the entrance of the city of Ermoupolis in four factories of the nineteenth century. We can learn about the techniques used in history and the impressive diversity of know-how on the island.

Shipbuilding, mechanical, textile, leather work: the space presents beautiful collections to visit in one small hour . Machines, tools, but also 3D exhibitions and video archives are presented to you.

One can even, among the museum pieces, note the presence of the first electric car made in Greece. This cultural event will appeal to everyone: go for a tour!

5. Cyclades Gallery

The Cyclades Gallery is one of the most visited cultural sites in Syros. It is located south of Ermoupolis city in warehouses of the north port pier. Built in the 1830s, they were used to unload the cargo of the ships.

Moreover, these impressive buildings are probably the first ones you will see if you arrive on Syros by the sea. The site of the Cyclades gallery is managed with great success by the Municipal Cultural Centre. There are temporary art exhibitions and concerts and shows at the theatre.

Do you enjoy contemporary art or want to enjoy a cool break before leaving at the beach? You know what you have to do...

6. Archaeological Museum

The archaeological museum of Syros is housed in the town hall of Ermoupolis. Its building is by itself impressive and deserves the detour. The museum brings together varied and exciting exhibitions on the history of the Cyclades Archipelago. Various paintings, sculptures and artifacts retrace the rich history of the region.

The Greek mythology is never far from here and inscribes historical facts. From the beginnings of Antiquity to the influence of Byzantines, you will be from the top of this museum contemplated by forty centuries of history. Imperial as a way out to Syros, right?

7. The festivals

You will have understood: Syros is a tourist and cultural destination. Take the festivals, many, which take place in the summer! The Syros Culture offers visitors concerts, shows, plays and artistic performances of all kinds. It is the best known of them. Easter festivities, shared by Orthodox and Catholics, are illuminated with fairy lights and offer the streets a mystical atmosphere.

Then, in the city of Ano Syros (near Ermoupolis) the great carnival of the island takes place. A favourite, it presents folk dances, customs and gastronomic specialties prepared for the occasion. Finally, on Monday of the Cendres (Koulouma), celebrated throughout the country, turns into a kite festival in the village of Galissas. They rise by hundreds in the Azur sky: splendid!

8. Kini Aquarium

Kini Aquarium? This is one of the most popular attractions for adults or their children. This exit will offer them the opportunity to admire beautiful marine species from the Aegean Sea. Traditional boats and fishing equipment are exposed there.

You can also admire shells, corals and many others in less than an hour. Playful and educational, this enriching getaway to Syros is focused on raising awareness of the environment. Want to know more? Go ahead: it’s open every day from 11am to 7pm except Tuesday !

9. Boat trip

Who would resist the crystalline blue of the Aegean Sea? Sailboat or catamaran, with or without skipper, discover Syros other than from the farmland and let yourself be tempted by a boat ride around the island!

10. Visit the nearby islands

The Cyclades archipelago is a real splendour whether on land or on the sea. Interconnected by a dense network of ferries, accessible via the ports of the Wrapped and Rafina , it is easy to get there or to move there.

You want to organize an unforgettable odyssey? Go to other islands like that of Ios , Santorini , Kimolos , Naxos , Anafi , Mykonos , Amorgos ... A cruise on the island of Delos , uninhabited but which constitutes an important archaeological and historical site, is a must. Fast boats provide fast connections to move in no time, hair to winds.

11. Places of worship to visit

Saint-Georges Cathedral of Áno Sýros

Syros is distinguished from the rest of Greece, a majority Orthodox country, by its high proportion of Catholics. Saint-Georges Cathedral, located in the city of Ano Syros, is a famous place of worship. Built at the top of a hill around 1200, destroyed by the Ottomans four centuries later, it was finally rebuilt in 1834.

Today it includes a church, a beautiful bell tower, a baptistery and an episcopal palace. Its seemingly modern appearance does not prevent it from slaughtering treasures of times like the icon of Saint Georges and the Mother of God. This three- nave basilica with marble columns and marble paved is an immanquable when visiting Syros.

The church of Agios Nikolaos

The church of Agios Nikolaos is a splendid example of Byzantine architectural inspiration. It is located near Miaouli Square and was built between 1848 and 1870 in honour of Saint-Nicolas, patron saint of Ermoupolis.

Its complex and colossal structure and its sumptuous interior will be admired. This real temple built on two floors features a bell tower, a staircase and marble propys. Ionic columns and finely carved elements admirably complete this refined space.

The church of Agios Stefanos

Here, it is a matter of almost freezing. It is explained: built in the rock, Agios Stefanos, a pretty picturesque chapel located around Galissas, is only accessible by a trail. To access it, one solution: hike in the middle of the rocks, fifteen minutes from the main beach.

The trail is quite accessible and does not require special precautions. For the little story, Agios Stefanos was built by a miraculously saved fisherman from the tentacles of a octopus after calling the saint with the help of his prayers. It is located in 15 minutes the main beach to which it is connected by a small path.

The chapel is also accessible by boat and it is possible to attend processions in honour of Agios Stefanos on 19 August and 26 December.

How do I get to Syros?

By plane

To visit Syros several solutions are available to you. Getting there by plane is possible, the island with a small airport. It should be noted that daily flights from the Eleftherios Venizélos International Airport in Athens are in place. You will only need half an hour to reach Syros.

Our advice? Don't take your head and take advantage of it Ulysses A smart flight comparison. It will allow you to get there by finding you a flight at the best price.

By boat

Syros, the capital of the Cyclades, is also accessible by boat from many ports: Le Pirée, (four hours per ferry, two by express boat), Rafina (account one hour thirty) and other islands of the Cyclades. Naxos pan-hose, Paros , Kéa and Lávrio, Santorini, Ios, Serifos ... List not exhaustive! The archipelago Dodecanese or the city of Kavala are also easily reachable.

Where to stay in Syros?

To visit Syros in any relax we advise you to make Ermoupolis your QG. The city of Hermès, with its beautiful alleys with multicolored facades, is an invitation to it-seule. We are far from the immaculate habitats of Santorini!

The pedestrian streets around Miaouli Square are home to various hotels. All budgets have their account! To help you, go to this Compare hotels to search for the room of your dreams.

Ermoupolis, built on a hill, offers apartments for rent on Airbnb for example: ideal to feel at home.

Ano Syros, a small typical village facing Ermoupolis, is an interesting alternative: you only get on foot, the alleys are too narrow. Here neither restaurants nor bars nor hotels but authentic homes: total immersion in perspective.