Syros

Syros is visited mainly by Greek tourists; as foreign tourist, you are clearly in the minority and you almost feel like a sight. The treatment from the islanders are friendly and welcoming, you are treated more as a person than as a tourist. Maybe it's because Syros is not as dependent on tourists as they are on, for example, Mykonos and Santorini.

A visit to Syros is a visit to Greece, unlike the above mentioned islands where tourism dominates the everyday life. On Syros the signs are in Greek, the old men are sitting on the kafenións and babbling, here the Greeks live their everyday lives, here they play Greek music, there are lively discussions in the alleys and there are only Greek newspapers. Not to mention the Greek cuisine that is found on Syros at its best. Here you have a unique opportunity to browse among authentic Greek home cooking.

GETTING HERE
Easy as falling of a log: go by air to Athens and continue by ferry from Rafina or Piraeus. The easiest is to go from Rafina, which is a much quieter place than the chaotic port in Piraeus. Buses to Rafina and Piraeus leaves outside the arrival terminal at the airport.

Ermoupolis.

Kini.

GETTING AROUND
Syros is a small island and you have time to see the whole island in one day if you like. You can go by bus around the whole island. The roads are in good condition and it is a pleasure to discover the island by car or moped. Car and moped rental companies are to be found in all major tourist resorts.

VILLAGES
Almost the entire population on Syros lives in the capital Ermoupolis, in addition to that there are some small villages, and a couple of nice tourist resorts. Ermoupolis is the capital in the Cyclades and its administrative centre. Although it is a large city to be on a small Greek island, Ermoupolis never feels noisy. No, more likely, Ermoupolis is an ordinary Greek village, it is just larger than normal. Many have experienced despair at the first sight of Ermoupolis; when the ferry sails into the port you get intimidated of the large shipyard with rusty boats. But do not worry, after a few days on the island you do not even think about the shipyard. Anyway, Ermoupolis is a wonderful city with marble streets, beautiful houses and great squares. The very pleasant and lively waterfront is lined with tavernas, cafes and bars. Above Ermoupolis lies the old district Ano Syros, beautifully situated on one of the two hills.

Delfini beach.

Galissas (see picture on top of the page) is a nice little village with a family friendly beach in a beautiful bay on the east of Syros. The beach, which consists of light fine sand, is shallow and suitable for children and is shaped like a half moon and surrounded by shady tamarisk trees. Sun beds, umbrellas and pedal boats can be hired. To the left of the beach, there is a stone pier planted with palm trees. Picture of the beach is at the top.

Kini north of Galissas is one of the most pleasant villages on Syros. Here is a pleasantly quiet, the traffic is low and it is close to everything. Here are car and moped rental companies, four five tavernas, one popular music bar, a few mini-markets and several good pensions. A pretty nice little beach is located in the middle of the village. There are sun beds and umbrellas for rent and the tavernas are located right at the beachfront.

BEACHES
There are many nice beaches; most of them are shallow and ideal for families with children, unfortunately do not many people know that. If that were the case, I think more families would go here. The beaches are not so exploited and there is usually plenty of room.

It's hard to pick a favourite beach on Syros. But I think I choose Delfini beach, near Kini. The beach is long and lies in a beautiful bay. In the far corner, you can swim from the rocks and here is the only taverna. Another favourite is Agathopes north of Komiti beach. Megas Gialos is not so bad either. Other beaches are: Azolimnos, Vari, Achladi, Abela, Finikas, Kokina and Lotos. As you notice there are a few beaches to choose from. :-)

SIGHTS
Putting aside Ermoupolis and Ano Syros, there are few other things that you must see before leaving the island, and it is quite liberating.

ACCOMMODATION
Since Syros first of all is visited by Greeks, there are few letters of rooms that meet up in the port. The ones who still stand in the port usually offer rooms in Ermoupolis. Would you like to stay in a village outside Ermoupolis it is easiest to take a taxi. Distances are short and taxi fares are low on Syros. You can choose to stay in several villages: Ermoupolis, Finikas, Galissas, Kini and Megas Gialos. Choose Ermoupolis if you want to live in a pulsating Greek city, choose one of the others if you want to be close to beaches.

Agathopes beach.

MORE ABOUT SYROS
Geographical location »
Map of Syros »
Ferry timetable »

OTHER LINKS
Tinos - nearest island »
Weather in Greece »

PICTURESFROMGREECE.COM
Kini »
Ermoupolis »
Ano Syros »

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