SYROS ISLAND, CYCLADES, GREECE

 SYROS ISLAND HOTELS

Rocky Syros or Syra is the commercial administrative and cultural centre of Cyclades. Archeological digs have revealed finds of the Cycladic civilization datind from 2800 to 2300 B.C. The inhabitants converted to Catholicism under the French Capuchins in the Middle Ages.The 19th century saw Syros become a wealthy and powerful port in the eastern Mediterranean. Though Syros does not live off tourism, more visitors arrive each year attracted by Syros traditional charm.

The northern part of Syros is mountainous and the island stands out in general for the variety of the landscape in its hinterland, where hills alternate with low-lying farming areas. The coastline is indented with inlets of all sizes between capes. There are two large bays of Ermoupoli to the east and Finikas to the west.

Ermoupoli  is the queen of the cyclades, is the capital and mail harbor of Syros It is also without doubt the capital of  all the Cyclades. Ermoupoli stands on a naturally amphitheatrically site with neoclassical buildings, old mansions and white houses in the island style cascading down to the harbor. As the boat sails into Syros port of Ermoupolis, you will see the Catholic settlement of Ano Syros to the left, and the Orthodox settlement of Vrodado to the right, both set on hills.

The center of the town where Miaouli square stands ringed with cafes has grandeur its entire town. The square is dominated by the vast neoclassical town hall designed by the German architect Ernst Ziller.

The Quarter of the town, known as Vaporia where the sea captains lived is of special interest. Along its narrow streets stand neoclassical mansions.

In the center of the town is the Town Hall with the historical archives of the municipality of Ano Syros and the museum devoted to the popular composer Markos Vamvakaris , revered as one of the masters of  Greek music. Various folklore events take place in Ano Syros generally during the summer.

The southern and western parts of Syros are the most densely-inhabited. The best are also there including Galissas a fine large resort with a long sandy beach. The west coast resort of Galissas has one of the islands best beaches! A 900 m crescent of sand shaded by tamarisk trees. Armeos , a walk round the left of the bay is an official nudist beach.

South of Galissas there are more beaches. All have rooms and some have hotels. The first one is Finikias with a small, tree –lined beach, the next is Poseidonia .Poseidonia is appealing with a sand and pebble beach shaded by tamarisk trees. Further south Agathopes has a nice tree bordered sandy beach. On the south coast Megas Gialos is tranquil with two sand beaches. There are more good swimming beaches at Kimata, Aghios Nikolaos , Ermoupoli , Ambela , Delfini and Ahladi.

Syros is well supplied with tourist amenities and its natural beauties and interesting monuments make it an ideal holiday destination. The ease of availability of products and services give the island an advantage over its more isolated neighbors.

See our selection of Syros Hotels