Syros Things to Do

Ermoupolis is the capital not only of Syros but of the whole Cyclades! Its unique character, which mainly derives from the majestic architecture, makes it different from the other islands of the group. A former trade center home to several rich people, like businessmen and captains, the noble and cosmopolitan atmosphere and neoclassical colorful mansions are why walking around the Town is the best thing to do in Syros!

The heart of Ermoupolis is Miaouli Square. Several cafes and shops are located there, while distinctive are its tall palm trees. The Town Hall of Ermoupolis is the most attention-drawing building, designed by the revered German architect Ernst Ziller. The Archaeological Museum of the island is housed inside it, too. A little further on, you can admire the Apollo Theater, another very impressive building inspired by La Scala in Milano.

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In contrast to Ermoupolis, the setting in Ano Syros can be described as an enchanting mix of Cycladic and Venetian elements. This former fortress village is full of narrow cobbled paths and whitewashed houses with colorful shutters and courtyards adorned by bougainvilleas, ideal for an evening stroll.

The Catholic Cathedral of Saint George that stands atop the hill has a magnificent interior and exterior design, while its location offers exceptional views over Ermoupolis and even nearby islands when the sky is clear.

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Looking for a place to stay in Syros? The island offers an abundance of excellent accommodations! Here are our recommendations:

• The luxurious Castro Hotel in the heart of Ermoupolis is ideal for guests who want to stay in a place with a convenient location that offers a plethora of amenities. Three restaurants, a fitness center, and a spa can all be found within this superb historical building.
• Aristide Hotel is a modern boutique hotel close to the port of Syros. All rooms have been carefully decorated with stylish pieces of art and provide guests with several amenities. A furnished terrace and a restaurant serving delicious dishes are part of the premises.
• Blue Harmony is a seaside hotel built next to the coast of Kini Beach. The hotel’s rooms are modern, and most of them offer unobstructed sea views. Shared facilities include a restaurant, a bar, and hotel-owned sunbeds on the beach, among others.
• The Good Life Villas in Poseidonia are fully equipped villas situated in a serene location. With a housing capacity of up to six guests and outdoor furnished areas, it is an ideal accommodation for families with children or other large groups of guests.

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Swimming in the transparent waters of the beaches is one of the best things to do in Syros (as well as any other Greek island)! Most of the beaches of Syros are located in the southern half of the island and are ideal for families, couples, and groups of friends. At the same time, there are many places for nudist lovers to enjoy a day at the beach.

The beaches that have the basic amenities and are close to cafes, restaurants, and mini markets are those of the tourist resorts. Galissas is the most famous beach on the island, with deckchairs, umbrellas, and water sports, even a ramp for access to the sea! Beaches with sunbeds and beach bars are also Agathopes, Delfini, and Kini. Secluded beaches are situated along the coastline of Syros, but especially in the northern part. There, individuals can switch off completely, enjoy moments of tranquility, and even skinny dip!

Explore the beaches

Having your own car in Syros is one of the best things to do if you want to explore the island!
Syros is not large, but we totally recommend renting a car if you are interested in visiting less-touristy spots, as buses mainly serve Ermoupolis and the coastal resorts. Also, it allows visitors to be more flexible with their holiday itinerary, both in terms of time and distance.
In cooperation with the best local car rental agencies, we offer the best prices and our service is rated .

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Whether you prefer to dine in an elevated location with a view of the island or in a restaurant right next to the sea so that you can gaze at the azure waters, Syros will not disappoint you. Visitors will find places to eat across the island, with Ermoupoli and Ano Syros offering all kinds of options, including fine dining, while the seaside villages are famous for their taverns serving fresh fish and seafood by the sea.

The yard of Avant Garden and the terrace of Aristide are among the most upscale options in Ermoupoli. For an exceptional view of the capital and the Aegean Sea, Hygge in Ano Syros is the perfect restaurant. Lastly, for a meal next to the beach, we suggest Allou Giallou in Kini and Giosifaki in Vari.

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Vaporia is the former aristocratic quarter of Ermoupolis that still emits a noble ambiance. The houses that seem to be rising from the waters and the impressive church of Agios Nikolaos with its characteristic blue dome will surely charm you.
Also, descending the quarter and going to the sea is the best thing to do before the end of your stroll, as the spot offers unparalleled views of the cerulean Aegean Sea!

Discover Vaporia

Open-air cinemas are a favorite summer habit for Greeks and a great experience for foreign visitors. Instead of watching a movie in a closed room with the lights off, the seats and screen are placed in an outdoor area (when the weather allows it) and viewers watch a movie under the starry night sky.

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In the alleys of Ermoupolis, it is usual to encounter men holding large baskets with the two most famous locally-produced sweets - loukoumi and halvadopita. Of course, you can purchase those in shops with local products. At the same time, thanks to the large number of sheep, cattle, and goats on the island, the locals produce a unique cheese only found in Syros called “San Michali”. The island’s delicacies are perfect souvenirs to gift to your loved ones and get them to … get a taste!

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Syros is both the capital of the Cyclades and an island intertwined with culture. The inhabitants' love for the arts has led to the establishment of many festivals that take place in Ermoupolis, especially during the summer months. Some of the best-known are the Festival of the Aegean, the Syros International Film Festival, and the Rebetiko Festival.

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The Apollo Theatre is the place in Syros that has been identified with the arts more than any other. Elaborately built and impressive both internally and externally, the theatre hosts dozens of events throughout the year, mainly of a musical nature, like operas and concerts. If you are not keen on the idea of seeing a live performance, the theatre is open to the public according to the visiting hours posted on its official website.

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The large number of permanent inhabitants combined with the continuous development of tourism has led to the opening of modern bars, mainly in the streets of Ermoupolis. Experienced bartenders create imaginative cocktails while listening to uplifting music in a pleasant and stylish environment, making customers want to come back for a second round! Two of the most famous bars in Syros are Mousoutou and Porte.

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Dedicating a few hours to visit the island’s museums is one of the best things to do if you want to get to know the historical and cultural background of Syros!
- The Archaeological Museum is housed in a dedicated space of the Town Hall and presents 3,000-year-old items used during the era of Cycladic culture. A visit to the Archaeological Museum can be paired with a visit to the Museum of Cycladic Art, which is located adjacent to the Town Hall.
- The Industrial Museum is a unique museum, comprised of four industrial buildings. There, guests can admire machinery, equipment, and tools used during the industrial era of Syros. The first electric car constructed in Greece is also on display.
- The Vamvakaris Museum is a venue where visitors can see personal memorabilia, photographs, clothes, and other items that belonged to the great rebetiko musician and composer. The museum is located in Ano Syros, as Markos Vamvakaris was born and raised there.

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One of the most remarkable facts about Syros is that it is the only place in Greece where Catholic Christians are not overwhelmingly less than Orthodox Christians. Therefore, one will find both Orthodox and Catholic churches on the island - large and small, elaborate and very simple, located in central places or completely remote. The most famous are the two metropolitan churches; the Catholic Cathedral of Saint George, located atop a hill on the left side of Ermoupolis, and Agios Nikolaos Church with its characteristic blue dome in the Vaporia Quarter.

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If you are looking for an activity that will excite children and adults alike, the best thing to do is to head to the village of Kini. At Kini Aquarium, visitors will have the opportunity to see a wide range of underwater life from the Aegean Sea up close and learn a lot about the sea, the relationship of the people of Syros with the sea, and the equipment they use for their marine activities. The aquarium's facilities feature exhibition areas with traditional boats and fishing gear.

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The Equestrian Club of Cyclades offers riding lessons and several other activities for individuals of all ages, including horse training, free riding, pony lessons, and therapeutic horse riding! Its premises are situated only 1.5 km from Ermoupolis and their location allows riders to gaze at the beautiful capital while on the back of the horses.

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Are you a cat lover? Then Syros Cats is an organization you may want to know! The shelter is located in Kini and does its best to keep the island's cats healthy, fed, and ready for adoption! More information about the organization and how you can help them continue their work are posted on their official website.

But that's not all! There are a lot more things to do, from enjoying a coffee at one of the island's cafes to trying your luck at the island's casino!
We invite you to explore even more options that the island has to offer: