The "Sovereign of Cyclades", as they often call Syros is located in the center of the Cyclades. It is the capital of Cyclades and the headquarters of the South Aegean Region. It is an island with a hilly inland, coastal plains and a long coastline, emanating an aristocratic charm and cultural glory. It was first inhabited in the 3rd millennium BC and it was a commercial and artistic center of the Cycladic civilization. Phoenicians, Cretans, Ionians, Persians, Latin, pirates and Turks successively left their own fingerprint on the place and its culture.
After the Greek Revolution, during which Syros was a neutral ground and shelter for many civilians, it became the most important commercial and shipping center of the newly established Greek state. It also experienced a significant industrial boom, which was unprecedented for the Greek standards of the time. The port started playing a secondary role after the opening of the Isthmus and the development of the port of Piraeus. The capital Ermoupoli will impress you with its beautiful neoclassical public buildings, the central square and the magnificent mansions. Coastal settlements like Delagratsia are the reminders of a remarkable architecture of aristocratic country mansions with impressive gardens.
The island is characterized by multiculturalism as the Orthodox with the Catholic community coexist in a peaceful relationship and mutual respect and cooperation for centuries. Moreover, in many historical circumstances the island was a shelter for refugees from Asia Minor and elsewhere. The medieval settlement of Ano Syros that can be found on the hill above Ermoupoli was historically the district of the Catholics of the island and it comes in a beautiful contrast with the city below. Narrow, cobbled streets and picturesque houses create an environment that takes us deeper into history. At the highest point of the castle you will see the church of Saint George, the Catholic Metropolis of Syros. The view from up there is breathtaking.
Today Syros is a place that has a lot to offer both to its visitors and its residents. Charming beauty is combined with modern lifestyle and high quality tourist facilities. The artistic culture, which the island is famous for, is kept alive through the numerous cultural events and festivals organized every year with important guests-representatives of all kinds of arts.
How to get there:
By boat: Samos has daily connection with Piraeus. The ships reach the island in about 4-5 hours, while high speed Flying Dolphins need about 2.5 hours. It is also connected with the port of Rafina and the journey lasts about 5hours.
By plane: The airport "Dimitrios Vikelas" (JSY-Syros Island National Airport) is just 2 km away from Ermoupoli, and receives daily flights from Athens, lasting less than 30 minutes. Also, there are direct flights from other parts of the country or abroad.
