Syros Attractions
Chief town: Ermoúpolis (Néa Syros)
The hilly island of Syros lies half way between Kythnos and Mykonos. Its central situation makes it the principal center of administration, commerce and fisheries in the Cyclades and a focal point of the shipping routes in the central Aegean. Agriculture provides the major contribution to the island's economy, supplemented in recent years by a rapidly developing tourist trade.
From the time of the fourth Crusade, at the beginning of the 13th century, until 1568 Syros belonged to the Venetian duchy of Náxos, and since then it has had a substantial Roman Catholic minority, which during the Turkish period was under the protection of France. During the war of Greek independence Syros remained neutral, and those who escaped the massacres of Chios and Psará were able to find refuge here. Close to the town of Áno Syros, which was founded in the 13th century and has remained predominantly Catholic, these new settlers established the town of Ermoúpolis (City of Hermes) by the harbor, and during the 19th century this developed into the largest Greek port, before being overtaken by Piraeus.
The hilly island of Syros lies half way between Kythnos and Mykonos. Its central situation makes it the principal center of administration, commerce and fisheries in the Cyclades and a focal point of the shipping routes in the central Aegean. Agriculture provides the major contribution to the island's economy, supplemented in recent years by a rapidly developing tourist trade.
From the time of the fourth Crusade, at the beginning of the 13th century, until 1568 Syros belonged to the Venetian duchy of Náxos, and since then it has had a substantial Roman Catholic minority, which during the Turkish period was under the protection of France. During the war of Greek independence Syros remained neutral, and those who escaped the massacres of Chios and Psará were able to find refuge here. Close to the town of Áno Syros, which was founded in the 13th century and has remained predominantly Catholic, these new settlers established the town of Ermoúpolis (City of Hermes) by the harbor, and during the 19th century this developed into the largest Greek port, before being overtaken by Piraeus.
Archaeological Museum
Founded in 1835 the Syrose Archeological Museum is the oldest archaeological museum in Greece. On display are finds from Kastri and the cemetery at Chalandriani, as well as Syros and other sites of the Cyclades. Some of the items date to the Early Bronze Age.
Hours
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Open | Closed | 8:30 | 8:30 | 8:30 | 8:30 | 8:30 | 8:30 |
| Close | 15:00 | 15:00 | 15:00 | 15:00 | 15:00 | 15:00 |
Always opened on:
Assumption Day - Christian (August 15)
Óhi Day - Greece & Cyprus (October 28)
Óhi Day - Greece & Cyprus (October 28)
Always closed on:
New Year's Day (January 1)
May Day / Labor Day (May 1)
Day after Christmas, St Stephen's Day, Boxing Day (December 26)
Christmas - Christian (December 25)
Good Friday - Christian (Apr 06)
Easter - Christian (Apr 08)
May Day / Labor Day (May 1)
Day after Christmas, St Stephen's Day, Boxing Day (December 26)
Christmas - Christian (December 25)
Good Friday - Christian (Apr 06)
Easter - Christian (Apr 08)
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Grammata Bay
West of Khalandriani on the island of Syros lies Grammatá Bay, in earlier times a welcome harbor of refuge, with Roman and medieval inscriptions (expressions of thanksgiving, prayers).
Gyaros
Gyáros, an arid and barren island, lies in the Cyclades northwest of Syros. After WWII, particularly under the military dictatorship, it was a place of internment and a penal colony.
The island of Gyáros was closed to the public for many years but that ban has since been lifted and people may now visit.
The island of Gyáros was closed to the public for many years but that ban has since been lifted and people may now visit.
Gálissas
Galissas is a large resort village on Syros, with a long sandy beach. This is a popular summer time destination.
Khalandriani, Greece
12km/7.5 mi north of Ermoúpolis, at the village of Khalandrianí, is the fortified Cycladic settlement of Kastrí (C. 1800 B.C.).
A prehistoric acropolis, a settlement and a burial ground at Khalandrianí and Kastrí have yielded artifacts of the Early Cycladic period.
A prehistoric acropolis, a settlement and a burial ground at Khalandrianí and Kastrí have yielded artifacts of the Early Cycladic period.
Mt Pyrgos
Mt Pyrgos, the highest peak (415m/1362ft) on the island of Syros, can be climbed from Áno Syros. From the summit there are beautiful views in all directions.
Posidonia, Greece
15km/9mi southwest of Ermoúpolis lies the popular seaside resort of Posidonía (formerly known as Santa Maria della Grazia). Near the town is an ancient necropolis.
Possidonia (Delagratsia)
Possidonia, on the island of Syros, is known for its beaches and interesting archiecture.
St George's Cathedral
On the northern hill outside the town of Ermoupolis is the Roman Catholic quarter of Áno Syros, established during the Venetian period (13th C.), with a number of monasteries as well as St George's Cathedral.
