Holiday in Syros

About Syros

Syros is the secret capital of the Cyclades – yet overlooked by most tourists. As the administrative seat of the entire Cyclades group, Syros boasts Ermoupoli, one of the grandest cities in all of Greece: a neoclassical jewel that was the most important port in the country in the 19th century, surpassing Piraeus. The magnificent town hall, the Apollon Theater – a miniature version of La Scala in Milan – and the elegant Platia Miaouli with its marble floors and palm trees testify to this former glory. What sets Syros apart from all other Cycladic islands is its unique religious and cultural dual identity. While most Greek islands are predominantly Greek Orthodox, Syros has a significant Catholic community. The upper town of Ano Syros, a medieval Venetian settlement with the Catholic Cathedral of San Giorgio, crowns one hill, while the Orthodox Church of Anastasis crowns the other. This duality shapes the architecture, festivals, and even the cuisine of the island. The beaches of Syros are less spectacular than those on Mykonos or Naxos, but they are pleasantly quiet. Galissas, Kini, and Vari offer sandy coves with family-friendly waters. In the south, the rocky coves of Ambela and Megas Gialos hide away. However, the true strength of Syros lies in its culture: concerts, theater, art festivals, and a vibrant year-round nightlife in Ermoupoli make the island a cultural center of the Cyclades. From Piraeus, Syros can be reached by high-speed ferry in two hours – the island is centrally located and perfect as a starting point for island hopping in the Cyclades.