The cosmopolitan metropolis of the Cyclades
The island’s geographical location, mark it as a significant commercial and cultural centre in the greater island region. Syros is surrounded by the islands of Mykonos, Tilos, Milos and Santorini and its only 3.5 hours from Athens by boat or 20 minutes by plane.
Syros is full of life all year round as it has 30.000 inhabitants who enjoy the pluralistic cosmopolitan qualities of the island.
Syros and its capital, Hermoupolis, offer visitors and locals everything needed to enjoy life to the fullest: a modern port, intense nightlife, fine restaurants, museums, galleries, casino, famous cultural events, historic churches theater, outdoor cinema and a University.
Syros is a legendary island and the rich culture, the architecture and the hospitality that emerge from its past, continue to produce history which shapes the future.
Syros’ history goes back to the Stone Age and archeological finds attest to the island’s commercial activity through the centuries.
The island’s location, key for commerce and culture, attracted the attention of the ancient world. Over the centuries it has been inhabited by Greeks, Phoenicians, Romans, Arabs, Turks, Franks and Venetians. These civilizations and their diverse characteristics have left their cultural imprint and have shaped the uniqueness of the island. Enchanting and diverse, Syros is, a mosaic with each fragment conveying a beautiful story to the visitor.
Worth a visit: Ancient Gallissos- Kastri -Halandriani
One of the most significant characteristics of Syros is the harmonious co-existence of Orthodox and Catholic Christians. A characteristic that has resulted from a remarkable diversity accepting culture.
Thus, there are two cathedrals in Syros: the Cathedral of St. George (of the Roman Catholic Diocese) built on top of the hill in the town of Ano Syros and the Cathedral of Metamorphosis Sotiros (Transfiguration of the Saviour-of the Orthodox Church) located in Hermoupolis. Syros is one of the very few places in the world where –with the Pope’s special permission- Catholics and Orthodox share a common date for Easter, validating the reconciliation and agape between the Churches.
Worth a visit: St. George – Metamorphosis Sotiros-Aghios Nikolaos-Aghios Stephanos
The settlement was built by the Venetians around 1200 C.E. In order to protect the inhabitants from pirates’ attacks the settlement was developed amphitheatrically, with houses built one on top of the other, reaching up to the fortress-like St. George’s Cathedral. The narrow streets, the archways, the arcades, the wooden balconies, the medieval architecture and the breathtaking view of the Aegean charm the senses and invite you to experience living history.
Worth a visit: Piazza-The Jesuit & Capuchin Monasteries-Panaghia Karmilou-Aghios Athanassios Spring
Syros is an amalgam of architectural styles influenced by the cultural variation of its diverse inhabitants over time. The combination of Greek tradition, Italian Renaissance and the elegant mixture of Classicism and Romanticism created the unique neoclassical architectural style of Hermoupolis.
From the refugees who carried with them eastern elements from their place of origin and formed the labor neighborhoods, to the Venetians and Genoese that enriched the architecture with Italian Renaissance elements and European Classicism, Syros proved a welcoming haven for cultures where aesthetic quality and enthusiasm for innovative ideas found a home
Worth a visit: Apollo Theatre- Archaeological Museum of Hermoupolis-Town Hall of Hermoupolis
From early Spring until the first months of Autumn, Syros transforms into an international center of cultural events and festivals. The island is renowned for hosting performances and concerts of all musical genres: from Greek traditional to jazz and classical music, and for its many photography, painting, jewelry and other exhibitions.
The island’s interest in the arts remains all year long, hosting opera productions and performances by Greek and international theatre companies.
Visitors who wish to experience a genuine Greek folk fair, will enjoy events such as the Sardine Festival or Kakavia Festival. Join in, and experience the traditions of Greece and Syros with the locals.
Worth a visit: International Festival of the Aegean- Classical Music Festival- Musical May
As a melting pot of cultures, Syros has a wide assortment of delicacies which are emblematic of the people and the history of the island.
We suggest you try sweet delicacies such as “halvadopita”- made of thyme honey, nougat and roasted almonds and” loukoumia” (delights)- Syros “loukoumia” are the most famous delights in Greece.
For a zesty taste of local delicacies try: “loosa” (pork sausage), fennel sausages and the famous San Michalis spicy cheese (only found in Syros)
Worth a taste: San Michalis- Halvadopita-Aetopita- Fligkouni-Greek coffee with loukoumi
Markos Vamvakaris was born in Syros in 1905 into a Catholic family. He was drawn to music from an early age, but the most defining moment of his career was when he learned to play the bouzouki at the age of 21. This musical instrument enchanted him and led to the birth of a new genre of popular music called ‘rebetiko’. Rebetiko, (aka the Greek blues), influenced Greek modern music and remains one of the most popular genres in Greece.
Markos Vamvakaris with his famous songs spread ‘rebetiko’ music across Greece and for this he was named the “patriarch of the rebetiko”.
To honor him, Syros named a square in Ano Syros after him and founded the Markos Vamvakaris Museum. The visitors of the museum have the opportunity to acquaint themselves this exceptional artist through his personal belongings, manuscripts and a short documentary of his life.
