From Hermoupolis and Ano Syros to remote beaches and small villages, Syros is a very appealing place with unforgettable landscapes. We share our top ten experiences on the island.
Text: Lina Kapetaniou
English Version: Lisa Radinovsky
1. Wild Northern Beauty. The wild beauty of Ano Meria calls for a drive to its almost deserted settlements. From San Michalis to Chalandriani and from Lygero to Papouri, you will see villages with a few houses, rocks, and crops, all with a view of the sea in the background.
2. Secluded beaches. The most isolated and at the same time the most beautiful beaches on the island. Grammata, Marmari, and Megas Lakkos are all beaches in the northwestern part of Syros that are difficult to access. You can get to some on foot, and you can reach them all in a boat you can find in Kini. Our favorite is Gria Spilia, because of its clear blue water and its trees.
3. Meeting point. The meeting point when the weather is warm. Asteria Beach is located a stone’s throw from the center of Hermoupolis, making it an easy solution for a swim for anyone in the capital of Syros. Since this is not a conventional beach, you will enter the sea from the rocks, piers, or stairs. The beach bar serves juice, coffee, and food.
4. With friends. It could be in Volos, but it is in Hermoupolis, on a beautiful pedestrian street between Miaouli Square and the beach. "Aeriko" serves hand-made appetizers, seafood snacks, and meat dishes. The best thing about it is the little bottles of ouzo or tsipouro with 3-4 small snack plates for just 7 euros. Address: Klonos & Kyparissou Stefanou 7, Hermoupolis; Phone: 22810 80445
5. Bohemian life. Boheme del Mar is undoubtedly the best bar in Syros. Right next to the sea, it attracts many people, and nights extend into early morning. The music ranges from alternative rock and jazz to hip hop and reggae. Address: Petri Ralli 10; Phone: 22810 83354
6. Night walk. The noble town of Hermoupolis is so quiet in the evening. Take advantage of the cool evenings and take a stroll through the narrow lanes. Listen to music coming out of the high-ceilinged stone mansions, admire the architecture and colors, and think of magical cities like this one.
7. View from above. Ano Syros is perched on a hill above Hermoupolis. Apart from an admirable medieval town with narrow streets, Catholic churches, and a fairytale atmosphere, Ano Syros offers you an enchanting view of Hermoupolis and the harbor. The best time to visit is when evening begins to fall, and the sky is painted dozens of shades of red.
8. Time travel. Unique in Greece, the Industrial Museum of Hermoupolis depicts the fascinating history of the urban and industrial development of Hermoupolis. Permanent exhibits include original machines used in textile making and tanneries, as well as model ships, maps, and tables. Phone: 22810 84762
9. In front of the waves. Fresh fish and shellfish are served right next to the sea at the fish tavern "Allou Gyalou" in Kini. Many of the ingredients are locally grown, and the fish and seafood are fresh. Try the steamed mussels and ravioli with seafood. At Kini Beach; Phone: 22810 71196
10. Summer Palace. During the last century, the rich townspeople of Syros chose seaside villages or cool inland areas for their summer holidays. As a result, settlements with mansions, trees, and a cosmopolitan atmosphere are scattered around Syros. The best-preserved mansions are in Poseidonia, while there are many in Episkopio and Parakopi. The architecture of these old mansions is impressive.
