villages
Azolimnos
Azolimos is a seaside village just 5km southeast of Ermoupoli, with a view of Tinos and Mykonos and the island of Aspros! There is a wide range of accommodations, restaurants, and taverns. In addition, the visitor can visit Cape Fokiotrypa with its rich fauna (seals, cormorants, black petrels…) as well as the Catholic churches of the area.
Ano Syros
Ano Syros is situated amphitheatrically, 3.5 km from the port of Hermoupolis. It was founded in 1200 by the Venetians. Its picturesque houses and steps lead to the highest point and the Catholic Cathedral of San George. Ano Syros is a fortress secured by locking the wooden gates at Portara, Skalakia, Sa Bastias, Ano, and Kato Terma. Walking along the narrow cobbled streets, the traveler relives the history and can visit the Exhibition of Traditional Crafts and the rich Historical Archive. Visitors also come across the bust of the National Martyr Don Ioannis Dalezios, the Catholic monasteries and churches, and the ‘fountain’ of St. Athanasios. Finally, now there is the Town Hall (because until 2010, Ano Syros was the capital) and the sculpture of the unforgettable musician Markos Vamvakaris.
Ano Meria
A mountainous, peaceful destination with vegetation that smells of Greece, thyme, fennel, and wild olive! The village has a magnificent view and a few ‘tavernas’ offering unique local flavors.
Vari
Vari is the oldest village of Syros, inhabited since 4000 BC! This village is a seaside destination, 9 km from Ermoupoli. The visitor can choose from a great range of taverns, cafes, accommodations, and other tourist services and choose among the beaches of Fabrica, Achladi, and Santorini to enjoy swimming. Other attractions worth visiting are the Goulandris Tower house, the plateau, and the chapel of Panagia.
Galissas
Galissas is 7 km from Ermoupoli, with its golden sand and a natural harbor. Today it is a popular destination for visitors. There are lots of accommodations available, as well as cafes, taverns, and other tourist services. Visitors can also enjoy Armeo Beach, the stone pier with palm trees, the ruins of the ancient settlement, the churches of St. Pakos, St. Stefanos, andthe Sacred Heart of Jesus.
Episkopeio
Episkopeio or Piskopeio was so named as it was once the headquarters of the Diocese of Syros and the Bishop’s residence. As the first lords built their houses there, it has long been considered an esteemed holiday resort. Just 4.5 km from Ermoupolis, on a hill, the visitor can admire the church of Prophet Elias, Panagia Piskopiani, and the red house from which M. Karagatsis inspired the novel “Megali Chimaera”.
Ermoupolis
Ermoupoli is the capital of the island and of the Cyclades. Its admirable buildings captivate all visitors, just to name a few the Town Hall in Miaouli Square, the Apollo Theater, constructed as a miniature of the Milanese Stairs, the municipal library, the Church of the Resurrection, and many more Orthodox or Catholic churches, and the mansions that decorate the Vaporia district. While strolling in the picturesque alleys,the traveler experiences the beauty of the monuments and neoclassical buildings, blending with the city’s cosmopolitan character. Ermoupoli hosts the well-known festival “Syros Culture” and many more cultural and sports activities. It provides excellent tourist infrastructure, with its port connected daily with the ports of Piraeus, Rafina, the North Aegean, and the Cyclades. The town is only 3 km from the airport, with direct flights to/from Athens and Thessaloniki.
In 1856 its population was second only to Athens, while today, the town is the administrative center of the Cyclades and the South Aegean Region. There is the head office of the Design Engineering Department of the University of the Aegean and the Shipyards.
Kini
Kini is 9km from Ermoupoli. Fishermen’s boats moored in its picturesque harbor, from which you can take a ferry to other island beaches. Some attractions worth visiting are the Catholic Church of the Transfiguration of the Virgin Mary, the monastery of St. Varvara, the bronze monument of the Virgin Mary, and the Museum of Fishing Boats, Aquatic Organisms, and Sea Shells. A special celebration of Saint Peter takes place on June 29th every year.
Megas Gialos
It is a seaside, picturesque settlement, Megas Gialos, 12 km from Ermoupoli. Visitors can find accommodation and enjoy its beautiful beach and Ambela Beach. They can also visit the Catholic church of St. Thekla and the Orthodox Church of S. Antonios.
Poseidonia
Poseidonia, or Delagratsia, named after the god Poseidon, is 10km from Ermoupoli. It Is known for its neoclassical buildings with their gardens and the preserved monument “Tsiropina Mansion”. It is also known for the Orthodox church of Agios Ioannis and the beautiful beaches around the settlement.
Hroussa
Hroussa is a village in a pine forest, 8.5 km from Ermoupoli. A peaceful location with picturesque paths and the Catholic Panagia Faneromeni at the hilltop. Every May 1st, locals organize a big celebration.
Finikas
Finikas is 12 km from the capital and owes its name to the Phoenicians, who had their port there. There is a marina where private boats can moor, and it is ideal for water sports and sailing competitions that take place regularly. Apart from the sandy beach, there is Kokkinia Beach, and Psachnos accessedby boat. Its famous sports club and active volleyball team have won many awards.
