Syros, Greece: Ermoupolis, the Capital of the Cyclades
Syros is the capital of the Cyclades, an 86-square-kilometer island whose port town, Ermoupolis, is the largest and grandest in the island group. Syros is a "stranger" among the Cyclades: rather barren and dry, with no white cubic houses, but with large, stately, classical and neo-classical mansions instead. You come here for the Greek feeling, the culture and something different, and Ermoupolis alone is worth the trip. Hire a car to reach the parts of Syros the buses miss, covered in our Syros car hire guide.
- Group
- Cyclades
- Size
- 86 km²
- Capital
- Ermoupolis
- Known for
- Neoclassical town
Ermoupolis, the capital
Ermoupolis is the biggest town in the Cyclades and the capital of the island group, an impressive sight by day or night as the ferry sails into the harbour. The waterfront is backed by two hills, each crowned with a church - one Roman Catholic, one Orthodox - lit up when you arrive at night. Once the main port of Greece and nominated as capital of the whole country, Ermoupolis is a town of large, stately mansions in classic and neo-classic style, with little stairways, old buildings and churches that make it a "must see". The nearest good beach to the town is Azolimnos, 4 kilometers to the south.
The island of Syros
Syros is quite barren, with a few hills, and it does not have the kind of beaches you find on Mykonos, though it makes up for that with its character. The bus network across the island is very good, so you can explore the villages and beaches even without renting a car or a bike. Most of the beaches are in the south, with a few in the east, and the island keeps a strong sense of everyday Greek life rather than mass tourism.
The beaches of Syros
The beaches of Syros lie mostly in the south and east of the island. Kini on the west coast and Galissas are among the best, and Azolimnos, 4 kilometers south of Ermoupolis, is the nearest good beach to the capital, which has no pretty beach of its own. Naturist beaches are found just west of Galissas at Armeos and a little north of Kini at Delphini, along with the rocks near Katergaki and some harder-to-reach coves north of Kini.
Where to stay on Syros
Most visitors stay in Ermoupolis, within walking distance of the port, the mansions and Miaouli Square, while beach bases such as Megas Gialos and Galissas suit those who want the sea on the doorstep. For every hotel, room and apartment on the island see the Syros hotels guide.
Hotel Diana, Ermoupolis
Diana Rooms are quietly set in aristocratic Ermoupolis, within walking distance of the port and Miaouli Square. All air-conditioned units have furnished balconies with Aegean Sea views, kitchenettes, a TV, a telephone and a private bathroom, and free WiFi is offered in the public areas. The medieval town, a pine-tree park and a children's playground are nearby, and the bus stop is close at hand.
Check availability & bookWhere to eat on Syros
Ermoupolis and the beach villages hold the island's tavernas and cafes, with the tables around Miaouli Square and the harbour front at the heart of town life. For places to eat across the island see the Syros restaurants guide.
Getting to Syros
Ferries sail into the harbour of Ermoupolis, an impressive arrival by day or night as the two church-topped hills come into view. Once on the island, the very good bus network connects Ermoupolis with the villages and beaches, so a car is not essential for getting around.
