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Home > Attività Isole > syros > Syros Island

Syros Island

Discover Syros: the secret island of the Cyclades
Syros, a hidden gem among the Cyclades, is an island that still escapes mass tourism. Perfect for those looking for an authentic and quiet destination, Syros enchants with its mix of history, culture and natural landscapes. Despite being the administrative heart of the Cyclades, where residents of the neighboring islands go for bureaucratic matters, Syros remains an intimate place, away from the most crowded tourist routes.

Getting to Syros
Getting to Syros may seem like a trip off the beaten track, but that’s exactly what makes it so special. The island is not directly connected by international flights, so the best way to get to Syros is by ferry from Athens or other nearby islands. This small detour adds a touch of adventure and makes the arrival even more exciting.

A land full of contrasts
At first glance, Syros appears mountainous and almost arid, but as you venture inland and towards the south you will discover green and fertile areas. Here, among lush valleys and paths immersed in nature, you can enjoy regenerating walks in an uncontaminated landscape, where peace and solitude are the norm. This is the ideal place for those who love trekking or simply getting lost in the silence of nature.

An island with a thousand year history
Syros has a long and fascinating history. Mythology tells that the first inhabitant of the island was Coeranus, whose name means “light”. Legend has it that he was saved by dolphins after a storm, and his story is a perfect example of the bond between Syros and the sea.

Even today, Syros is a rare example of peaceful coexistence between Catholics and Orthodox.

Its name seems to come from the phoenix word Ousara which means rocky. It was inhabited as early as 2800 BC as evidenced by the remains found in the north-eastern part of the island. In the 5th and 4th centuries, it entered the Athenian Alliance and until the Byzantine period it was a constant target of maritime raiders who forced the population to flee, drastically decreasing its inhabitants. When the Romei arrived (this was the name by which the Byzantines called themselves) they began to give life to the settlement of Ano Syros, a district of the capital and with the arrival of the Venetians, the population was converted to Catholicism. In 1566 it was conquered by the Turks but remained under the protection of the Pope and the King of France and thus did not suffer persecution. In 1822 immigrants from Asia and other islands of Greece began to build the current capital Ermoupolis, named in honor of the God Hermes, God of commerce, as they were skilled salesmen who made it become the most important port in the Mediterranean. It was here that the first hospital was built, the first Gymnasium in Greece where one of the students was Eleftherios Venizelos who later became a prominent figure during the Cretan revolt against the Ottoman Empire, in 1897 considered a national hero, and finally the first steamboat in Greece was built. Until before the Second World War Syros was a prosperous and rich island with its banking and insurance market and its many industries, but unfortunately it was hit hard by the conflict and began to decline until 1980 when it managed to improve and return to being as splendid and important as it once was.

Mythology and legend
Syros has a long and fascinating history. According to Greek mythology, its first inhabitant was Coeranus which means light, a native of the island of Paros. One day he paid a group of Byzantine fishermen to free some dolphins that had fallen into the fishing nets and when years later Coeranus was overwhelmed by a violent storm at sea, the dolphins led him safe and sound to a cave on the island of Syros. Upon his death, it is said that dozens of dolphins gathered off the island to pay homage during his funeral. A perfect example of the bond between Syros and the sea.

Dream Beaches
Syros beaches offer a variety that satisfies all tastes. From the liveliest ones, such as Galissas and Finikas, ideal for water sports and for those looking for fun, to the quieter and wilder beaches such as Grammata, perfect for those who want a corner of paradise away from the crowds to the north in a sheltered bay, deserted and wild where there is a cave in which sailors wrote their prayers to the Gods on the rock to be protected during their travels. Do not miss a visit to the church of San Stefano, overlooking a spectacular cliff, where the sea breaks with force creating a breathtaking view.

What to see in Syros
The capital of Syros, Ermoupolis, is one of the most fascinating cities of the Cyclades and a journey through time. Built amphitheatrically on two hills, it is a continuous up and down between cobbled streets, mysterious alleys and majestic neoclassical buildings. Walking through its squares and markets means breathing in the history and culture of a place that has been a thriving trade center for centuries.

Don’t miss a visit to Ano Syros, the medieval neighborhood that climbs up one of the hills. With its 800 steps, getting to the top can be a little challenging, but it’s worth it. From here, you can admire a spectacular view of the city and visit the Cathedral of St. George, a symbol of the Catholic presence on the island. To the south is the Tarsana neighborhood where there are workshops for repairing wooden boats up to Miaouli square near the town hall considered one of the most beautiful in all of Greece with relief panels depicting Apollo and the Nine Muses.

Kini village to the west, a typical fishing village where you can be amazed by wonderful sunsets. And then Galissa to the southwest, the most touristic area, where nature is lush and wild. Don’t miss the opportunity to venture to Santo Stefano church right on the cliff with the waves of the sea crashing on it, and also Poseidonia, where in the past the wealthy came to holiday in the beautiful and sumptuous neoclassical residences as well as to eat the freshest fish.

The Cuisine of Syros
Syros is also famous for its cuisine, which expertly mixes the typical flavours of the Cyclades with Venetian influences. From loukoumia, the famous local sweets, to fresh fish dishes, every meal on the island is a journey of taste. Don’t miss the local cheeses and meat specialties, which express all the culinary tradition of the island.

Why visit Syros?
Syros is the perfect island for those looking for a holiday away from the chaos. Its quiet beaches, the historical richness, the beauty of its uncontaminated landscape and its particular atmosphere especially in the capital where tradition and culture constantly offer stimuli, make it a unique and fascinating destination. Syros is not just a place to visit, but an island to live, where ancient and modern coexist in harmony.

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