The small and relatively unknown island of Syros is located in the Cyclades Archipelago, right in the middle of all the landmasses that are part of this region. As the administrative center where all the residents of the neighboring islands must go for any bureaucratic issues, it remains largely undiscovered by mass tourism, perhaps because reaching it requires a multi-stop itinerary. Syros, covering about a hundred square kilometers, may seem arid and mountainous at first glance, but inside, especially towards the south, it transforms into lush and fertile areas where you can enjoy long walks through unspoiled landscapes, finding silence, peace, and solitude. At one time, the port of Syros was the most important in Greece, even surpassing Piraeus. It is well-known for its shipyards and master shipbuilders, a craft that is now disappearing with the advent of modern technology replacing manual work. According to Greek mythology, its first inhabitant was Coeranus, whose name means "light," a native of the island of Paros. One day, he paid a group of Byzantine fishermen to free some dolphins that had become trapped in fishing nets. Years later, when Coeranus was caught in a violent storm at sea, the dolphins guided him safely to a cave on the island of Syros. It is said that upon his death, dozens of dolphins gathered off the island to pay their respects during his funeral. History of Syros The island's name is believed to come from the Phoenician word "Ousara," meaning rocky. It was inhabited as early as 2800 B.C., as evidenced by remains found in the northeastern part of the island. In the 5th and 4th centuries B.C., it joined the Athenian Alliance and, until the Byzantine period, was a constant target for maritime raiders, forcing the population to flee and drastically reducing its inhabitants. When the Romans arrived (known as the Byzantines), they began establishing the settlement of Ano Syros, a district of the capital. With the arrival of the Venetians, the inhabitants were converted to Catholicism. In 1566, it was conquered by the Turks but remained under the protection of the Pope and the King of France, thus avoiding persecution. In 1822, immigrants from Asia and other Greek islands began building the current capital, Ermoupolis, named in honor of Hermes, the god of commerce, as most of the population were skilled traders who made it the most important port in the Mediterranean, leading to prosperity. It was here that the first hospital, the first Gymnasium in Greece, and the first steamship were built. 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. Until before World War II, Syros was a flourishing and wealthy island with its banking, insurance, and numerous industries, but it was severely impacted by the conflict and began to decline until 1980 when it managed to recover and regain its former splendor and importance. People choose to vacation in Syros for many reasons, the first being that it is not overrun by mass tourism, allowing for the much-anticipated tranquility that everyone expects during a holiday. Its unique atmosphere, particularly in Ermoupolis, where tradition and culture constantly offer many stimuli, its beaches, and its territory rich in history and unspoiled landscapes where you can wander and discover the soul of Syros, are also significant attractions. Let's start by visiting the capital, Ermoupolis. Built like an amphitheater with two hills visible from afar, it can be somewhat challenging, especially due to the fact that it’s all uphill and downhill, with narrow streets and mysterious alleys. Here, you'll find everything you need, from shops of all kinds, accommodations, restaurants, traditional taverns, cafés, and places to stay out late. To the north is the medieval district of Ano Syros, with its 800 steps leading up to the Baroque Cathedral of Saint George. To the south is the Tarsana district, where the workshops for repairing wooden boats are located, and nearby is Miaouli Square, close to the town hall, considered one of the most beautiful in all of Greece, with relief panels depicting Apollo and the Nine Muses. The village of Kini to the west is a typical fishing village where you can marvel at stunning sunsets. Then there's Galissa to the southwest, the most touristic area, where nature is lush and wild. Don't miss the opportunity to visit the Church of Saint Stephen right on the cliff, with the waves crashing against it. Finikas, with its golden beach, offers fun with water sports, and Poseidonia, where in the past the wealthy would vacation in the splendid and sumptuous neoclassical residences, also offers fresh seafood. Finally, there's Grammata, a beach to the north in a sheltered bay, deserted and wild, where there is a cave where sailors once wrote their prayers to the gods on the rock to be protected during their voyages. As always, Syros is an island to be discovered, where ancient and modern coexist in perfect harmony without altering the atmosphere an island of continuous contrasts that will enchant you and make you appreciate its shy and reserved beauty.