Syros is the administrative centre of the Cyclades and one of the most populous islands of the group. During the War of Independence it took in refugees from Chios, Psara and other islands, who founded Ermoupoli ("city of Hermes"): in the 19th century it was Greece's leading port and its chief commercial and industrial centre, before the rise of Piraeus.
What to see
| Place | Why |
|---|---|
| Miaouli Square | Large marble square with the neoclassical town hall designed by Ernst Ziller |
| Apollon Theatre | Small Italian-style theatre of 1864, modelled on Italian opera houses |
| Vaporia | Quarter of captains' mansions above the sea |
| Ano Syros | Catholic medieval village on the hill, with St George's cathedral and the house museum of Markos Vamvakaris |
| Church of the Dormition | Holds an early icon by El Greco |
Syros has two souls: Orthodox in Ermoupoli and Catholic in Ano Syros, a Venetian legacy. Markos Vamvakaris, father of rebetiko, was born here. Try loukoumia and halvadopita. The main beaches, Galissas, Kini, Vari and Agathopes, are easy to reach by bus.
Getting there
Ferries from Piraeus (2-4 hours) and Rafina, with links to almost all the Cyclades. A small airport has flights to Athens.