Syros

 

The noble lady of the Aegean

Syros, the noble lady with the enigmatic personality, unwinds a tempting fusion of traditional minimalism with gentle romanticism and medieval beauty and challenges you to experience her.
 

The island used to be one of the major hubs in the East Mediterranean area linking Europe to Minor Asia. The vast expanse of trade allowed for the exchange of cultures, goods and art, making Syros the home of the elite of that period.

The town of Hermoupolis, an impressive sample of aristocratism and neoclassicism, named after the Ancient Greek god of commerce Hermes, is crowned as the capital not only of the island of Syros but also of Cyclades. Evidence of this glorious past can be seen on imposing public buildings, neoclassical houses and beautiful squares. Behind every corner of this beautiful city another mysterious surprise is hiding with flowery balconies, colorful doors and windows and hidden stairways.

Despite her glorious past, Syros has adopted an anonymity preserving its authentic character. On the other hand, its outstanding natural beauties, magnificent beaches, picturesque villages and quiet evenings, come to complete this irresistible setting that is like coming out of a movie.

Syros is the right island for families that seek for relaxing holidays. Are you ready to unveil the mysteries of the noble lady of the Aegean?
 

Orthodox Church of the Transfiguration of Jesus

Syros has many churches, both Catholic and Orthodox. Among them, the most impressive is the Orthodox Church of the Transfiguration of Jesus, which is the island’s metropolis. It is a basilica aisle with a dome and was built in 1824, which makes it the oldest Orthodox Church on the island.

Assumption of the Virgin Mary Church

Another historic Orthodox Church is the one of the Assumption of Virgin Mary, again in Ermoupolis, which is the second oldest church after the aforementioned and it was built in 1828-1829. Here visitors may admire a unique Orthodox image of Virgin Mary created by Dominikos Theotokopoulos (El Greco).

Other remarkable Orthodox churches

Moreover, the Church of the Resurrection on the hill of Deli in Ermoupoli is worth visiting, since it has an interesting architecture and was built between 1879 and 1909. The Church of Saint Nicholas in Vaporia concludes the list of Orthodox Churches in Ermoupoli that should not be missed; this church is among the five biggest churches in Greece and was being built for more than 60 years, whereas in its yard there is the Monument of the Unburied Fighter, dedicated to Greek fighters lost during the 1821 revolution. This is a sculpture created by the Tinian G. Vitalis. Outside Ermoupoli travelers should definitely visit the Church of Prophet Elias in Episkopio, which is the church where the famous Greek author Elias Venezis was married, and the Monastery of Saint Barbara at Kini, where the nuns create textiles and embroideries in the traditional way, using a loom. In Ano Syros the only Orthodox Churches are the ones of Holy Trinity and the historic Church of Saint Nicholas the Poor, which was the only parish for Orthodox Christians when Catholics came to the island.

Catholic Churches

Among the most important catholic churches are the Church of Evangelistria in Ermoupoli built in the 19th century, the Church of Saint George in Ano Syros renovated in 1834 on an initial building of the 12th century, the Church of Saint Peter in Poseidonia and the Catholic chapels of Saint Pakou and Saint Stephen in Galissas, which offer a unique view to the visitors. In Ano Syros there is also the Abbey of Capuchins with the Catholic Church of Saint John built in 1635 and the Abbey of Jesuites with the Church of Virgin Mary of Karmilos that houses a large library with historic documents and manuscripts.

Archaeological Museum of Syros

The Archaeological Museum of Syros (“Pankykladiko”) was founded in Ermoupoli in 1834-1835 and comprises of four halls in the famous Town Hall of Ermoupoli. The Museum houses archaeological findings from Syros and the other Cycladic Islands, starting from the 3rd millennium B.C. till the Hellenistic period. There is also an exhibition devoted to the archaeologist Christos Tsountas, who led the excavations in the Cycladic Islands in the 19th century.

Industrial Museum of Ermoupolis

This is another interesting museum, which hosts a rare collection of old machinery from the industries of Syros and an important record of oral testimony concerning the era of industrial development of the island. Among the most impressive exhibits is a large paddle wheel in the Museum’s yard, which was part of the historic Greek ship “Patris”. Visitors may also admire various objects related to shipping, machines’ accessories and even paintings related to the industrial era. Last but not least, the museum’s library is comprised of 400 technical books and the same number of industrial designs.

Gallery of the Cyclades

The Gallery of the Cyclades is located in the old building of the Transit Warehouses of Ermoupoli, built in 1834-1839 and designed by the Bavarian architect Erlacher. The Gallery houses important paintings, but also organizes art exhibitions and has an active theater.

Replicas Museum of Cycladic Art

The Replicas Museum of Cycladic Art, which is situated inside the Town Hall in Ermoupoli, hosts replicas of Cycladic objects that are exhibited in the Goulandris Museum of Cycladic Art in Athens. The Museum organized educational programs for children and adults, in order to present in an understandable way, the Cycladic Culture of the 3rd millennium B.C.

Ecclesiastical Museum of Ermoupoli

The Ecclesiastical Museum of Ermoupoli was founded in 1984 and gathered objects from all the Cycladic Islands, including sacred vessels, vestments, books and Images. In 2011 the Museum was moved in the Metropolitan headquarters and entrance to the Museum is free of charge.

Various other museums

Syros is an island of culture and artistic expressions. As such, it could not but have a plethora of museums and galleries, which organize interesting events and impress their numerous visitors from all over the world.

The Museum of Ano Syros

The Museum of Ano Syros is a museum of folk life that houses a large collection of tools and objects of the everyday life of the Syriots through the centuries.

The Markos Vamvakaris Museum

The Markos Vamvakaris Museum in Ano Syros is truly a treasure for the island; the Museum building is actually the house where this unique musician of “rebetiko” music lived and composed his amazing work. The building was renovated in 1995 and visitors may admire his personal objects, including clothes, his passport, manuscripts with lyrics and plenty of photographs. Finally, the Cultural Center of the Municipality of Syros hosts art exhibitions and organizes various events all year long. It also houses the Municipal Library.

Ermoupoli: Syros’ Capital

Although the island’s capital Ermoupoli is rather a town than a village with a population of 12,000 people, it deserves to be presented as a place to visit. This wonderful insular city devoted to Ermis, the ancient god of commerce, has it all: a magnificent Town Hall situated on a great square, Miaouli Square, similar to the squares of the modern European cities; a Municipal Library with about  35,000 books; an old aristocrats’ district, Vaporia, with neoclassical houses of unique architecture; the amazing Apollo Theater, a theater with a great history which was designed by Pietro Sampo in 1864 and has been totally renovated; numerous museums and galleries; shops and a vibrant nightlife; splendid beaches next to the city center; various accommodation choices; the first high school ever established in modern Greece, which was established in 1833 and among its students were former prime ministers, famous artists and important personalities in the Greek history; a historic shipyard, Neorio, with a separate part for the construction and repair of wooden ships; and last but not least, a hospital, a port and an airport. What more can visitors ask for?

Ano Syros

At about 3.5 km. from Ermoupoli, there is the medieval village of Ano Syros. Visitors may enter the village from one of its three entrances and should be aware that access by car is not possible at the largest part of Ano Syros. Ano Syros is famous for its narrow streets and picturesque white houses interconnected with stairs, its traditional taverns with live music and flavor food (among which the underground tavern where Markos Vamvakaris used to play), the Centre of Historic Research of the Catholic Diocese and the Historical Records of Ano Syros. Visitors in this renowned village should be prepared to walk and enjoy the feeling of being in village that looks like an open air museum!

Episkopio Village

Yet another wonderful village of Syros, which was very prosperous in the 19th century but now is almost deserted, is Episkopio at about 4.5 km. from Ermoupoli. This was the island’s most important and most aristocratic resort with large villas built amphitheatrically and palm trees and statues of their owners adorning their wonderful gardens. Visitors should walk up the stairs that lead to “Profitis Elias” and admire the breathtaking view of the port and the area around it.

Chroussa and similar villages

Chroussa, Parakopi and Dellagracia also have neoclassical houses that were mainly built in the 19th century and were used as summer homes. Chroussa is a traditional village in a rural area, which has two churches, an old holidaymakers’ club and a path that leads to Agia Thekla, which is considered among the oldest prehistoric settlements of Syros.

Pagos village & more

Pagos is another rural village that is famous for its slaughterhouses and the fact that it maintains the tradition of organizing celebrations before Christmas, which is the time period when fresh pork meat is being processed in different ways (e.g. it is turned into ham) in order to last all year long. Around Pagos there must have been settlements of the Hellenistic and Roman periods. Finally, the most famous beaches of Syros like Galissas, Kini, Azolimnos, Vari, Megas Gialos and Foinikas are surrounded by settlements that offer accommodation and many services to visitors.

Archaeological Sites of Kastri & Halandriani

The most important archaeological sites of Syros are Halandriani and Kastri, where there used to be prehistoric settlements, close to each other, at the northeastern part of the island. At Kastri, the ruins of which are still visible, excavations revealed a prehistoric cemetery and brought to light important objects of the Cycladic Culture exhibited in the Archaeological Museum of Syros.

Pherecydis’ Caves

The Pherecydis’ Caves are two caves in which the philosopher Pherecydis taught, located close to Ano Syros. The first cave is at about 1 km. from Ermoupoli in a position called “Alithini” and the second cave is at about 5 km. to the north of Ermoupoli at Platy Vouni. Both caves can be visited.

Discovery paths at Ano Meria

Moreover, hikers will most certainly enjoy the signaled paths in Ano Meria, which has joined the “Natura 2000 Network”. This is a region of wild beauty and organized hiking tours are arranged and performed by experienced guides. Similar paths also exist in the northern part of the island, where natural beauty is amazing and untouched by the human hand. The most remarkable path is the one that leads to “Eklogites”, which are big round rocks standing out of the landscape.

Kini Aquarium

The Kini Aquarium is ideal for a family visit before a refreshing swim on the homonymous beach. Although it is not very big, it houses the representative sea species of the region and provides information on the activities related to the sea, as well as issues related to environmental protection.

Syros’ Lighthouse

Finally, the Lighthouse of Syros at Gaidouronisi has the oldest rotating beacon of the Aegean Sea. This stone lighthouse was built in 1834 and is about 30 m. high, whereas according to narrations it could be visible even by Smyrni, Asia Minor.

Touch the impressive scenery of Syros

The island of Syros is full of beauty and charm. It is the perfect island to combine a relaxing holiday with easily accessible beaches, culture, and festivals along with the liveliness of Ano Syros and the capital town Ermoupolis.

Most beaches on the island are organized with sunbeds and umbrellas, but they do not have water sports centers. You can also enjoy walking, particularly in the streets of the capital town, Ermoupolis, that distinguishes for the elegant architecture. The countryside of Syros island is great for cycling. There are a couple of bicycle rentals on the island, from where you can rent a bicycle and explore the beaches and villages. The northern side of Syros has dirt roads and is ideal for jeep tours, especially the road to the village of San Mihalis.

Finally, internationally acclaimed festivals are held on Sýros, offering a wide range of choices and covering any taste, e.g. The International Cyclades Music Festival, the Classical Music Festival, the Ermoupólia and the Musical May.

POSEIDONIA OR DELLAGRACIA

Those looking for a small, organized beach with many accommodation alternatives nearby and a cosmopolitan character will certainly love Poseidonia. This sand and pebbles’ beach lies in front of the homonymous holiday resort and attracts yacht owners due to the little port right next to it. The natural ambience is very beautiful with tamarisk trees hanging over the transparent blue water and golden sand. Access to Poseidonia, also called Dellagracia, is quite easy by private or public vehicles or by yacht.

ACHLADI

With “achladi” being the Greek word for pear, it is not by accident that this beach is called like that. The almost round bay at the end of which the beach is located is truly picturesque with its little port full of fishing boats and traditional taverns by the sea. Access to Achladi is easy by car and there is an open parking space behind the beach.

LOTOS

Lotos is a little tranquil sandy beach very close to Kini. It is neither organized, nor does it have a tavern, cafeteria or beach bar. What this beautiful beach offers is serenity and isolation. Tamarisk trees provide natural shade and visitors can also relish a magical view to this gorgeous bay. Nature and tranquility lovers may easily arrive here by car or motorcycle.  

GALISSAS

Competing with Kini for the best sunset on the island, Galissas is a very long sandy beach with transparent waters, attracting a vibrant crowd comprised mainly of youngsters. This is the largest beach on the island (along with Megas Gialos) and it is fully organized, with sunbeds, umbrellas, taverns, cafeterias and water sports facilities. The homonymous village of Galissas is probably the most renowned resort of Syros and offers great accommodation choices, along with a vibrant nightlife.

VARVAROUSA

Varvarousa, Aetos, Lia, Marmari and Grammata are isolated beaches in the northwestern coast of Syros, accessible only by boat or via difficult paths starting at Delfini or Apano Meria. All these beaches are totally isolated and have turquoise waters. Most of them have tamarisk trees that offer natural shade, whereas at Grammata there are also pine trees by the sand. Grammata is also preferred by free campers, whereas Varvarousa attracts sailing yachts. These beaches are hidden paradises indeed.

AMBELA

Ambela is a gorgeous creek in Southern Syros, next to Megas Gialos. This cozy beach has thick dark brown sand and a wonderful view to the endless horizon of the Aegean Sea. Thanks to its orientation, Ambela is protected from northern winds and it has calm, shallow waters, ideal for children. A few picturesque white houses of Cycladic architecture complete the beauty of the landscape, whereas there are also a few palm trees right next to the sand.

FOKIOTRYPES

Fokiotrypes are little creeks at the most eastern end of Syros, formed by rocky hills, pebbles and sand. They are totally isolated and access to this area is possible either by boat or via a path that begins at Azolimnos. The waters here are so clear and the area is so tranquil that a part of the Monahus-Monahus seals population selects Fokiotrypes to deliver its eggs. A swim on these rocky beaches is a truly unique experience.

ARMEOS OR AGIA PAKOU

Surrounded by white rocks and rocky cliffs that form a long U-shaped bay, this beach with turquoise waters is a little paradise on earth. The fact that it is isolated and tranquil even in August explains why it is among the top choices for nudists. Access to Armeos or Agia Pakou is possible via a path which starts at Galissas, climbs over the hill with the homonymous chapel and finally arrives at Armeos. Alternatively, the beach is accessible by boat.

SANDORINIOI

Sandorinioi is a little isolated beach in between Azolimnos and Vari. The landscape is amazing and strangely shaped rocks come out of the sea water; which, chiseled by the waves, are almost white in their lower part and dark grey on the top. Due to its orientation, this beach is protected from the seasonal northern winds, a fact that further enhances the serenity offered to visitors. Access is easy by car/motorcycle.

FABRIKA

“Fabrika” is the Italian word, also used in Greek, for factory as, right at this beach, used to be a factory during the period of the island’s economic prosperity. Fabrika is a little southern beach with very few umbrellas and pretty tranquil. At its one end, there are rocks that create a little shelter for nudists. Next to the beach there are taverns serving fresh fish and seafood. Access is easy by car/motorcycle.

KOMITO

Only 1 km. south from Agathopes, this little organized beach makes visitors almost feel like home. It offers umbrellas and sunbeds, natural shade from tamarisk trees, and the option for water cycling. Komito is never too crowded and its waters are crystal clear. Access to this beach is easy via Poseidonia and visitors may park their cars right behind the beach for free.

MEGAS GIALOS

Megas Gialos is a holiday resort in the southern part of Syros. Its beach is very long, but quite narrow, and has tamarisk trees all along it. Megas Gialos is an organized beach with sand and a few pebbles, also offering the possibility to rent a pedalo and enjoy water cycling. Among the interesting things of Megas Gialos are the high reeds that stop where the sand begins. Around the beach there are taverns and apartments/rooms to let.

AZOLIMNOS

Azolimnos is a picturesque beach on the southeastern part of the island, offering many accommodation choices, taverns and cafeterias. It is an organized beach with thin golden sand and clear waters, which also offers natural shade with its beautiful tamarisk trees. Visitors may arrive here by bus, car/motorcycle, or by boat which they can moor on the little port right next to the beach. Azolimnos is really impressive when it is windy, with huge waves climbing over the port’s docks.

KINI

Kini is the ideal setting for couples looking for a romantic vacation. It has the best sunset on Syros, picturesque taverns by the sea, a little port, and tamarisk trees hanging over the sea. It is quite spacious, with thin sand and transparent shallow waters, whereas it offers various accommodation proposals and water sports. Access is very easy by bus or private vehicle and the taverns here serve fresh fish and seafood, providing travelers with one more reason for choosing Kini.

FOINIKAS

Foinikas is a sandy beach with calm waters at the end of a beautiful bay, which creates a natural shelter against the winds due to its orientation. Visitors here can find anything they may require: tamarisk trees that provide natural shade, sunbeds and umbrellas, cafeterias, water sports facilities, an organized port for yachts and excellent traditional taverns serving local dishes. The area around the beach offers diversified accommodation choices.

DELFINI

This is a very long sandy beach with crystal clear waters, offering visitors umbrellas and sunbeds. The coastal orientation and the beautiful bay around Delfini create a natural shelter, protecting it from the strong northern winds. Although Delfini hosts some taverns and is partially organized, it is a tranquil beach that creates the illusion of an exotic island. Access is easy by car/bus via a dirt road or via a path starting at Kini (20 minutes’ walk).

KYMATA

Kymata, Agios Nikolaos, Taliro and Vangelidi are four beaches located in Ermoupoli, which means that they are directly & easily accessible without having to leave the Island’s capital. They are all small pebble beaches, right next to the center of Ermoupoli. Agios Nikolaos, named after the homonymous church, is the only one of them that is also partially sandy. These beaches are not organized, but being located in Ermoupoli, they offer anything visitors may require.

KOKKINA

With “Kokkina” meaning objects of red color in Greek, it is quite obvious why this beach is called Kokkina. This tranquil little bay, with ruddy brown sand and pebbles, is surrounded by reddish rocks that compose an undeniable wild beauty. Visitors may access this beach by walking down a path from the beach of Foinikas, which lies right next to Kokkina, and should make provisions for water, snacks and mats.

MEGALI AGALI

Gaidaros or Fanari is a little island on the east of Syros, quite close to Ermoupoli. This isolated island is easily accessible by boat from Ermoupoli and many visitors choose to go for a swim on its famous beach Megali Agali, which hosts the oldest rotating beacon of the Aegean Sea built in 1834. The lighthouse is about 30 m. high and it gives a nostalgic note to this tranquil sandy beach with crystal clear waters.

VARI

Agathopes is an organized sandy beach with shallow waters, which is very popular and also offers water sports’ facilities. The beach has a wonderful view to the little islands of Schinonisi and Stroggylo, whereas this blessed narrow piece of land surrounded by sea, hosts beautiful sea lilies. The water is crystal clear and during springtime, the Monachus-Monachus seals deliver their eggs on the golden sand of Agathopes. The beach has a beach bar and taverns, serving delicious local dishes.

AGATHOPES

Ideal for children, this organized sandy beach with shallow waters offers everything a family may require: clear and calm waters, thick sand suitable for building sandcastles and easy access. There is also the possibility for sports, like beach volley and water sports. Along the beach there are sunbeds and umbrellas, and around it there are taverns, cafeterias and multiple accommodation choices.

Protagonist in a multi ethnic gastronomic experience

Local cuisine in Syros could easily be characterized as a multi-ethnic one, therefore it doesn’t come a surprise when people find out that the very first Greek book with recipes was written here, a few years later from the Greek revolution in 1821.
 

Visitors will be surprised to find some of the best places to eat in Syros not only in the Syros’ capital, Ermoupoli, but also in inland villages and picturesque fishing settlements. But certainly these more distant areas are the best places to eat in Syros and, as such, worth the trip!

Among the succulent treats offered in the taverns, visitors shouldn’t miss certain dishes, such as goat meat cooked with capers leaves, octopus cooked with vinegar and dried tomatoes, scrambled eggs, fish with dried capers, fennel pie and Koumbeba Syriani with plums (type of meatballs).

However, apart from the traditional cuisine, Syros, also boasts a selection of high quality local products, such as the hard San Michali cheese made of cow milk, the traditional sweet pastries loukoumia covered in powder sugar and halvadopita – a mixture of meringue, sugar, honey and almonds, “loosa” ham and fennel sausages.

The bars and clubs in Syros Island, are ideal for enjoying a refreshing drink and dancing, but often offer a wonderful view to the sunset or an interesting dining alternative.

THE LUXURIANS offers an exclusive booking service to the best restaurants and bars on the island, based on its fully supported recommendations. The comprehensive ‘little black book’ that we have compiled and update every year, lists restaurants and bars in every spot on the island.

Just lay back and let your personal concierge with first-hand experience make all arrangements on your behalf.
 
 

Octopus with sundried tomatoes

This is truly a gastronomic pleasure, since it combines the strong taste of octopus with the unique taste of sundried tomatoes. The ingredients also include vinegar and/or wine, olive oil, capers, rosemary, thyme and pepper. Other herbs may be added according to personal preferences.

Lousa

This spicy type of cold cut is made throughout Cyclades, with small variations in each island. In Syros, the meat is initially covered in salt for 24 hours and then it gets further seasoned with pepper, cinnamon, cloves and allspice; it is wrapped up in intestine and pressed overnight in order to take its characteristic shape. Then, it is hung for two months in order to dry.

Gouna

Delicious sundried mackerel cooked on the grill. This recipe for salted fish is very conveniently maintained for many years now.

Pork with fennel paste

First the meat is cut into large pieces and sautéed with olive oil in a pot. Then, the onions are added to follow the same procedure as the meat and last the wine, potatoes, fennel paste and salt and pepper, in this order. Finally, we add water and cook in the pot for about an hour. The result is a delicious dish with a distinctive flavor.

Marathopita (fennel pie)

Although this pie has the philosophy of the traditional Greek spanakopita (spinach pie), it is different because apart from crust, olive oil, spinach and onions, it also has sausages cut into rings and fennel. This combination is really amazing.

Fried smelt with onions

This dish is served in taverns by the sea and everyone loves it. It is based on the mixture of the flavors of onions, first boiled in water and then dried in olive oil, and smelt, which is seasoned with salt and pepper and fried after it has been floured.

GENERAL INFO

When to go

Like most Greek islands, Syros is most enjoyable in late spring – when the landscape is still green, the sea has warmed up to feasible swimming temperatures, but the crowds have yet to descend – and early autumn, when the summer hordes have departed and the sea is at its warmest. In both spring and autumn, you can expect attractive prices for villa accommodation compared to summer. But take note – not too late in autumn; after late September many facilities close down and storms do hit.

Climate

The climate in Syros is Mediterranean, which means that the winters are mild and the summers are hot with plenty of sunshine. Syros has about 2,900 hours of sunshine per year and snow is very rare. The average temperature in winter is 12.2°C, while during summertime it is 25.6°C, during spring 16.5°C, and during fall a little above 20°C. The fall is much hotter than the spring and this is why many travelers choose this period in order to visit the island. During the summer, and especially in July and August, the strong northern winds (“meltemia”) make the heat less intense. Finally, there is almost never fog at Syros.

Telephone

The national prefix for Greece is +30 if you are calling from abroad.  All numbers in the capital Athens start with the prefix 210 and are followed by 8 digits (e.g. 210-3227400). The Area Code for Syros is: +30 22810. If you wish to call abroad, you have to start by dialing the other country’s national prefix (i.e. 0049 for Germany, 0044 for England etc.) and continue with the area code and the number where you wish to call.

Currency

Euro € Euro Bank Notes: Are available in 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200 and 500. It is not always easy to receive change for 200 and 500 Euro Notes.

GETTING THERE

By Air

Syros has an airport which is directly connected with the Athens International Airport on a daily basis during the summer. The flight lasts 25 minutes, but travelers need to book their flight early, because there is only one airline on this itinerary. Syros Airport Tel.: +30 22810 81900, +30 22810 87025

By Boat

Syros is connected to Piraeus by boat and high-speed, and to Rafina by high-speed on a daily basis during the touristic period (May-October). The trip from Piraeus lasts about 4 hours by ship and 2.5 hours by high-speed, whereas from Rafina port the trip duration is 1.5 hour.

Moreover, the island is connected by boat or high-speed with all the Cycladic islands and also Crete, Dodecanese, Thessaloniki and Skiathos.   For information on ports and schedules, visit the following links:

  • Hellenic Seaways: www.hellenicseaways.gr
  • G.A. Ferries: www.gaferries.gr
  • Blue Star Ferries Tel: +30 210 8919800
  • NEL Lines Tel: +30 210 4115015

LOCAL TRANSPORTATION

Local Buses

Local transportation is well organized and covers a large part of the island, specifically during the summer. The local bus connects Ermoupoli to Galissas, Foinikas, Poseidonia, Mega Gialos, Vari, Azolimnos, Kini, Ano Manna, Chroussa, Parakopi and Vissa. There are municipal buses that are free. Travelers may get more information from the Municipality of Syros. Tel.: +30 22810 82575

Taxi Service

Taxis are available on the island, and they usually wait in Ermoupoli in front of the Monument of National Resistance. Taxi Services: Tel.: +30 22810 84222, +30 22810 86222

boat

Daily excursions are organized to secluded beaches, and also to top diving destinations, all around the island. These excursions are organized upon request and travelers should consult local travel agencies for information. In addition, there are diving packages that also include accommodation and transportations services.

LOCAL SERVICES

Banks and ATMs

Many banks have branches and ATMs in Ermoupoli, so you will definitely find one to serve your needs. The Greek banks operate from Monday to Thursday from 8am to 2.30 pm while on Fridays they are open for the public from 8 am to 2pm.

Money Exchange

Money can be exchanged in all bank branches.

Post Office

The Greek post office is called ELTA and you can find the main post offices of the island in Hora where there is also a branch of the Hellenic Post Bank. Post Boxes in Greece are YELLOW for normal post, usually with 2 slots for INTERNAL POST (meaning inside Greece) and post for ABROAD. RED Post Boxes are rarer and they are used for URGENT mail. You shouldn’t expect to find such boxes on the island. REGISTERED mail is always handled and given a receipt for at the POST OFFICE. The Post Office in Syros is located in Ermoupoli. Syros Post Office Tel: +30 22810 82590, +30 22810 82596

Police Station

  • Police Station Tel.: +30 22810 96100, +30 22810 96112, +30 22810 96127
  • Municipal Police Tel.: +30 22810 82525

Municipality of Syros

Previously, Syros was divided in three municipalities: Ermoupoli, Poseidonia and Ano Syros. However, these three municipalities have been united into one central Municipality, called the Municipality of Syros, which is located in Miaouli Square.

USEFUL NUMBERS

  • Radio Taxi: +30 22810 84222, +30 22810 86222
  • Syros Port Authority: +30 22810 88888, +30 22810 82690
  • Hellenic National Meteorological service: +30 2109699101-3
  • Elpa (Car breakdown tourist information service): 174

EMERGENCY NUMBERS

  • Police: 100
  • Fire Department: 199
  • Ambulance: 166

Health

Syros Hospital “Vardakeio & Proio”: Ermoupoli, Tel: +30 22810 96500, +30 22810 86666, +30 22810 96523

Pharmacy

There are more than 20 pharmacies in Syros, located in Ermoupoli, Poseidonia, Foinikas, Kato Manna and Talanda.

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