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Syros: the elegant capital of the Cyclades
The back story
About Syros: the elegant capital of the Cyclades
Syros is the elegant surprise of the Cyclades, a lived-in island all year round, with a grand 19th-century capital.
Two hills, two faiths
Syros has two hill towns: Catholic Ano Syros, founded by the Venetians, and Orthodox Vrontado. Below them, refugees from Chios, Psara and other islands founded Ermoupoli during the War of Independence.
A golden age
In the 19th century Ermoupoli was Greece’s main port and industrial centre, with shipyards, banks, a town hall by Ernst Ziller and the Apollon Theatre.
Ermoupoli was once the greatest port in Greece, and it still dresses the part.
Today
Syros is the administrative capital of the Cyclades, lived in all year. Its beaches, such as Kini and Galissas, are relaxed and family-friendly.
Our advice: spend at least two nights; swim in Vaporia; climb Ano Syros at sunset; try loukoumi and halvadopita; and use the excellent ferry links to hop to Tinos and Mykonos.
Why it's on our list
- Read before you go
- Who the island suits
- Our honest advice
Opening hours, prices and seasonal openings change, so please check with Syros: the elegant capital of the Cyclades before you go.