Syros, Greece: a guide to the capital of the Cyclades
A neoclassical port town, a hilltop village and easy beaches, two hours from Piraeus by fast ferry.
- Syros is the capital of the Cyclades, lively all year and without Mykonos' crowds.
- Ermoupoli, the Apollo Theatre and Ano Syros are the highlights.
- From Piraeus: about 2 hours by fast boat or 4 hours 20 minutes by conventional ferry.
Syros suits a relaxed few days or a combination with Tinos and Mykonos. There is no kosher food on the island, so plan ahead.
Why visit Syros?
Syros is the capital of the Cyclades, yet most Israelis skip it on the way to Mykonos or Naxos. It is lively all year, with a neoclassical port town, a medieval hilltop village and easy beaches, without the crowds and prices of the famous islands.
Ermoupoli: what to see
- Miaouli Square: the main square, with the impressive Town Hall designed by Ernst Ziller.
- Apollo Theatre: a small theatre modelled on La Scala in Milan, a few steps from the square.
- Vaporia: the town's most beautiful quarter, with seafront mansions and swimming spots.
Ano Syros
A medieval hilltop village above Ermoupoli, with narrow alleys, white houses and a Catholic church at the top. The view over the town and port is one of the best on the island; go up towards sunset.
Syros beaches
| Beach | Best for |
|---|---|
| Galissas | Organised, with tavernas and water sports |
| Kini | A bay with good sunsets and fish tavernas |
| Delfini | Quieter |
| Agathopes and Megas Gialos | In the south, easy and calm |
What to taste
Syros is known for loukoumi (a soft sweet similar to Turkish delight), San Michali cheese and halvadopita, a honey-and-almond wafer. All make good gifts to take home.
A 3-day plan for Syros
- Day 1: Ermoupoli. Miaouli Square and the Town Hall in the morning, the Apollo Theatre, and an afternoon swim at Vaporia. Dinner at the harbour.
- Day 2: beaches. Galissas in the morning, then Kini for sunset and a fish dinner.
- Day 3: Ano Syros. Walk or take a taxi up in the morning, explore the lanes and come down for lunch, then a southern beach such as Agathopes or Megas Gialos.
Syros out of season
Unlike many Cycladic islands, Syros does not empty out in winter. Ermoupoli has thousands of residents, with cafés, shops and restaurants open all year. That makes it a good choice for an autumn or spring weekend, when the sea is too cold for swimming but the weather is pleasant for walking.
How to get to Syros
- By ferry from Piraeus: about 3 sailings a day. High-speed boats (SeaJets) take about 2 hours, conventional ferries about 4 hours 20 minutes. From Syros there are links to Tinos, Mykonos, Paros and Naxos.
- By air: domestic flights from Athens. There is no direct flight from Israel, so fly to Athens and continue.
For booking tips, see our complete guide to ferries in Greece.
FAQ
How do I get to Syros from Athens? By ferry from Piraeus: about 2 hours on a fast boat or about 4 hours 20 minutes on a conventional ferry. There are also domestic flights.
How many days in Syros? Two or three days cover Ermoupoli, Ano Syros and a few beaches. It combines well with nearby Tinos or Mykonos.
Is Syros good for families? Yes. The island is relaxed, Galissas beach is organised, and the town stays lively out of season.
Is there kosher food on Syros? We found no kosher place on the island. The nearest options are KosherMykonos on Mykonos and e-kosher.gr deliveries.
