Syros (Syra) is the capital of the Cyclades. It lies between Kythnos and Mykonos. Its surface area is 86 km² and it has 30000 inhabitants. It is the most populous island of the Cyclades. It is the administrative, commercial and cultural center of the Cyclades. The main city is built in amphitheater, with neoclassical buildings, old manor houses, marble squares and majestic churches. Syros has a lively harbor all year round.

Syros is also renowned for its production of loukoumia exported all over Greece and the world. In the 19th century, Syros was a large commercial port. The opening of the Corinthian canal gave a sudden halt to this activity for the benefit of Piraeus. Syros was for a time the capital of Greece. It now includes half the Catholics in the country.

The city of Ermoupolis is the capital of Syros Ermoupolis does not have the typical Cycladic form but its buildings belong to the classical romance, with references to ancient Greece and Western Europe. It owes its name to the God of commerce Hermes. Ermoupolis is the main port of the island. Today, Ermoupolis has excellent tourist facilities so that visitors can find everything they need during their holidays: accommodation, restaurants, cafes, bars and nightclubs, and all other tourist services. Ermoupolis has a great artistic and gastronomic tradition.

It is also the birthplace of singer Markos Vamvakaris, a great figure of the Rebetiko, traditional Greek folk music. The churches of Ermoupolis are either Orthodox or Catholic. Miaoulis Square is the center of the capital is Syros, where the town hall is located. The theater ‘Apollon’, which is a miniature of Scala from Milan to Vaporia, Syros Archaeological Museum, Ermoúpolis Industrial Museum, Library and many other public buildings can be visited. The district of Ano-Syros is the oldest. It was built in 1207 under the Venetians. It is separated from the city by 400 steps and offers a maze of Cycladic lanes.

Kini is a small seaside resort with a beautiful sandy beach. From the harbor, you can reach Delphini beach (naturism tolerated) by a hillside path and in 30 minutes’ walk. The trail is fairly easy and the scenery beautiful. Galissas is the most famous resort of Syros. The beach of Galissas is one of the most beautiful and most popular of the island. The northern part of the island, known as Ano Meria is a wilderness area. On the ancient site of Chalandriani, tombs dating from 3000 BC were discovered. Walks provide access to wild beaches.

Do not miss:
The capital Ermoupolis, the villages of Kini, the medieval town of Ano Syros, the beach of Galissa.