From the very first moment the visitor arrives at Hermoupoli port, the first trade port of Greece, he/she discovers the noble character and elegance of Syros. A walk in the island’s capital is never enough. Built amphitheatrically, with impressive churches and traditional settlements, it is a destination of its own. The majestic neoclassical buildings and the wellpreserved mansions of the last century gain admiration and fill one’s eyes with unforgettable pictures.
Worth visiting, is the impressive Town Hall at the bustling Miaouli square, with the statue of the cognominal hero, the music platform and the caf.s, the aristocratic district Vaporia, the Archaeological museum, one of the earliest archaeological museums of Greece. It was founded in 1834-35 and is housed at the Municipal Hall. A visit to the Municipal Library of Hermoupolis which is housed at the ground floor of the Cultural Center, a beautiful neoclassical building of the 19th century is necessary. Also, do not miss visiting the Apollo Theatre, which constitutes the symbol of the economic and cultural progress of Hermoupoli, in the mid19th century. It is one of the earliest indoor theatres of the late years, and one of the most impressive architectural ornaments of Syros; it lies behind the central Miaouli square, at Vardaka square.
In Ano Syros, walking on the central paved narrow street, one finds the Markos Vamvakaris square. Here, one can see the bust of Vamvakaris, the “patriarch” of Greek music, his bronze bouzouki and the necessary inscription “Here was born and spent the first years of his life the great teacher, master of folk song and of Rebetiko music”. Enjoy a stroll in the picturesque narrow streets of Ano Syros, a medieval settlement. Rambling narrow streets, stairs and buildings attached to each other. No vehicles are allowed in the medieval settlement. Here you can discover the Capuchin Monastery with the St. Ioannis church, built in 1635, the Jesuit Monastery with the Church of Panaghia Carmelos, built in 1581. In addition, the visitor may also visit one of the old windmills and the only orthodox churches in Ano Syros, Holy Trinity and St. Nicolas, the Poor.
For swimming, look for the organized beach of Poseidonia, the Phoenicas, and over Hermoupoli the golden beach of Galissas with sea sports, or Kini. Also, the Azolimnos beach, south of Hermoupolis, a wonderful sea shore with tavernas and a view of Tenos. Equally good choices for swimming are the beaches of Vari, isolated Fabrica, and Megas Yalos.
