Cyclades
Syros
The Cyclades' secret capital — neoclassical grandeur that most tourists sail straight past.
Getting around
Scooter friendly
Cost
€€€
In peak season
Quiet
Best months
May, Jun, Sep, Oct
From Athens
Flight or ferry
In pictures
Syros
Syros is the administrative capital of the Cyclades and arguably the most interesting island in the group for those willing to look beyond beaches. Ermoupoli — built in the 19th century by refugees from Chios and Psara fleeing Ottoman massacres — is a neoclassical port town of remarkable grandeur, with a town hall modelled on the Hôtel de Ville in Paris and the Apollon Theatre (a miniature La Scala opera house) at the top of its main square. The island has a significant Catholic population concentrated in the hilltop neighbourhood of Ano Syros, an unusual piece of religious geography for Greece. The food scene is strong: loukoumades (honey donuts), the local halva made with almonds, and a taverna culture catering to Greeks rather than package tourists. Not a beach island by any stretch, but one of the most genuinely interesting places in the Cyclades.
How it scores
- Beaches
- Nightlife
- Food
- Culture
- Nature
- Family
- Accessibility
- Value for money
The catch
Not a beach island. Travellers expecting Cyclades scenery will be surprised by a busy working town.
Hidden gem
Catch a performance at the Apollon Theatre — a miniature 19th-century opera house modelled on La Scala.
Where it sits
Cyclades, Greece
Syros — frequently asked
- When is the best time to visit Syros? +
- The best months to visit Syros are May to October. It's calm and uncrowded most of the year, so even peak season is workable.
- How do you get to Syros from Athens? +
- Syros has an airport, so you can fly direct from Athens in under an hour or take the ferry (about 4 hours).
- Is Syros good for couples? +
- Syros is a charming pick for couples, especially shoulder season.
- Is Syros good for families with kids? +
- Syros is a great choice for families — calm swims, walkable towns, and short transfers.
- Is Syros expensive? +
- Syros is affordable by Greek-island standards.
- Do you need a car on Syros? +
- A scooter or ATV is the easiest way to get around Syros. Buses cover the main routes but a scooter unlocks the quiet beaches.
- What's the catch with Syros? +
- Not a beach island. Travellers expecting Cyclades scenery will be surprised by a busy working town.