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Crete to Syros Island
In the Cyclades
By Katia Luz
Crete to Syros Island
The Greek island of Syros Σύρος is located in the Cycladic
group in the sparkling Aegean Sea. Sitting just 145 km from Athens and
150 km from Santorini, the island is very central to all of Greece.
Getting to Syros from Crete is easy with fast ferries, the total trip is around 7 hours. Sail from Heraklion to Thira, then on to Mykonos. If not staying on one of these fabulous islands, hop on your next ferry from Mykonos to Syros and arrive in time for an early dinner.
Yachts in Ermoupolis Harbour
Σύρος remains an essentially Greek island, with a natural rhythm
of life progressing all year long. Of course, in summer, her beaches and
crystal clear waters draw travellers from around the world.
Crete to Syros Island - Azolimnos Beach
The main town of Ermoupoli Ερμούπολη
, the capital of the Cyclades, has a rich history, her marble streets tell tales of her past wealth.
Below we share some of our favourite places on the island.
Ermoupoli
Ermoupoli Ερμούπολη - is simply a beautiful and vibrant Greek town, a pleasure to visit; full of treasures and surprises.
This is a busy port, for ship-building and commercial activities, as well as passenger ships and leisure craft.
The wide, sweeping bay invites the visitor for the stroll along the foreshore, to experience the sun-filled shoreline before stopping for coffee at one of the many seaside cafes.
Until roughly 1860 she remained one of the leading commercial ports of Greece, busily rebuilding her fleet after the war.
Rising sharply behind the town are two hills, both with a cathedral, looking out over the town. Ermoupoli was built between 1821-1830, as a capital for the newly freed Greek nation after the revolution of 1821.
The Catholic cathedral of St George, dating from 1824, was originally built on the hill of Ano Syros in the 1200s.
For centuries both the Catholic and Greek Orthodox communities lived peacefully together in Ermoupolis. The beautiful Orthodox cathedral of St Nicholas dates from 1870.
Exploring the marble streets of Σύρος will take you to many sweet shops with the delicious loukoumi λουκούμη for which the island is famous.
Syros Island Greece - Central Plateia of Ermoupolis
Enjoy strolling the wide pedestrian streets with fresh fruit markets,
fashion boutiques, home wares and jewellery stores before emerging into
the expansive Plateia Miaouli Πλατεία Μιαούλη crowned by the
impressive town hall Δημαρχείας which dates from 1898, an exquisite
neoclassical building with timeless colonnades.
Syros Island GreeceThe plateia is gracious and stately, surrounded by luscious palm trees
and stylish cafes, this is where the real life of Ermoupolis is lived,
and in the small arcades and lane ways leading off from the lovely
central square.
The Apollon Theatre, not far from the square, was built at the
height of the predominance of Ermoupolis as a political and cultural
capital of Greece, in 1864. Its design by Italian architect Campo is a
smaller version of the beautiful La Scala theatre in Milano.
Crete to Syros Island - Ano Syros
The steep narrow steps of Upper SyrosThe hilltop town of Ano Syros Άνω Σύρος was built by the Venetians in the 13th Century and maintains is medieval atmosphere with tiny steep lanes and Catholic church.
It is well worth a visit to stroll around and look over the whole of Ermoupolis and see the islands of Tinos, Delos, Mykonos, Paros, Andros and Naxos in the distance.
The well-known Rembetiko musician Markos Bambakaris Μάρκος Βαμβακάρης, 1905-1972, was born in Άνω Σύρος and here a museum and plateia are dedicated to his art.
The trick here is to take a taxi to the top and walk down, as the lanes are so narrow, no cars can access Ano Syros.
Before heading down we suggest you visit the wonderful Syrianon Kafepoteio, with views over the whole town, sit, relax, watch the twinkling lights and experience some delicious traditional Greek food.
Dining in Ermoupolis
Syros Island Greece - outdoor tavernaA collection of little lane ways near the plateia has many traditional tavernas and plenty of buzz. Explore amongst Stefanou Street, Emmanouli Roïdi Street and Androu Street.
For atmosphere and the complete traditional taverna experience, relaxing under the shade, try To Petrino and To Sokaki Tis Eftias for excellent food and great service, Syros style.
Another taverna located in the romantic lane ways is Stin Ithaki Tou Ai. Again wonderful, traditional Greek taverna food and service.
Crete to Syros Island
Ermoupolis Hotels & Guesthouses
There are so many lovely places to stay in this stylish capital.
The neo-classical mansions of wealthy traders have been beautifully restored in the Vaporia seaside district.
Getting to and from Syros Island Greece
By Ferry - Σύρος is so close to all the Cycladic islands that it makes island hopping very easy from here. The port is well serviced with many good travel agents who can help you book at ticket.
Getting to Syros from Athens:
From Syros Island Greece to Pireaus, the port of Athens, is a crossing of 3 hours and 30 minutes. The crossing from Syros to Lavrio (via Kythnos and Kea) takes 5 hours and 10 minutes, and the mainland port of Rafina can be accessed via Andros.
Ferry companies operating in these routes include Blue Star, Anek Lines, Aegean Speed Lines and Hellenic Seaways.
Below is an example of the ferry services in the Cyclades, however routes and frequencies will change depending on the time of year. Faster and more regular services run during summer months.
Ferry Athens to Σύρος – many times per day – 3 hours
Ferry to Tinos – many times per day – 40 mins
Ferry to Andros via Tinos - many times per week – 2.5 hours
Ferry to Mykonos – many times per week – 1.5 hours
Ferry to Paros – many times per week – 1 hour 10 mins
Ferry to Naxos via Paros – many times per week – 2 hours
With further journeys you can explore the Cycladic islands of Thira, Ios, Amorgos, Sikinos, Folegandros and Milos.
From Crete, take a ferry from Heraklion to Thira, then to Mykonos and Syros. Many companies service these routes.
By Air – Olympic Airways offers daily flights to and from Syros in summer. Check this during the winter season.
By Yacht – Many different cruising and yacht charters and tours are available. Start with Variety Cruises offering of the exquisite motor yacht Galileo.
Exploring Syros Beaches
The largest villages are Galissas, Finikas, Vari, Mana, Kini and Posidonia. There are hundreds of beautiful beaches all around the island, each with crystal clear waters and a different aspect of the iridescent Aegean Sea.
See our beaches and accommodation page for marvellous guesthouses, pictures and tips about exploring Syros.
"I think of Ermoupoli with great affection; her stylish streets, adorable lane ways, great food and great company on those warm summer nights. Watching the moonlight over the sea, sipping a cocktail and listening to the waves lap on the limani... mmm... unforgettable. My favourite places were the traditional tavernas".
Images of Syros
Here are some more beautiful images of Ermoupoli.
Videos of Syros Island
And here is a wonderful video of the Syros Island Greece including Ermoupolis and Ano Syros.
Below is a trailer for an interesting documentary about the electric car made on Syros Island Greece in 1973, yet how is it that the world has never heard of this?...an interesting tale entwined with this history of this island... the film is entitled 'A Tale of Two Isles' and was released in 2014.
On the Map
See Syros and accommodation tips on the map below.
We trust you have enjoyed these tips from the We Love Crete team. Evíva!
Yiásas!
Anastasi, Apostoli & Katia
are the We Love Crete team
We just love sharing our passion for Crete, Greece and travel
About us Contact Us Kaló taxídi!
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About the Team
Yiásas!
Anastasi, Apostoli & Katia
are the
We Love Crete team
We just love sharing our passion for Crete, Greece and travel
About us
