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Τοποθεσία
Location
Location
Achladi Bay in Vari Cove
Achladi beach, in the south of the island, lies before the village of the same name, which – according to the locals – got its name from the shape formed by the houses [achlādi = pear]. Others say that the name became established when, on seeing the calm waters, visitors cried out: ‘Ach – lādi!’ [Oh, it’s like oil]
Achladi is 8km from the port of Ermoupoli and 6km from the airport. It is a small, sandy beach inside the cove of Vari village. It is easily accessible by bus and car, or even boat, either moored at sea or berthed in the small harbour. It is a great place for sea sports, mostly spear fishing and diving.
A short distance away, in Vari, you will find a mini-market, traditional taverns, cafés, and local bars. A few metres south of the hotel, you can visit the chapel of Agios Alexandros, which is popular for weddings or christenings.
The Island of Syros
The island
A few words about Syros
Syros is a medium-sized island, according to EU categorisation, with daily connections to the mainland by sea and air. Ermoupoli is not only the capital of the island, but also the administrative centre of the Cyclades and the Region of the South Aegean; Ano Syros is the historic capital.
Cultural geography
In Syros, visitors will find the co-existence of the traditional with the cosmopolitan, the Cycladic with the neoclassical, and both Orthodox and Catholic religions. Syros owes its uniqueness to the 19th century, when, for a long time it became one of the greatest ports in the eastern Mediterranean, resulting in it acquiring an aristocratic air and a great tradition for entrepreneurship, art, and culture. Today, it remains a place of culture, and has proved itself to be a worthwhile tourist destination, having earned the nickname of ‘the lady of the Cyclades’.
During the revolution of 1821, refugees settled on the island from Chios, Samos, Kydonies, Rhodes, Psara, and Kasos. Very soon after, Ermoupoli developed into a modern urban centre and the largest industrial and trading centre in Greece, while its inhabitants, mostly traders and cultured individuals, gave their town a cultural radiance unheard of at the time.
Sights
The modern town of Ermoupoli, blessed with wonderful architectural monuments, neoclassical buildings and mansions, majestic churches, and old industrial complexes, clearly demonstrates the glory of the past.
Syros Town Hall
The history of Syros is reflected in the steps and offices of the Ermoupoli town hall. An architectural jewel by the great architect Ziller, it stands emblematically in Miaoulis Square, right in the centre of Ermoupoli. The building was constructed between 1876 and 1891, to a design by Ernst Ziller. Problems that arose during the construction led to changes in the initial plans, which were made by Ziller himself, who ultimately managed to give the town hall a unified form.
The Apollo Theatre
The Apollo Theatre is located in Ermoupoli and is one of the best known theatres in Greece. Ground was broken in 1862, to plans by the architect Pietro Sambo, who was working at the time as the architect of the Municipality of Ermoupoli. The official opening was held on 20 April 1864, with great formality, in the presence of the man who had inspired the construction, Michalis Salvagos. The arrangement of the interior is still greatly admired and was comparable to other European theatres of the time: there were stalls and an orchestra pit in front of the stage, which is 17.5m wide and 9m deep, three rows of galleries, a proscenium arch, and rich marble and painted decoration. The Apollo is related to four Italian prototypes: La Scala in Milan, the renovated theatre San Carlo in Naples, the Castelfranco theatre, and the Teatro della Pergola in Florence. By contrast, the roof-supports follow the French system of the 19th century.
Museums
Syros has several notable museums. The Pancycladic Archaeological Museum, the Art Gallery of the Cyclades, the Industrial Museum of Ermoupoli, the Markos Vamvakaris Museum, the Syros Folk Museum, the Exhibition of Traditional Professions, and the Historical Archive of the Municipality of Ano Syros are just some of these.
Churches
The church of Agios Nikolaos of the Rich 1841 (patron saint of the island and the town). The church of Agios Nikolaos is an Orthodox church on Syros and the patron saint of Ermoupoli, the capital. It is regarded as one of the most important sights on the island.
The metropolitan church of Metamorphosis tou Sotiros [Transfiguration of Christ] was founded in 1824 by the labour of the poor, persecuted refugees from Chios, Psara, etc.
The church of Koimiseos tis Theotokou [the Dormition of the Virgin] 1826-1829. The church is home to the icon of the Dormition of the Virgin, a work by Dominikos Theotokopoulos (El Greco). The icon is a work from 1562-64, and is among the earliest works of Theotokopoulos from when he was 19-22 years old.
The church of Panagia tou Karmilou Orous [the Virgin of Mount Carmel]. The church is located in Ano Syros. As we are informed by an inscription in the window over the main door, it most likely dates from 1640. The current marble facing is the result of repairs that were made in 1824 by Simos Chatzis of Tinos, with likely the only element remaining from the original being the marble statue over the entrance.
The church of Evangelistria. The Catholic diocesan church was built in 1829 on the site of an older church.
San Giorgio . This majestic church was founded in the Middle Ages and was restored in 1834. Worthy of note is the icon that depicts the saint next to his horse (and not on it, which is usually the case), with the dragon dead, and Saint Anthusa at his side.
Achaeological sites
Kastri, Chalandriani, Grammata, Ferekydi Cave.
These are not easily accessible without a guide.
Other sights / locations
1st Gymnasium and municipal clock, the Red House, the graveyard at Agios Georgios, Miaoulis Square, Vaporia, Ano Syros, Apano Meria, Fanari.
Beaches
There are classic beaches, easily accessible, with sand or gravel, on the southern edge of the island. A trip along the public road allows visitors to take a look at them before deciding. Some are completely free; others have sun loungers and umbrellas for rent. There are some more ‘adventurous’ beaches on the northern side of the island, you just have to find them. Getting to these beaches is a great opportunity for hiking, starting from Apano Meria, or by boat from Kini. In all cases, the waters are clean and safe.
Achladi, Aetos, Angatopes, Armeos, Avlaki, Azolimnos, Ampela, Asteria, Delfini, Foinikas, Galissas, Grammata, Gria Spilia, Kokkina, Kini, Komito, Kymata, Lia, Lottos, Marmari, Megas Lassos, Santorinii, Vari, Varbarous, Komito, Megas Gialos, Fabrika.
Gastronomy
Almost all the restaurants on the island operate all year round, to serve both residents and visitors. There are traditional taverns, but also fusion restaurants, and street food. We would like to mention the local ice cream, made with natural ingredients, and the cheese from San Michalis with a PDO designation.
Of course, you can find Syriot Turkish delight and halva pies made by family businesses in many places. Don’t be surprised if you see sellers dressed in traditional costume board your boat to sell these when you are at Syros port.
Night life
Syros is not best known for its night life, but you will find cosy little bars, mostly along the shore in Ermoupoli, and in Piatsa in Ano Syros, but also scattered throughout the coastal villages.
Shopping
Without there being purely tourist shops, Ermoupoli and Ano Syros have created a culture of specialist gift shops, usually selling handmade items of a unique style. In Ermoupoli, you will also find all types of commercial shopping around Miaoulis Square, serving both residents and visitors, with reasonable prices. A walk down Chios Street is a great experience.
Transport
Connections by ferry
The port of Syros is within the town of Ermoupoli and is protected from the strong winds that blow through the Cyclades by its geographical location. There are departures from there every day to the port of Pireaus, and also ships that serve routes within the Cyclades, connecting Syros to the other islands (even the smallest). There are also departures to the Dodecanese as well as to the islands of the north-eastern Aegean.
Connections by air
At a distance of about 3km from the centre of Ermoupoli, there are flights almost every day to and from Eleftherios Venizelos, depending on the season.
KTEL Syros bus service
The bus service started operations in 1946 and today has a terminus opposite the new pier in the port. In summer, the buses run to the villages and beaches of the island every 30 minutes, 24 hours a day. In winter, the service is reduced. The routes are posted on the bus stops, and you can get timetables from the terminus or via the website.
Town buses
From 2003, the whole of Ermoupoli has been served by minibuses that do a circuit of the town from one side to the other. They are free and usually come every 15-20 minutes. In summer, they run late into the night. This way, you can basically leave your car on the outskirts of Ermoupoli and avoid the problems of parking in the town centre.
Other transport
There are taxis based in Ermoupoli that can be used for trips both inside the town and to all the villages of the island. Visitors should know that you can rarely stop them on the road, as there are taxi ranks in Miaoulis Square and Iroon Square, and you can call for a taxi from anywhere without the trip costing extra.
There are also cars and moped for rent, and, in recent years, there have been short cycle routes created and bikes are available for rent.
