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Facts
Syros measures has an area of 24 square kilometers and is nearly 22.5 km long at its longest point. The coastline features a wide range of beaches and coves, it is the eleventh largest of the Cycaldic islands, the most populated and one of the most accessible with regular ferry and air services. The port of Hermoupolis at the Eastern side of the island is reached by ferry from Piraeus, the port of Athens.
Nearby islands include Mykonos, Tinos, Andros, and Naxos. Multiple sailings to the other Cycladic islands make Syros an ideal base for your Greek Island adventures.
The northern part of Syros is mountainous, with ¬Ýthe southern part being flatter with more cultivation, and the more popular villages and beaches.
The highest point is Mount Pirgos at 442 meters. The climate is mild and temperate dry mediterranean. There is a permanent population of around 19870 residents, according to the 1991 census.
The name syros may be derived from the Phoenecian word ’Äúousyra’Äù (prosperous) or ’Äúsyr’Äù (rock)
Activities
Boating, diving, children’Äôs playground, evening at Miaoulis square, cafes along Hermoupolis harbor, hiking, cheese tasting, visiting weaving at monastery, tasting local confectionary including halva and turkish delight.
Getting to Syros
Passenger Ferry:
There are departures from Piraeus several times a day. You need to buy a ticket before you get on the ferry from a travel agent or ferry office (this ensures ferries are not overcrowded). We recommend arriving at least an hour before the sailing to get a good seat as most sailings do not have reserved seating. There are older ferries and fast catamarans. The older ferries takes about four hours and offer the advantage of open upper decks so you can get wonderful views during your trip and an ideal way to escape the cigarette smoke. They are also cheaper than the fast ferries. The Ithaki is one of the newest ferries on the Syros run and is very nice.
The high speed or fast ferries are more comfortable, newer, and take only two hours. Note that they do not have outer decks, so you cannot enjoy the views quite as well.
Ferries for Syros leave from Piraeus, the port of Athens. You can reach Piraeus by s new train (set up for the 2004 Olympics). You can also catch a cab, but make sure the cab is on the meter and the meter is on fare 1 not 2 (which is for night from midnight to 5am)
Air:
From Athens International Airport, you can be at Syros Island in 30 minutes by air. Flights are usually three times per week, more often at peak season, and less in off-season. You can find flights on many of the main online travel sites, including sidestep.com, the airport code for syros is JSY.
It is very convenient if you can arrange your international flight to arrive approximately two hours or more before the syros flight, you then have plenty of time to clear customs and check in for your syros flight, and will easily and quickly arrive on the island. Note that checking in can seem a little different - there are really no ’Äúlines’Äù - don’Äôt panic - just wait for your island to be called then politely work your way to the front of the group. You may need to loudly indicate your island to get to the counter. ¬Ý
Car Ferry:
Driving in Athens
Driving in Athens is chaotic so we recommend that you rent a car on Syros instead of in town. Rates are comparable and you save the price of the car on the ferry. Guests at Villa Abela may be eligible for ¬Ýa discounted rate for car rental.
Car Rentals
A rental car is an ideal way to explore Syros. There is also a round island bus, which stops approximately ten minutes walk from the villa. As a guest at Villa Abela, a discounted car rental rate may be available to you. Please contact the Greek manager for details.
Where to Eat on Syros
We have a selection of local tourist guides and cards from our recommended restaurants for you at the Villa.
History
Syros has a fascinating history and you will find a range of excellent books on the subject at the villa. Highlights include:
  1. -¬ÝSyros is mentioned in Homer’Äôs Odyssey - he mentions two towns: Posidonia and Finikas
  2. -The Phoenicians were the first inhabitants on the island
  3. -Traces of human life from the Bronze age (4000-3000 BC) have been excavated
  4. -Excavations near Kastri and Chalandriana have uncovered graves and cultivated settlements from the Early Cycladic period (3000 BC)
  5. -The Syros-Keros civilization flourished from 3000-2000 BC.
  6. -Syros was a member of the sea alliance that preceded Athens, during which time the philosopher Pherkydes (who taught the Pythagorus and invented the heliotrope) lived on Syros in a cave in Ano Meria
  7. -Due to threats from Pirates, many early settlements were built on fortified hillsides, such as the Ano Syros area
  8. -Over the centuries, Syros has been invaded by the Phoenicians, Cretans, Ionians, Athenians, Romans, Byzantines, Venetians, Franks, Turks, and Germans
  9. -The venetian influence is still seen today, particularly in the medieval town of Ano Syros and its towering church dedicated to St George
  10. -Syros reached the height of its prosperity after the Greek revolution in 1821, when many immigrants moved to Syros after revolting against the Ottomans
  11. -These immigrants created the city of Hermoupolis, which flourished until the second world war and is one of the few neoclassical towns of Greece. It features impressive marble mansions, streets paved with flat stone, narrow streets giving way to large squares and beautiful monuments.
  12. -The impressive town hall, situated on the impressive Miaouli square, also includes a small museum. The town hall was built between 1876 and 1898 and designed by the famous Bavarian architect Ziller. it is considered the most magnificent town hall and the one of the finest neoclassical buildings still standing in greece.
  13. -Miaouli square features many coffee shops and restaurants shaded by palm trees
  14. -The Apollon theater is similar to the famous Milan Skala.
  15. -The cultural center features high painted celiings, chandeliers, and a broad marble staircase.
  16. -The church of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary features a famous El Greco icon.
  17. -Syros is enjoying a renaissance. It is the capital administrative center of the Cyclades and is still an important shipyard, tourist, and cultural center. Hermoupolis is often described as the ’ÄúParis’Äù of Greece for its sophisticated nightlife, shopping, and historical beauty.
Events
  1. -January 6: Fota (The Epiphany) Orthodox ceremony at the old port, during which the waters are ceremonially blessed
  2. -Apokries: Includes historic themed costume party and parade in Ano syros
  3. -Clean monday: First day of Lent, koulouma celebration at the Lazaretta is a time for feasting, dancing, and flying kites
  4. -June 29: St Peter’Äôs Day. In Kini, a catholic liturgy is performed along with panygiri celebration on the beach with free wine and kakavia (fish soup)
  5. -July through September: Hermoupolis festival: A rich and varied program of cultural events featuring known and upcoming artists and performers from Greece and worldwide. Most events are free.
  6. -July: Nautical week celebrations.
  7. -Second Sunday in July: Vari: Festive reception for summer visitors
  8. -July 25-26: Panygiri of Agia Paraskevi celebrated in Alithini - on day before thousands of pilgrims visit the historic monastery. There is a wonderful view from here.
  9. -August: Musical evening and swimming contest hosted by the Positania municipality
  10. -August 15: Feast of the Virgin Mary. Celebrated at the Church of Koimisis (the assumption). You can see an icon painted by El Greco in this church.
  11. -August 23: Day sacred to the Virgin Mary: Boats and people attend litany dedicated to the Virgin of the Sea, includes fireworks at Megas Gialos (next bay to Abela)
  12. -August 28 to 29: Panygiri celebration at the blue Orthodox Church of Ai Yianni in Delagratzia,
  13. -Last day in August: Celebration at Agios Stefanos (St Stefans) in Galissas (travel by boat from Galissas)
  14. -December 6: Panagyri celebration of the island’Äôs patron, Agios Nikolaos (St Nicholas)
  15. -Christmas Season: Celebrated with many traditions
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Syros, Greece
Names: Syros
Closest International Airport: Athens (ATH), with flights to Syros (JSY)