14 THINGS TO DO IN SYROS ISLAND

Ι didn’t expect that Syros would be so beautiful and I regret not visiting this island earlier! As all say, Syros is absolutely aristocratic and rightfully is the capital of Cyclades island complex. 

Accommodation: Ideally stay in the port / town. You will have so many options not only for food but for nightlife & shopping as well. 

Car: necessary to discover the island.

Transfer: Syros has an airport with usual flights from Athens (duration 30 minutes) The most common though is by ferry in 2-4 hrs from Piraeus port. You can book your tickets here: Ferryscanner.com

14 things to do in Syros island 

1. Walk around & discover the beautiful alleys full of shops in Syros town called Ermoupoli (port is there as well) with many bars & restaurants to have a nice drink or delicious food. Angel’s tip: 2 great restaurants with mediterranean creative cuisine in Ermoupoli are “Mazi” and “Avant Garden” with amazing yards.
   
2. City Hall is undoubtedly one of the most impressive buildings in the island. In front of a huge square with nice coffee shops; it is totally worth a visit.
3. Go to Ano Syros and get lost in the wonderful alleys with beautiful small shops, restaurants and bars. The view is amazing! 
4. Don’t miss a drink in “Theosis bar” in Ano Syros with amazing cocktails and unique names each one.
5. The beaches are not something extraordinary but waters are great & crystal clear. One beautiful sandy beach with waters sports, some umbrellas and a beach bar is “Komito beach“. You can stay till sunset time as it is exquisite! Not much shade at the beach except around the bar are, that’s why go early. Another is “Galissas” and “Kini” beaches . Both sandy, shallow with sunbeds if you want to rent!  But my favorite one was Agathopes beach, mostly because of the amazing beach bar called “ONO” with great drinks & food (a bit expensive). Sandy, shallow with crystal clear waters as well. Angel’s tip: Reservation is a must many days in advance, especially during high season.
   

   ONO beach bar
6. Go for a swim in Ciel Syros – it is more like a pier but the setting is really cool and the bar is close to the city in Asteria area. You can dive from the deck where the “beach” bar with tables & sunbeds are. 
   

   From Asteria beach looking at the port

7. Have a tour with a speedboat in the untouched north west beaches of the island (Agios Stefanos, Armeos, Varvaroussa, Aetos, Lia , Megas Liakos, Marmari, Gria Spilia…) and choose the beach that you want to have a swim. Duration is 5 hours totally and cost 30 euros pp with umbrella and water included usually. Details here and here. 
8. Visit “San Michali” village & eat locally in the restaurants there with gorgeous views. Angel’s tip: Sunset time is ideal. Excellent for dinner during sunset time is restaurant “Iliovasilema” as well (this means sunset in Greek) in Galissas village. 
9. Go for brunch in Armadillo coffee brewery in Ermoupoli, Le Perroquet Tranquille, Plaza All Day Syros and in OKIO cafe bar at the port.
10. For crepes visit “Petit Syros” and for ice-cream “Django Gelato”
11. Visit the small but beautiful Apollon Theater. It is a building of great historic significance, directly linked to the history of the island and its culture. Its design has been influenced by at least 4 Italian theaters: La Scala in Milan (1776); the refurbished San Carlo in Naples (1816), the Academic Theater in Castelfranco (1745); and the Teatro della Pergola in Florence (1755). Open everyday: 10:00 – 14:00 & 18:00 – 21:00 pm.
    

    Apollon Theater

12. Visit the church “Agios Nikolaos”, a magnificent temple located in the centre of Syros town, which is one of the main attractions of the island. It is known as Agios Nikolaos “of the rich”,  to distinguish it from Agios Nikolaos of the poor in Ano Syros.
    

    View from Ano Syros

13. Taste loukoumia from Leivadaras. Loukoumi is a traditional Greek sweet, made of water of course, sugar and starch, along with aromas and nuts. Syros loukoumi is worldwide famous!
14. Taste the amazing food you can find in many restaurants of the island! Especially fish and seafood. Recommendations?

• “De la gracia” and “Meltemi” with local dishes from Syros in Agathopes beach
• the cheap local tavern “Lyse-dese” in the port (not great view but gorgeous tastes in normal prices)
• “To tsipouradiko tis Myrsinis” and “Giannena Grill house” in the capital as well
• “O Mitsos” for meat in Alithini village
• “Achladi” restaurant next to the sea
• “Dyo tzitzikia sta almyrikia” in village Kini: a picturesque seaside fishing village where you can taste local food flavors and aromas in taverns and cafes situated along the small port.

*For more pictures check my highlights on Instagram*

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