Syros has been inhabited since Neolithic times.
Excavations at Kastri and Halandrani revealed a prehistoric acropolis
and a burial ground of the Early Cycladic period.
Yacht charter Syros – the key to your perfect sailing holiday. Find more about this destination: history, sights, climate, how to arrive info etc. Charter a sailingboat, motoryacht, catamaran or gulet and sail away... Syros awaits you
Location and climate
It is located almost in the middle of the Cyclades, 83 naval miles
from Piraeus and 62 naval miles from Rafina. It is 22 kilometres long
and 9 kilometres wide, with an area of 86 square kilometres. Syros
is administrative, commercial, intellectual and cultural centre of the
Cyclades. The northern mountainous part of the island is named
Apano Meria, while the most of the settlements and beaches are
in the southern part. Apano Meria is perfect for exploration, since
the roads and paths are minimal, the landscape is breathtaking. The
southern part of Syros has excellent roads that connect all the villages
with Ermoupoli, the capital and main harbour of the island.
Syros has a typical Mediterrenean climate, characterized by sunny
and hot summers and mild winters with infrequent but heavy rain.
History and sights
Syros has been inhabited since Neolithic times. Excavations at Kastri
and Halandrani revealed a prehistoric acropolis and a burial ground
of the Early Cycladic period. Legend has it that the first inhabitant,
Coeranus (‘’Lightning’’) came to the island riding a dolphin after his
ship had sunk.
In the 6th century BC, Syros flourished. After the Persian Wars, Syros
became ally of Athens. In subsequent times, it was ruled by the
Macedonians, the Romans and the Byzantines.
The island rose to prominence at the end of the Ottoman period. At
that time, Ermoupoli became the main port and commercial centre
of the Eastern Mediterranean. During the Greek War of Independence,
Syros remained neutral, though it provided shelter to refugees. After
the war, it continued to prosper.
Its decline began when oil replaced coal as the fuel for ships and the
island was no longer needed for refueling stop.
Today
This administrative centre of the Cyclades provides great combination
of untypical architecture for the area, natural beauty and famous
Greek hospitality. The proximity to Athens and a considerable number
of tourist amenities, make Syros an attractive destination.
It has population of roughly 25 000, half of which is Catholic. Its
economy is doing well enough for people not to be too desperate for
tourism, and that is the main reason why Syros is the administrative
centre of the Cyclades.
How to arrive?
By plane
The closest airport for charter flights is on Mykonos. There are also
daily flights from Athens airport.
By car or bus
There is a good bus service around the island connecting all the
settlements. Taxis, car and motorbike rental are also available.
By ship
There are several ferries from Piraeus and Rafina. Connections with
Tinos, Mykonos, Paros, Naxos, Ios, Santorini, Sikinos, Folegandros,
Amorgos, Astypalaia,Ikaria and Samos.