The main port of Syros Island is also its administrative capital and the main Cycladic town. Its neoclassical pastel-colored buildings and its picturesque Old Town give it an aristocratic and elegant look and a European vibe.
It might seem similar to an Italian city because of its colors that differ so much from the traditional white and blue of the other Cycladic towns and villages. Ermoupolis isn’t one of the most famous Greek tourist destinations and it has kept its authentic lifestyle giving its visitors a glimpse of Greek everyday life.
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A Guide to Ermoupolis in Syros
History of Ermoupolis
The name of the city means “city of the god Hermes”, which is rather fitting since Hermes was the god protecting all commercial affairs and Ermopoulis was a thriving commercial port in the past.
The story of the town began in 1822 during the Greek War of Independence when many rebels took refuge on Syros Island to escape the Turkish persecutions. Syros was already home to a catholic community that was protected by the European allies and it represented a safe place where to settle both during and after the war.
The town became more and more important in the maritime trades and it developed a strong industrial sector. It became the second most populated Greek city after Athens in 1856, but it began to lose its prestige towards the end of the XIX century because of the rising of the Piraeus as the main Greek port and the fame of Athens as the cultural centre of the country.
Things to do and see in Ermoupolis
Miaouli Square
The main square is an architectural masterpiece with some beautiful buildings in neoclassical style. The most important ones are the Town Hall and the building housing the historical archive.
Another highlight of the square is the statue of Admiral Andreas Miaouli who was a hero of the War of Independence. Miaouli Square is also the favourite gathering point of locals and a nice place to spend a night out in one of its many restaurants and bars.
Town Hall
It’s the focal point of Miaouli Square with its huge staircase 15m wide. It dates back to 1876 and it represents the golden age of Ermopoulis. It shows 3 architectural styles: Tuscan style on the first floor, Ionic style on the second floor, and Corinthian style in the towers.
Archaeological Museum
It was founded in 1834 and it’s one of the oldest Greek museums. It is housed inside the Town Hall but it has a separate entrance. Opening hours: 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. (closed on Monday and Tuesday)
Apollo Theatre
It was built by the Italian architect Pietro Sampo in 1864. He took inspiration from the famous La Scala theater in Milan and the first show was an opera performed by an Italian company. Address: Vardaka Square.
Vaporia District
The most picturesque area of the city is wrapped around the port and it was the former commercial district of the island. You can still see many ancient mansions that were the residences of local rich merchants.
Agios Nicholaos Church
It is located close to Miaouli Square and it’s a nice Byzantine church dating back to 1870. Inside, don’t miss a silver-plated icon of St Nicholas that was crafted in Moscow.
Resurrection of Christ Church
It overlooks the town and it’s quite scenic. It is not an old church (1908) but it shows a nice Byzantine and neoclassical style.
Dormition of the Virgin Church
A neoclassical basilica dating back to the XIX century and famous for housing a painting by El Greco. Address: 71 Stamatiou Proiou Street.
Industrial Museum
It is housed inside four abandoned industrial buildings and it was intended to celebrate the industrial golden age of Ermopoulis. Address: 11 Papandreou Street. Opening hours: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. (Closed on Saturday and Wednesday).
Cyclades Art Gallery
Located inside a former warehouse, it is both a contemporary art gallery and a space for theatrical and musical performances. Address: Papadaki Street. Opening hours: 9 a.m – 2.45 p.m. (closed from Sunday to Tuesday)
Old Town’s marble alleys
The picturesque small alleys of Ermopoulis still remind us of its flourishing past. For some even more picturesque views, walk to the small village of Ano Syros nearby.
Shopping
The best local souvenirs are traditional handmade jewels, the famous local cheese, and the loukoumia, which are Greek typical sweet treats flavored with rose syrup.
Beaches in Ermoupolis
Ermopoulis has no “real” beaches, but you can still spend some hours sunbathing on:
- Asteria Beach: a concrete platform that can get really busy in summer. It is well equipped and panoramic and there is also a cocktail bar.
- Azolimnos Beach: if you want to explore the nearby areas, you can get to this beach in about 7 minutes by taxi and 15 minutes by bus. It is fully equipped with umbrellas and sunbeds and there are also a restaurant and a bar.
Where to eat in Ermoupolis
- To Archontariki tis Maritsas: a traditional Greek tavern in the heart of the Old Town. Its location is picturesque and authentic. Address: 8, Roidi Emmanouil Street.
- Amvix: the right place to taste some Italian cuisine and eat some pizza at a good value for money. Address: 26, Akti Ethnikis Antistaseos Street.
Where to stay in Ermoupolis
Diogenis Hotel: a 4-stars hotel located close to the port. Its rooms are quite small and not always overlooking the sea. Suitable for a short stay. – Click here for more information and to check the latest prices.
Syrou Melathron: a 4-star hotel in the picturesque Vaporia District and housed inside an XIX-century mansion. It offers some elegant and refined vibes and it’s very close to Astoria Beach.
How to get to Syros
By ferry:
- By ferry from Athens: a daily ferry from Piraeus will take you to Syros Island in about 3h30. You can also bring your car with you. There are two ferry companies taking you to Syros: Blue Star Ferries and SeaJets which ferries can take you to Syros in just about 2h.
- By ferry from other islands: Syros is well connected to Mykonos, Tinos and Paros and the journey takes about 1h.
Click here for the ferry timetable and to book your ferry tickets.
By air:
- From Athens: Syros has a small airport with direct flights from Athens. Flight time is 35 minutes.