Syros Car Hire

Guide to Syros

Geography

Syros is the second most populous city on the Peloponnese peninsula, behind Patras, and the major city of the homonymous administrative area. It is the regional unit's capital and main port, located along the Nedon River near the mouth of the Messenian Gulf.

Climate in Syros

The climate of Syros is Mediterranean, with moderate, rainy winters and dry, scorching summers. In the winter, Syros has a high number of precipitation days. If you want to soak up some rays, the ideal time to visit Syros is between June and August. August is the warmest month of the year, with an average daily high of 33°C and a low of 19°C.

Culture

Syros used to be one of Greece's wealthiest cities, playing a key part in all of the country's major historical events. It was known as "Kalamai" or "Fares" in Homer's day and was located on the lower Taygetus. The medieval fortress erected by Guillaume II de Villehardouin, built in the 13th century, towers above the city. The "Kalomata" (beautiful eyes) Virgin Mary is honoured in a Byzantine shrine located within the structure.

Syros's International Dance Festival is the biggest in Europe and boasts theatrical performances, concerts, and a vibrant cultural scene. This has made it a contender for the European Capital of Culture in 2021.

Things to do in Syros

Explore the gorgeous capital city of Ermoupolis

Some of Greece's most striking Neoclassical architecture may be seen at Ermoupolis. As a reminder of the days when Syros was one of Greece's most significant ports, several of these palatial houses can be seen along the seafront promenade. Lower Ermoupolis, where the Orthodox live, and higher Ermoupolis, where the Catholics predominate, are the two separate halves of the city. Platia Miaouli, a major plaza in a pedestrian area adorned with bougainvillaea and palm palms, is known in Greek. Visitors may sample some of the island's greatest cuisines and have a late breakfast or a drink at one of the many cafeterias in the area. The Archaeological Museum of Syros, which has artefacts from Syros, Paros, and Amorgos, is also located here.

Go beach hopping

You can’t come to Syros and not indulge in the world-class beaches. Start at Galissas, the island's largest beach. Its powder white sand and calm, kid-friendly seas make it perfect for families. At Agathopes Beach, you can go for a swim or take advantage of the diving facilities in the vicinity, where you may get a glimpse of Syros' fascinating underwater world. Natural beauty and white beach lilies bloom on the sand at the beach. Azolimnos Beach is also perfect for a peaceful swim and unique underwater adventures. There are several diving facilities and fish taverns on the beach, as well as pristine waterways. Azolimnos, a charming settlement on the island, is also an excellent spot to stay.

Admire the aesthetic neighbourhood of Vaporia

Vaporia is Ermoupolis' most attractive neighbourhood. Here, you’ll find Neoclassical mansions, cobblestone walkways, and beautiful arches. The church of Saint Nikolas, Ermoupolis' patron saint and one of two churches visible as the boat approaches the island, is placed just in front of Vaporia, which means "ship" in Greek. The churches in Vaporia have carved marble balconies in a variety of colours. Some of the structures built immediately on the port's edge have amazing wall paintings or murals on the ceilings and walls. These mansions were once held by affluent ship owners and captains of Syros, making it the city's wealthiest district.

Eating out in Syros

Agathopes Beach's De La Gracia restaurant is an open-plan, light and airy establishment. A laid-back atmosphere and superb seafood make this restaurant a must-visit. If you're a fan of seafood, go for a bottle of chilled, crisp white wine. Speaking of wine, Dr Wine focuses on wine, but there's also a restaurant that serves some of the best dishes in town. This is a casual restaurant with a view of the ocean, and the food is modern and fresh.

Hidden in an alleyway near Ermoupoli's Miaoulis Square, Mazi's "hidden garden" appearance entices visitors from both the inside and outside. Many of the meals on the menu have competing tastes, which, despite how it may seem on paper, really combine rather well. There is a fair selection of Greek wines, with a strong emphasis on Greek-owned brands.

Syros Transport

Airport

The airport (Syros Island National Airport/JSY) is barely 2 kilometres from Ermoupolis.

Getting around Syros

When visiting Greece and its islands, the most common and convenient mode of transportation is the ferry. For those coming from Athens, there are two ways to get to Syros: either by ferry from Lavrio or Piraeus, Greece's busiest port. Within the main island, many visitors also opt to hire a car to get around the city more flexibly and comfortably.