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Table of Contents:
NOT SO ANCIENT.
SHOULD-SEE SYROS.
VILLAGES.
Syros, sometimes called the Dutchess of the Aegean, has two faces, one cosmopolitan and the other traditional. It also has two nicknames, as some call it Little Venice.
The island’s capital and largest town is Ermoupolis. The town is also the capital of the Cyclades, many of which lay in a circular path around Syros.
On a clear day, you can see the southern tip of Tinos, 18 miles to the northeast. On a very clear day, and from higher up, you can see Mykonos 29 miles to the east. Paros is 32 miles to the southeast.
Ferries, especially in summer, connect all of these islands.
Like almost every Greek island, it has more archeological sites than Mykonos. But it does not have ultra-expensive, ultra-luxury resorts.
This is a Greek Island that does not try to pass itself off as an International playground. Here, you will find small villages with OK beaches. You will see locals in traditional clothing, not the latest Paris styles.
Ancient Syros History.
The history of people on Syros goes back more than 9,000 years.
Supposedly, Homer, who dates from the 9th or 8th century B.C., referred to Syros as “Syrie”.
It is believed that the Phoenicians named the island, possibly from the Phoenician word Ousoura, which means happy, or from the word Syr, which means rock.
During their constant moving and exploring, the Phoenicians settled on Syros circa the 7th century B.C. Traces of ancient Phoenician settlements have been found on Agia Pakous hill near Galissas on the west coast. But as always, the Phoenicians moved on.
In the 6th century B.C., Syros was occupied by the Samians from the island of Samos off the Turkish coast. It is unclear when or why the Samos’ inhabitants moved to Syros. Was it to avoid conflict on their island or for other reasons? During this period, the physician and philosopher Pherecydis was born on Syros. Some say he later traveled to Samos and became Pythagoras’s teacher. Others attribute the first sundial to him. He is a bit of a mystery.
The Early Bronze Age (circa 3000–2100 B.C.)
This saw the people from the mainland reaching the islands of the Cyclades. During this period that the hilltop settlement of Kastri is settled on the island’s northeast coast. Archaeologists have dated items from the site to 2450-2300 B.C. The site itself may date to 2800 B.C.
Kastri is, to date, one of the earliest settlements in Greece that had stone walls and round bastions. The few remaining foundations within the walls indicate that the houses shared interior walls and were similar to row houses. Estimates put the population at around 300 people at its peak.
Near Kastri are a few remains of Chalandriani (Halandriani), a second prehistoric settlement. Little has been uncovered around the small church of Virgin Mary of Chalandriani.
The Cycladic Period.
The period between 3,000 B.C. and 1900 B.C. is called the Cycladic civilization.
Near Chalandriani are the small remains of the west cemetery of Chalandriani. Many of the tombs in the cemetery date from approximately 2,700-2,300 B.C.
The Ionians, classical Greeks from the west coast of modern-day Turkey, settled on many of the Cycladic islands. During this period, they built the original (ancient) town of Ermoupoli.
Syros in the Classical Period.
Between 510 B.C. and 323 B.C., Syros belonged to the Athenian Alliance for protection but stayed predominantly autonomous. By 338 B.C., the Greek city-states were so busy infighting amongst themselves that they overlooked an approaching threat from the north, King Philip of Macedon.
Philip’s takeover is quick. The Cyclades came under the rule of the Macedonians, but as long as they paid their fees, they were left alone. Philip’s focus was on the mainland.
It remains much the same under the rule of Philip’s son, Alexander the Great. (336 – 323 B.C.)
Hellenic Period (323 – 31 B.C.)
When Alexander’s generals split up the empire after his death, islands became more important. They all build navies to protect what they have and to conquer what they don’t. Many Greek ruins on Syros seem to date from this period. They include pieces of an ancient theatre, an ancient temple near Grammata, and fragments of a temple near Alithini. Bronze coins dating from the Hellenistic Times have been found with Syros markings on them.
Less Ancient Syros.
When the Roman (Catholic) and Eastern Roman (Byzantine) Empires split circa 395 A.D., most of Greece sided with Constantinople. For the next 800 years, the islands pretty much ruled themselves, sending taxes to their landlords, who paid Constantinople.
The shipping lanes to and from Constantinople and Alexandria became big business for the Republic of Venice and the Republic of Genoa. Constant power struggles occurred at sea and over ports along the shipping lanes. The ships full of treasure soon attracted pirates. Later, the ports full of treasure became targets.
As sea attacks continued to increase, inhabitants left the seaside towns to move to the safer mountains.
When the Byzantine capital was sacked by the Pope’s army at the beginning of the Fourth Crusade in 1204, Greece, including the islands, had new rulers. The Franks divided the former Byzantine Empire into war prizes.
Venetian Syros.
Marco Sanudo, the nephew of the Venetian doge, swoops in and eventually claims all of the Cyclades except Mykonos and Tinos. He rules the Duchy of the Archipelago from his base in Naxos.
William, Prince of Achaea, took control of many of the islands circa 1248. He lost them to the forces of the renewed Byzantine Empire by 1270. The Byzantine revival was short-lived and over by 1310.
Circa 1317, a group of private soldiers calling themselves the Catalan Company raided the remains of the Archipelago Duchy. Records indicate that circa 1383, the Crispo family overthrew Sanudo’s heirs and claimed the Duchy of the Archipelago. The Dutchy is already battered, and under the Crispo dukes, it crumbles even more. Piracy becomes a major problem in this part of the Aegean.
By 1451 A.D., Venice had overtaken Genoa and had control of much of Greece. It will hold on to most of the islands for the next 100 years until a new threat arrives from the east.
Syros and the Ottomans
The Ottoman sultan, Suliman, invaded Constantinople in 1453, bringing an end to the Byzantine Empire.
By the early 1500s, the waters of the Aegean were full of pirates, many paid by the sultan to attack ships carrying treasures to and from Venice and other non-Ottoman ports. Circa 1522, Barbarossa claims Syros as a safe harbor for his ships.
By 1537, they had taken most of the mainland of Greece and Peloponesse.
By 1566, most of the Greek islands were under Ottoman rule. Like most islands, Syros is of little interest to the Ottomans. They established a small garrison of Ottoman soldiers on the island but left the local government responsible for governing and collecting taxes for the Ottomans. In fact, the Cycladic islands and the Ottomans get along well. As long as they pay their taxes, the Ottomans offer reduced taxes and religious freedom. The Greek Catholics were allowed to continue their religion under the protection of France and Rome.
Why not Greek (Eastern) Orthodox? During the Venetian occupation of Syros, they established a Latin (Roman Catholic) bishopric, which reported to the Latin Archbishopric of Athens.
From the second half of the 17th century until the overthrow of the Ottomans circa 1821, the Aegean region saw a general improvement in its economy. With the abolition of pirates, ports opened, and all the islands had healthy trading industries.
Syros in the Greek War of Independence.
In 1821, what will become the Greek War of Independence began in the Peloponnese. When it spreads to the islands, Syros does not immediately jump on the bandwagon. Due to its geographical position and special social, religious, and institutional conditions with the Ottomans, the Syriots were not anxious for change. The island takes a stance of neutrality and becomes a sanctuary for Greek refugees from Asia Minor, the Dodecanese islands, and other places.
When the newly founded First Hellenic Republic became official in 1827, Syros was part of it. In 1834, the Republic became the Greek Kingdom.
Mariners and tradesmen flocked to the island, giving it a new dynamic, along with a demographic and economic boost.
The New Ermoupoli.
Syros’ prosperity between 1822 and 1865 led to the city’s rebirth in a Neoclassical style. The City Hall, the Apollo Theatre (a miniature version of Milan’s La Scala), the main library, the hospital, and even Miaoulis Square reflect this building boom. The Transfiguration of the Saviour and Diocese of Syros began construction in 1824.
The town of Ermoupoli rapidly became the leading port of Greece, linking Western Europe and the Eastern Mediterranean.
Ermoupoli had a Commercial Court of Law, one of the first post offices in Greece, shipping and insurance brokerages, and more. Cultural amenities included the first public school and a library, an art gallery, museums, social clubs etc.
Greeks from other parts of the Mediterranean began immigrating back to the islands. Soon, Greek Orthodox outnumbered the Catholics on Syros.
Another major construction from circa 1834 is the Lazaretto quarantine hospital (now abandoned), a stone building complex sitting on the south end of the harbor. It began as a quarantine space for travelers arriving from Turkey and Egypt. This was due in part to many Cholera outbreaks. It would grow in size and importance and soon become the main hospital for all the islands in the area.
Later, it would serve as a jail, then Greece’s largest sanitarium, until it closed in 1974.
However, despite their efforts, in 1854, cholera and a series of other epidemics reached Syros. The effect on the population was swift and devastating. It lead to the building of orphanages, poorhouses, and a mental hospital.
Syros’ Big Metal Elephant in the Middle of the Harbor.
Due to its large protected bay, the port of Ermoupoli has always been a place for shipbuilding and refitting. Many boats used in the Greek War of Independence were built on Syros.
The docks, floating docks, and numerous metal cranes rising over them belong to the Neorion shipyard.
The company began as a support group for the “Greek Steamship Company” circa 1861. In addition to building ships, they produced pumps, engines, boilers, and other heavy equipment.
“Neorion” (an Ancient Greek word for a facility that builds or repairs ships) was adopted In 1898.
As sailing gave way to steam, Syros began losing importance as a port. Ships could make more direct and quicker runs, no longer needing to reprovision in Syros. With the growing demand for steamships, Syros shipbuilding became even more important to the economy.
The World Wars.
The island of Syros was not in the middle of things during the First World War but sent its youth to fight.
After the war, many Syriots left Syros to try and find a better life in Athens, which was booming.
Syros did not do as well in the 2nd World War. The Italian/German occupation was brutal, and the locals suffered from hunger as the Germans ate all of the produce and livestock. They buried the dead in communal tombs instead of individual graves.
The shipyard was a major target for the Allied. By the war’s end, the shipyards, docks, and many important buildings were destroyed.
Right after the War, Syros again found many of its youth heading to Athens for better opportunities. By the 1970s, there were only 13.500 inhabitants on the island.
Syros Today.
Syros is the administrative center of the South Aegean region, one of Greece’s thirteen administrative regions. It administers to all the Cyclades and Dodecanese islands. Public services employ a large portion of the population.
Agricultural production is big in the south end of the island and, along with stock breeding is a major addition to the economy.
The shipyard is still a major employer. The island has a commercial airport as well as a busy seaport.
Tourism is steadily growing. Until a few years ago, it was predominantly Greeks vacationing here. There are more and more non-Greeks with each passing year.
The island now has a healthy number of lodging choices, from hostels to luxury boutique hotels. Many are still seasonal.
What is in Syros for me?
See & Hear.
Unfortunately, Syros does not have amazing ancient temples and agoras to visit. However, it has mesmerizing architecture to explore. The pedestrian streets of Ermoupoli and Ano Syros are captivating and not as congested as Mykonos or Santorini.
Syros attracts the arts. In the summertime, it is almost impossible not to stumble across a music or dance event. Rebetiko, known as the “Greek blues,” began in the medieval town of Ano Syros.
Another option is to sit in any of the numerous tavernas across from the harbor, listening to life happening all around you.
Taste & Smell.
You will not find frozen food or chain restaurants on Syros. Most islanders grow their own food, especially vegetables.
And they make their own wine and olive oil. A dinner is an experience, not a timed event.
Feel.
There are no cruise ships or charter 747s hemorrhaging hundreds of frantic tourists trying to do everything in 5 hours. The full-service beaches can get crowded, but there are many that are quiet. All of Syros’ beaches meet Blue Flag standards for safety and cleanliness.
Contemplating your day overlooking the bay from Ano Syros, or the day you spent at the beach.
There may be better ways to end your afternoon, but this one doesn’t suck.
Should See Syros.
Syros has a small commercial airport with numerous flights from Athens, but I prefer to arrive by sea.
Not only does the sea air help you to start throttling back, but the views of the town along the cliff are stunning.
Ermoupoli
This is the main town, port location, airport, and most of the population.
Syros Port.
Starting at the east end of town is the pier/breakwater separating the harbor from the sea. A walk to the end offers great photos of the town with Ano Syros above it or to watch the boats coming and going.
Unknown Sailor Square.
This memorial garden, adjacent to a public parking lot, is home to a monument by John Buchanan honoring the Greek seamen. Other sculptures in the park include The Solar Watch, an oversized sculpture of a sundial. Pherecydes of Syros (6th century B.C.) is thought to have created the first sundial.
Customs House.
The elegant two-story marble building was first built in 1860 as the first building you come to when arriving by sea. Unfortunately, it, like most of the harbor, sustained serious damages from the bombings of WWII. The building you see today is a copy based on the original drawings. It still operates as the customs house, so please admire it only from the outside.
Gallery of the Cyclades.
Just north of the Customs House are two rows of buildings that used to be warehouses dating from circa 1834. At one time, there were 14 warehouses storing goods from all over the Mediterranean. Today, four of the storehouses make up the Gallery of the Cyclades. This public space hosts exhibitions, mainly during the summer months. There is also a small theater for lectures, plays, and concerts.
Lazareta.
At the south end of the port, on the left, as you sail in, are a few remains from bygone days in the Lazareta neighborhood.
Eastern Telegraph Company Building.
On the waterfront, this two-story building represents the cable history of the Greek Islands. starting with the first submarine cable between Syros-Piraeus in 1859. This building would eventually link to most of the Aegean Islands and the Turkish mainland. At its peak, it was the base of the largest telegraph company in Europe. Today, the building, much of which was rebuilt after World War II, sits empty, begging for a telegraph museum.
Mnimio Filakon – Lazaretto Quarantine Hospital ruins.
Just above the Telegraph building are the ruins of the quarantine hospital. This sprawling site is a ghost of its former self. Although they finally gave it historical status, there are no plans to restore it. The ruins appear to have some “temporary” tenants in the portions where the roof is not caved in.
Syros Airport.
On a plateau above the Lazareta area is the airport. Numerous flights connect the island with the Athens airport, approximately 35 minutes flying time to the north. (The fast ferry is approximately 2 hours +) All flights to the Greek Islands connect through Athens.
Industrial Museum of Ermoupolis.
Just west of the Lazaretto area, while driving into town, is this small but interesting museum for those interested in industry. The museum is in an old tannery building and shows Syros’ history from an interesting angle. The museum is a block west of the Platia Iroon roundabout.
Syros Textile Museum.
Just off Ir. Politechniou, down a narrow alley across from the supermarket, is (supposedly) a textile museum in a restored textile factory. I have never found it open, and the neighbors seem to know little about it. It may offer visitors a journey back in time through the stories of the workers in the Hermoupolis factories during their 140 years in business.
Downtown Ermoupoli (Hermes’ town.)
The north end of the harbor has a paved promenade along the waterfront. A street with two names, Aktí Papágou on the west and Coast Petrou Ralli on the east, separates the promenade from the endless rows of cafes. Behind the cafes are the endless souvenir shops and travel agencies.
The streets change names where they meet at El. Venizelou. This impressive marble street leads away from the waterfront and is one of only a few allowing vehicle traffic.
National Resistance Monument.
Where El. Venizelou meets the promenade is this bronze statue of a winged Nike goddess on a marble base. It is dedicated not to the soldiers of the War of Greek Independence but to the soldiers, armed and unarmed, who fought against the German/Italian occupation of Greece during World War II. It makes a great meeting place or starting place for a walking expedition.
Miaouli Square.
At the north end of El. Venizelou is this lovely square. There has been a square here since 1847 on the site of an earlier orchard. The current name comes from a hero of the Greek War of Independence, Admiral Andreas Miaoulis. His statue stands in the middle of the square.
Town Hall of Ermoupolis.
Towering over the square is the impressive three-story town hall. Dating from 1876, it it one of the largest town halls in Greece. It serves as the administrative center for the Cycladic and Dodecanese islands.
Archaeological Museum of Syros.
As you face the town hall on the left end (west) of the building is the entrance to the museum at the top of the stairs. Taking up four rooms in the town hall, it has a varied collection of artifacts found on Syros.
Apollon Theater.
Up the hill to the right (east) of the town hall is this plain two-story theater. But do not let the outside fool you; the inside is called the little La Scala. With a design by the Italian architect Pietro Sampò, the theater has presented shows since 1864. (Click on the orange link for a performance schedule)
Vaporia District.
To the right of the theater and further up the hill is this charming neighborhood, once the location of the wealthy ship owner’s mansions. Today, many of the mansions are elegant boutique hotels. Many are seasonal.
Church of Agios Nikolaos.
Agios Nikolaos (Saint Nicholas) is the patron saint of Syros. The construction taking place in the wealthy neighborhood guaranteed that no corners would be cut. Dating from 1870, it includes King Otto and Queen Olga as benefactors.
The basilica is built in the cruciform style and has two imposing bell towers. Much of the exterior displays a coat of marble, some from as far away as Italy. The interior is just as impressive, with a large collection of artifacts and ecclesiastical items. No wonder why it is the poster child of Syros. The church has a book/gift shop on the square in front of the church.
More a cement pier than a beach, this seaside location almost always has some sun lovers on it if the weather agrees. From here, you can get the “money shot” of Agios Nikolaos.
Above the beach and behind Agios Nikolaos you can find many of the Captain houses now serving as hotels.
Anástasis (Church of the Resurrection of Christ)
On the highest hill in Ermoupolis sits this magnificent temple dedicated to the “Resurrection of the nation.” Dating from 1874, this Byzantine-style church took decades to finish. The interior and the views over Ermoupolis are worth the trek.
Ano (Upper) Syros.
High on a hill is this former municipality of Syros, which is now part of the municipality Syros-Ermoupoli.
During the later Byzantine era and into the Frankokratia (the rule of the Latins), the citizens built this hilltop retreat to escape the pirate attacks along the coast.
It is the typical cycladic medieval settlement, complete with a maze of narrow roads following a radial street plan.
Ano Syros is inhabited more by Catholic Greeks as the Latin Empire (Roman Catholic) was prevalent during its early days.
Even after the end of the Frankokratia in the 16th century, the Catholics of Syros remained under France’s protection. It remains the seat of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Syros and Milos.
Today, the former houses are overrun with art studios, boutiques, and cafes. There are two major pedestrian entrances to Ano Syros. There are no vehicles in the town.
Upper Part of Ano Syros.
Two hairpin turns on the main road offer limited parking outside the pedestrian entrances. From the upper entrance, you can easily access the following sites:
Cathedral of San Georgio.
Visible from just about anywhere on the south or eastern side of Syros, this Roman Catholic cathedral sits atop Ano Syros like a crown.
There has been a church here since about 1200 A.D. The Turks destroyed an earlier building circa 1617. The Roman Catholic church moved in circa 1652 and never left. It is still the Diocese of Syros and Milos. Much of the building you see today dates from 1834.
Chapel of Saint Michael.
This small chapel is hidden in the upper part of Ano Syros. Luckily, it has very good signage to help you find it. It is especially photographic at sunset.
Windmill.
Just up the road from the hairpin is a restored Cycladic windmill. Today, it serves as an overnight accommodation. On the drive leading up to the windmill is a bust of the philosopher Pherecydes Bambyos. He is known for the most ancient solar Observatory, a structure that calculated time and season based on the sun’s position.
Lower Part of Ano Syros.
Entering from the lower hairpin curve, you find a maze of small pedestrian streets. The lower part has many more cases and shops than the upper part.
Around each corner, you will find another Kodak moment and more stairs.
Those up for climbing the many staircases between Upper and lower Ano Syros may stumble across The Monastery of Capuchin in Ano Syros dating from the 1600s, the Jesuit Monastery of Syros from the 1700s to newer churches only 200 years old.
Smart, comfortable walking shoes are a must. At night, several places feature the distinctive Syros music style rebetiko, also known as Greek blues.
Syros Villages.
Vari.
Vari and its beach are one of the most popular villages on the island, partly because of its proximity to town and the airport. This protected cove on the south shore has calm waters, making it ideal for families with small children, while the village offers everything the larger “kids” need.
Ousyra Winery.
This winery, a 10-minute drive north of Vari, is organically farming with a focus on ungrafted vines. Using rare Cycladic grape varieties, their rose and white wines are attracting international attention. Contact the winery for possible visits.
Makryonitis Syros Distillery.
Just uphill from the beach on the main road is this distillery specializing in Tsipouro. This Greeky Brandy is distilled from the pomace (remains after the wine grapes are pressed.) They also distill a fig liqueur and ouzo.
Megas Gialos.
Just over three miles to the west of Vari is this scenic coastal village with a wide range of hotels and cafes. The beach is small but has a sand-to-pebble ratio that is not hard on the feet. Outside of looking at the water, there is little to view here except maybe the local church.
Poseidonia.
This is a big beach resort village, but only in comparison to other villages on Syros. There are three small beaches right in town: Poseidonia, Voulgari, and Paralia Finikas. Is one better than the rest? Not that I can tell, so I would recommend the one closest walking distance from your accommodation for an hour or so.
If you want to make a day at the beach, head south of town to Agathopes Beach. The beach is a little larger and also offers water sports rentals. A little further south is Komito Beach, which is usually less crowded and rocky.
Lighthouse of Viglostasi.
The lighthouse itself is not much to see. It is a modern metal frame holding a fully-automated light. The attraction is getting to it, and it is a nice hike for people who walk further than their mailbox. The hike is a 2.4-mile out-and-back unpaved (and sometimes hard to make out) trail (depending on where you start.) Generally considered a moderate route, it takes over an hour to complete. There is no signage, facilities, or shade. A map or good GPS is recommended.
Galissas.
Similar to Megas Gialos, small but with accommodations and cafes. Sitting on a natural cove, it has the required beach and other tourist services. Just over three miles north of Posideonia
Galissas Beach.
In my opinion, one of the nicer beaches on Syros, it still isn’t the sugary white sands of Florida. The brown sand and pebble mixture is more sand than pebbles, and in season, there are chairs and umbrellas for rental.
Chapel of Santa Pakú (Obbedienza).
This small Catholic Chapel sits predominantly on a hill over the Bay of Galissas. The traditional white and blue church is small, with only four benches inside. It is best captured on film from a distance, as you can only see its roof from the beach road below. Access is from the beach road via a stone staircase just past the pool club. The view is worth the climb.
Kini.
This once-quiet fishing village is becoming a main tourist attraction.
You can still see the fishing boats moored in the bay or take a sightseeing boat to other spots along the coast. The village of Kini is full of taverns and cafes just across from the beach. Ammomadations are within walking distance.
The Dormition (assumption) of the Virgin is celebrated all over Greece on August 15th. The village of Kini lights up the outside of houses with lanterns (fotarides) made from tin cans. The children decorate the beach with fotarides, and there is live music and dancing outside.
“Panagia Gorgona” Mermaid statue & fountain.
Near the middle of the beach is a statue of a mermaid holding a fisherman in her arms. The mermaid is Panagia Gorgona, the patroness mermaid of the fishermen.
Monastery of Santa Barbara. (Agia Varvara)
On the cross-island road between Kini and Ermoupoli, near the “top of the pass,” is this Holy Monastery dating from 1900. The monastery’s nuns weave fabrics on original looms and sell their work to raise money for the monastery. Over the years, the monastery has also included an orphanage and nursery. The view over Kini is impressive.
Apano Meria, The Northern End of Syros.
Unfortunately, no great ruins have been discovered here intact, and therefore, not a lot of money has been invested into excavating. That does not mean there is no ancient history here.
It means along with a good guidebook and GPS, you need to bring some imagination. This area is accessible either by boat from Kini or by an approximately one-hour hiking path down from the end of the road in Kampos. (That which goes down…)
Archaeological Site of Grammata.
On the northwest coast of the island is a bay that, from ancient times, has been a place of shelter for boats in bad weather. In the adjacent rocks are chiseled their prayers for safety. These Grammata (letters) date from ancient times to the Middle Ages.
Americanou Beach (Gria Spilia Beach).
On the other side of the bay from the letters is this secluded beach which you need hiking boots or a boat to reach. When packing, remember a suit. From what I saw, several people had forgotten theirs. Besides its seclusion, the beach is unique for its vegetation.
“Yiannis the American” (John H. Pearson), who was an economist for the U.S. Government and U.N., bought around 200 acres of useless land in 1964. His dream was to return the now desert-like island to a lush wooded land as it had been in the past.
For the next several years, he would return every summer and work the rocky terrain, dig two wells, and plant more than 10,000 trees. Almost half of the trees survived, and in 1975, he wrote the book “An Island in Greece” about the quest. John passed away in 2001 at the age of 95, and his ashes were scattered among his trees, many of which are still alive.
Kastri
Kastri is a prehistoric settlement uncovered along the northeastern coast of Syros.
Dating from approximately 2700-2300 B.C., this nearly five-acre settlement is one of the most important discoveries in Greece from the Early Cycladic Period.
Kastri is one of the few places on Syros that has been excavated. Within the foundation of fortification walls, they have found remains of horseshoe-shaped towers and densely packed houses along narrow streets.
During the excavations, they unearthed jewelry, pottery, and tools, indicating an advanced society. They also found impressive metal objects dating from the Bronze Age.
You can see many of these finds in the Archaeological Museum of Syros in the town hall.
In Athens, you can also examine some of the Syros finds at the Museum of Cycladic Art and the National Archaeological Museum.
The hike to Kastri is considered a moderately challenging route over uneven terrain. At times, the path disappears, and there is no shade. It is over a mile each way and begins at the prehistoric site of Chalandriani.
Ancient Chalandriani.
This is another important Early Cycladic Period settlement on Syros that you can reach with a short hike. Unfortunately, it is largely unexcavated. What has been unearthed are two sections of its ancient cemetery, to date, the largest cemetery from the Bronze Age discovered in the Cyclades. More than 600 graves have been unearthed, and their treasures are on display at the same museums as the Kastri finds.
Chatzakis Winery.
There has been wine making in the Apano Meria region for thousands of years. Starting circa 2011, the Chatzakis winery began blending new vines with some old vines. Currently, they bottle two different varieties of white, and one rose. Visits are possible with a reservation that can be made on their website (orange link).
There are other wineries on the island. However, most do not have visits available yet.
Syros Summary.
Although not a list of everything there is to do on Syros, this should give you a good start.
The lack of things to do (compared to islands with numerous sites and cruise ships) is part of the draw. There are fewer hawkers trying to sell you something and restaurants with menus in seven languages.
The food scene is pretty good as restaurants are smaller, and Mama can take more time.
So what are you waiting for? Book a flight or, better yet, ease into a Greek vacation on a ferry.
Syros is waiting.