Saturday, January 18, 2014

Syros

Map of Syros
Syros is a living, working island with only a fleeting history of tourism, rendering it the most Greek of the Cyclades. It's the 11th bigger island of Cyclades with 84km2 extension and 21.500 population. It is located in the central part of the Cyclades and is 83 nautical miles from Pireas and 62 from Rafina. There's a thriving, permanent community, the beaches are busy but not overflowing and the villages don't sprawl widely with new developments. As well as being home to a number of excellent restaurants, the island is known for its numerous shops selling loukoumia (Turkish delight), mandolata (nougat) and halvadopita(soft nougat between disc-shaped wafers). In addition Syros still honors its contribution to the development of rembetika songs.

The island's sights -including the best beaches- are concentrated in the South and West. The North part is unpopulated and barren offering little interest. Most people tent to stay to Ermoupolis, the capital, which offers better connections to a cariety of beaches none further than 15km away.

Possessing an elegant collection of grand townhouses that rise majestically from the bustling, cafe-lined waterfront, Ermoupolis is once of the most striking towns in Cyclades, and it certainly worth at least a night's stay.

Medieval Syros was largely a catholic island, but the influx of refugees from Psara and Hios during 19th century created two distinct communities. The Orthodox, which accounts the 2/3 of the population, in the Lower Ermoupolis and the Catholics in the Upper Town.


Beaches

Agkathopes
One of the top beaches in Syros and main attraction for tourists who prefer it for its crystal clear waters, the golden sand and the lilies that exists there. Although it's a cosmopolitan beach the shallow waters make Agkathopes ideal for families with children. Just across from the beach there are two islands that are not inhabited, Stogylo and Shoinonisi. Awarded with Blue Flag. Located in the South Syros.

Galissa
Galissa is maybe the bigger beach of the island with golden sand, blue waters and trees that can offer shade and protection from the sun. It's one of the most popular beaches because of its beauty and the comfort that offer, like water sports, taverns, restaurants, hotels and studios to stay. Located to the West Syros.

Delfini
Another beach with crystal clear waters, fine golden sand and a natural landscape which makes this beach first choice for visitors. It's located to the West Syros, 11 km from Ermoupolis.
 
Delfini
Kini
A beach with crystal waters and a landscape with unique beauty. It's very popular for tourists and locals, families and couples. The main feature of the beach is the magical view of the sunset. Located to the Western side near Delfini.

Vari
This small beach located in a secluded bay is calm and ideal for children due to its shallow waters. It is ideal for walking and there are various water sports. Taverns, restaurants, accommodation and bar are dozens of satisfying even the most demanding. Located to the South.

Other Beaches
Lotos, Azolimnos, Komito,Kokkina, Asteria, Taliro, Kymata.

Asteria Beach
Sights

Archaeological Museum
The Archaeological Museum of Syros is one of the oldest museums in Greece. Established in 1834 and housed in the Town Hall of Syros which designed by the famous architect Chiller.

Apolo Theater
Apolo Theater
The Apollo Theater is an emblem of the economic and cultural development of Ermoupolis, in the mid 19th century. Is one of the oldest closed theaters in modern times and one of the most impressive architectural gem of Syros. Located behind the Miaouli square.

Cultural Center
The Cultural Center of Syros was designed by Italian architect Pietro Sampo (1862 - 63). It houses also the Museum of Cycladic Art.

The Municipal Library
The Municipal Library on the ground floor of the Cultural Center counts 35,000 titles old and rare books.

Other Sights
Industrial Museum, The Labor Center, Ferekydi Cave, Church of St Nikolaos.

Syros
Transportation
By plane: The island is served by Athens(via Olympic, 45min)
By ferry: All ferries dock at Ermoupolis.
Destinations: Amorgos(3-4 weekly, 5-6 hr), Anafi(3 weekly, 9 hr), Andros(2-3 weekly, 2hr 30min), Astypalea(1 weekly, 6hr 30min), Folegandros(5 weekly, 5hr 30min), Ikaria(6-7 weekly, 3hr), Ios(3-5 weekly, 4hr), Koufonisia(3 weekly, 3-7hr), Lavrio via Kea/Kythnos(2-4 weekly, 4hr), Milos/Kimolos(3-5 weekly, 5-7hr), Mykonos(2-5 daily, 1hr), Naxos(2-5 weekly, 2hr), Paros(2-5 weekly, 1hr 10min-1hr 30min), Patmos(1 weekly, 3hr), Pireas(2-3 daily, 3-4hr), Samos(6 weekly, 4hr 30min), Santorini(3-5 weekly, 5-7 hr), Serifos(3 weekly, 2-5 hr), Sifnos(3 weekly, 2hr 30min-6hr), Sikinos(3-5 weekly, 5hr), Tinos(2-6 daily, 30-50min).


Getting Around
By bus: Buses run on the main beach loop road South(to Galissas, Finikas, Megas Gyalos, Akhadi, Vari and Azolimno) hourly in high season, until late.

Useful Phone Numbers
Hospital: 22810 96500 - 22810 86666 - 22810 96523
Police: 22810 96100 - 22810 96112 - 22810 96127
Fire Station: 22810 87383
Port Authorities: 22810 88888 - 22810 82690
Taxi: 22810 86222
KTEL: 22810 82575
Airport: 22810 81900 - 22810 87025
Post Office: 22810 82590 - 22810 82596
Syros by night



Photos:
plus.google.com
ngm.nationalgeographic.com 
tsoumpasphotogallery.ning.com

No comments:

Post a Comment