Back in June, I visited the beautiful island of Syros for a day. Unfortunately, I didn’t have time to explore the beaches. I did make most of my time though and explored the island’s main city: Ermoupolis. The city took its name from Ancient Greek god Hermes, messenger to the Olympian gods and god of trade and commerce. Ermoupolis used to be a prominent industrial and commercial city in the late 19th century.
What to see in Ermoupoli, Syros
Vaporia neighborhood: I started my exploration from Vaporia neighborhood which was the aristocratic neighborhood of Syros. Affluent refugees from Chios, Psara, and Crete built their homes, because as their places were destroyed during the Revolution of 1821. The most prominent building in the neighborhood is the church of Aghios Nikolaos, patron saint of sailors.
Asteria beach: It’s the only beach I know of in the city. It is not sandy though, it has concrete piers and stairs to access the sea. The water is crystal clear and so enticing. There’s a beach bar here with beautiful views towards the beach and Vaporia neighborhood.
Apollon Theater: The theater was based on the designs of Italian architect Pietro Sambo. The design of Italian theaters like “La Scala” in Milan, “Teatro San Carlo” in Naples, “Castelfranco” and “Teatro Della Pergola” in Florence influnced the architect. The theater enjoyed years of glory and remained in the spotlight until World War II. During the war, the Italian and German occupants used it as a cinema. It closed down in the mid-fifties because it was unsafe for performers and spectators. Renovation began in 1970 but remained incomplete due to lack of funds. Renovation commenced once more in the 1990s and was completed in 2000.
City Hall: The City Hall is located on Ermoupolis main square, Miaouli. German architect Ernst Ziller designed the building. Ziller designed many buildings in Greece during the late 19th century and was a celebrated architect.
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The seafront: Ermoupoli has a beautiful seafront. You can walk around the port from the ferry station all the way to the end of the jetty. The further you walk on the jetty, you can see the two hills of Ermoupolis clearer. The left hill is Ano Syros and on the top is the Catholic monastery. The right hill is called Analipseos (= Ascencion) hill with the namesake Orthodox church on top.
The side streets: The streets of Ermoupoli are always a pleasure to explore. You come across beautiful doors, colorful cafes and restaurants, and blooming bougainvilleas.
Ano Syros
Ano Syros is the medieval settlement of Syros. The settlers built it on a hill, as a means to be protected from pirates. Most of the inhabitants were Catholic as Syros was under French occupation after the Fourth Crusade (1204). On top of the hill, there is the church of St George, initially built in 1208. The church was destroyed and rebuilt three times.
To get to Ano Syros take the municipal bus from the port. Get off at the end, near the Catholic church. Then start making your way downwards passing through picturesque streets filled with bougainvilleas. The best time for this walk is late in the afternoon, just before sunset. That’s what I did during my visit. Ano Syros is much different than Ermoupolis and has the typical Cycladic architectural style. Ermoupolis has a neoclassical and regal style.
Neorion Shipyard
On the south side of the port lays the shipyard. Neorion is one of the oldest Greek heavy industries. It dates back to the era when Ermoupoli was the industrial and commercial center of Greece. In late 19th century the port and shipyards of Piraeus eclipsed those in Syros.
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Where to eat in Ermoupoli, Syros
During my brief stay in Syros apart from checking out the best that Ermoupoli has to offer, I checked a few restaurants.
Amvix
Amvix is an Italian restaurant just opposite Syros port. The building used o be a distillery and you can still spot some of the equipment on the wall. The place smelled deliciously of pizza, but since I was alone I resorted on a carbonara.
Essential Information: You’ll find Amvix on 26, Akti Ethnikis Antistaseos, Ermoupoli. More information can be found on their Facebook page.
Mazi
Mazi is located in a beautiful yard, which is actually the ruins of an industrial building. I got the rooster with chylopites (a kind of noodle), which was delicious.
Essential Information: You’ll find Mazi on Leotsakou street, Ermoupoli. More information can be found on their Facebook page.
Daidadi Gelato
On my last day in Ermoupoli, I stopped by Daidadi Gelato. It is conveniently located opposite the port, so I could devour my ice cream while waiting for the ferry.
Essential Information: You’ll find Daidadi Gelato on 32, Akti Ethnikis Antistaseos, Ermoupoli.
Have you visited Ermoupoli Syros? Any tips to share for my next visit?
You can find more guides about the Greek Islands here.
I'm Anna and this is my lifestyle and travel blog! 
