First time on the island of Syros: 6 things to visit
Syros is a beautiful island and ideal for summer holidays. If you only have a few days, we offer here a list of suggestions as to what we believe you should do or visit first! These are also possible during the afternoon or evenings, so the combination of Greek lessons in the morning with sightseeing in the afternoon or attending cultural events at night is ideal for a Greek summer language holiday.
Ermoupolis
Syros’ wonderful capital, Ermoupolis, is also the capital of all the Cycladic islands. Ermoupolis is a walker’s paradise with its narrow streets, colorful shops and outdoor cafes. The waterfront is very lively, with plenty of good restaurants and ouzeries. Because Syros was historically a commercial center (Hermoupolis was named after Hermes, the god of commerce) and not reliant on tourism, it has been developed slowly and intelligently, which is reflected in the many restored neo-classical mansions, the marble-paved streets, and the chic little backstreet boutiques. During the 19th century Hermoupolis became the major port of Greece. It was superseded by Piraeus in the 20th century, but is still the capital of the Cyclades and also its largest city, with a population of over 15,000.
Cultural Life
Syros is known as a place of culture. You can find several museums there: the Archaeological Museum, the Vamvakaris Museum, the Cycladic Art Museum, etc. During the summer, there are plenty of festivals, usually related to music and film. In addition, there is the Apollo Theater in Ermoupolis, which also hosts plays, concerts and performances. Last but not least, Syros also has archaeological sites to visit. All info can be found on the website of Syros Today or on their app.
Ano Syros
Syros is an exception in the Greek territory in that it has a very large Roman Catholic population. As the boat sails into the port you will see the Catholic settlement of Ano Syros to the left and the Orthodox settlement of Vrodado to the right, both set on hilltops. Today, the population of Syros is 40 % Roman Catholic and 60% Orthodox. Ano Syros is the medieval settlement of Syros and was built on a hill during the later Byzantine era. It is a classical medieval Cycladic settlement, densely built with narrow streets. The overall effect is reminiscent of a fortified citadel.
Markos Vamvakaris
Syros was the home of Markos Vamvakaris, the famous rembetika player who wrote “Frankosyrianni”, one of the most popular Greek songs. For this reason, a visit to the Markos Vamvakaris Museum in Ano Syros is recommended.
Loukoumia
The island of Syros is known for its Loukoumia (or Turkish delight) which is a sweet, gummy, sugar-powdered, nut-filled candy sold in attractive boxes from stores and loukoumia factories all over the city of Ermoupolis.
Azolimnos
The OMILO courses take place in the village of Azolimnos, which is located on the southeast coast of the island, four kilometers from Ermoupolis. Azolimnos, set on a small, picturesque bay with a beautiful beach and crystalline waters, has a number of pensions and five excellent taverns. There is a regular bus service to Hermoupolis, the ride taking15 minutes.
Gallery
Click to enlarge photos
Travel information
Please remember!
- When booking a course , you are expected to make your own travel arrangements to Greece and the Omilo school in Azolimnos, Syros island.
- It is necessary to arrange for a valid passport and insurance covering “your stay in Greece”. The Omilo course fees do NOT include medical coverage.
- Making your holiday arrangements is exciting, but is often a lot of work. That’s why we are happy to give you information on how you can plan your trip. The information below is based on the 2016 prices and travel information. We do not accept responsibility for any errors or changes.
- When you have registered, Omilo will send you an info letter three weeks before the start of your course with the latest details about the course along with practical information.
- Omilo understands that your accommodation plays a major role in enjoying your holiday in Greece.
If you want to learn more, please visit the accommodation page.
Accommodation on Syros island
Note, if you would like to book your own accommodation on Syros island, then the most practical location is Azolimnos village, where your Greek course takes place. You can search for hotels and book one with the search button below.
Extra tips also on the accommodation page for SYROS, click here
From Athens to Syros island
By plane
You can contact a travel agency to book a flight from Athens to Syros. From Syros airport you can then travel by taxi to the village of Azolimnos. (4 km)
By boat
Most participants book a flight from their country to Athens and then travel by boat from Athens to Syros, which takes four hours. You can take a boat from Pireaus Harbour to Syros (there are usually two boats per day):
Blue Star Ferries
Hellenic Seaways
To Piraeus harbor By express bus
Line X96 connects the Airport with Piraeus Harbor. Tickets cost +/- € 6,00. The bus leaves about every 25 minutes and the trip to Piraeus takes +/- 70 minutes.
To Piraeus harbor By metro
From the airport, you take Metro Line 3 to the Monasteraki Station (+/- € 10,00).
In Monasteraki station, you change to the Green Line 1 to Piraeus Station.
The whole trip takes between 1 and 1 ½ hours.
From Mykonos island to Syros island
It is also possible to book a charter flight to the island of Mykonos and then take the boat from Mykonos to Syros. The ferry ride takes one hour.
By boat from Mykonos island: if you fly to Mykonos island, you can take a boat to Syros. The trip takes about one hour. During the summer there are usually two boats per day from Mykonos to Syros (for boat schedules: www.gtp.gr).
From Ermoupolis harbor (Syros) to the village of Azolimnos (course location)
By taxi
taxis are waiting right where the boats arrive. The trip takes 15 minutes, and the fare is between € 10,00 and € 15,00 (depending on your suitcases).
By bus
busses are waiting across the street and to the left of where the boats arrive. You take the bus with destination “Azolimnos”. The trip takes 15 minutes (busses going to Azolimnos first) or 45 minutes (busses going in the opposite direction with Azolimnos as the last stop). A ticket costs approximately € 2,00 euro.
