(Area 86sq. km. Distance from Piraus 83 nautical miles, distance
from Rafina 62 nautical miles).The northern part of Siros is mountainous and the island stands out in general for the variety of the landscape in its hinterland, where hills alternate with low-lying farming areas. The coastline is indented with inlets of all sizes between capes. There are two large bays, of Ermoupoli to the east and Finikas to the west. Archaeological excavations have shown that Siros was inhabited in Neolithic times. Digs at Kastri and Halandriani have revealed a prehistoric acropolis, a settlement and a burial ground, and yielded artifacts of the Early Cycladic period. Ermoupoli, 'Queen of the Cyclades', is the capital and main harbour of Siros. It is also without doubt the capital of all the Cyclades. Ermoupoli stands on a naturally amphitheatrical site, with neo-classical buildings, old mansions and white houses in the island style cascading down to the harbour. The centre of the town, where Miaouli Square stands ringed with cafes, has a grandeur all its own. Among the most important buildings are the Town Hall (to plans by Ziller) and the Apollo Municipal Theatre, which is a copy in miniature of La Scala, Milan. There is also a statue of Admiral Miaoulis. Ermoupoli has numerous magnificent churches, the most interesting of which are those dedicated to the Transfiguration, the Dormition of Our Lady, St Demetrius, the Three Hierarchs, and St Nicholas The Archaeological Muaeum has a collection of notable finds, and the Municipal Librarg contains numerous interesting and rare editions. The quarter of the town
known as Vaporia, where the sea-captains lived, is of special
interest. Along its narrow streets stand neo-classical mansions.
Ano Siros (Upper Siros), with its walls, narrow lanes and
arches, has kept much of its medieval character. The steep
streets and countless steps lend the town the charm of a bygone
age. At the very top of the town is the Catholic Cathedral of
St George, next to which stands the Centre for Historical
Studies. Not far below are the monasteries of the Jesuits and
Capucins. In the centre of the town is the Town Hall, with the
Hiotorical Archives of the Municipality of Ano Siros, and the
Muoeuru devoted to the popular composer Markoo Vamvakariu,
revered as one of the masters of Greek music. Various folklore
events take place in Ano Siros, generally during the summer. On
the north-east side of the island are Halandrini and Kastri
hill, where important prehistoric finds have been made. The
beaches of northwest Siros are difficult to reach. Among places
of interest here is Gramata, where inscriptions dating from the
Roman and Byzantine periods are to be found carved on the rocks.
The southern and western parts of Syros are the most densely
inhabited. The best beaches are also here, including Galissas, a
fine, large resort with a long sandy beach; Possidonia or
Delagratsia, a coastal area with a good beach at Angathopes and
neo-classical houses of great architectural interest; Vari, with
an attractive beach, Finikas bay, Kiui and Megas Gialos. There
are more good swimming beaches at Kimata, Agios Nikolaos,
Ermoupoli, Ambela, Delfini and Ahladi. Siros is well-supplied
with tourist amenities and its natural beauties and interesting
monuments make it an ideal holiday destination. The ease of
availability of products and services give the island an
advantage over its more isolated neighbours.
How to get there: By ferry from Piraeus Information: Piraeus
Port Authority, tel.: 01 /422.6000. From Rafina, Information:
Rafina Port Authority, tel.: 0294/22300. By air from Athens
Information: Olympic Airways, tel.: 01/966.6666.Useful telephone numbers Automatic dialling code: 0281. Police:
22610-Municipality of Ermoupoli: 22500 Municipality of Ano Siros: 22766 Archaeological Museum 28487 Centre for Historical Studies: 22768 Port Authority: 28888 Olympic Airways (airport): 87025 Olympic Airways (ticket office): 22634,28018.