Ermoupoli is a principal town located on the Greek Island of Syros. It is located 144 kilometres south-east of Athens. Also known as “Town of Hermes”, Ermoupoli is the capital of Syros and the Cyclades group of islands. With fascinating museums, churches, palm-lined squares and charming tavernas, there is something to attract visitors of all ages.
Set amongst whitewashed houses and narrow alleyways is Agios Georgios Cathedral. It’s located at the highest point of Ano Syros village, a once medieval settlement, a short walk from the centre. Walking around the exterior of Agios Georgios Cathedral, visitors will be captivated by the vistas of neighbouring islands. Throughout the interior, colourful frescoes line the walls, as chandeliers hang decadently from the ceilings. Visitors strolling through Ano Syros will discover its quintessentially Greek atmosphere. Whitewashed houses with blue shutters bedecked with bougainvillaea line the narrow streets. In the centre of Ermoupoli, there is also plenty to see. Travellers keen to delve into the history of the town should head to the Industrial Museum of Ermoupoli. Hidden in a restored factory, the museum exhibits the island’s industrial and shipbuilding traditions. Nearby, the church of Agios Nikolaos displays the shipbuilding wealth of Syros, in their boldly coloured Greek Orthodox Church. The interior, filled with relics, gilt and chandeliers, is a sight to behold. The hub of Ermoupoli is its main square, Plateia Miaouli. Dominated by the town hall, the beautiful square is flanked by palm trees and lined with bars, cafes and restaurants offering alfresco dining.
Ferries operate daily to Syros from Piraeus, Lavrio and Rafina. A ferry journey from Piraeus takes approximately four hours and five hours from Lavrio. The town is also accessible from other Greek Islands, one of the nearest, Mykonos is just an hour away. Visitors will enjoy exploring the attractions of Ermoupoli and Ano Syros on foot. The town is quite hilly, so this option is for energetic visitors. Hiring a car, motorcycle or scooter is also a possibility for getting around. Alternatively, a local bus service operates a frequently throughout the town and taxis are available.
Founded during the Greek Revolution of the 1820s, Ermoupoli became part of the existing medieval town of Ano Syros. The town became a leading industrial and commercial centre of Greece. Most of the country’s thousands of ships were built on Syros, and it was the main port of Greece before Piraeus. Today, the island attracts intrepid travellers keen to see a less commercialised island. Ermoupoli epitomises the real Greece with its architecture, rich history, delicious cuisine and picturesque countryside.