CYCLADES SIGHTSEEING - SYROS

Syros was inhabited since the Neolithic period and had been a very important center of Cycladic civilization. The island reached its peak of prosperity in the 6th Century BC.

For Syros, but also for the majority of the Cycladic Islands, the most significant years was when the Venetians arrived.

During the Turkish domination period, Syros were favorably administrated, owing to the existence of its Catholic population, and during the struggle for independence in 1821, it held a neutral stand for the same reason.

Syros, the queen of the Cyclades with its neo-classical buildings and which is amphitheatrically built along the hillsides of the Catholic and the Orthodox hill, was Greece's greatest naval center in the 19th C.

The majestic picture of Syros with its neo-classical buildings and mansions mingled with the small white houses, reminds us strongly of a European 19th C. city.

Strolling along its narrow lanes among the impressive houses we discover beautiful corners, little taverns and a number of bars. The two hills of the city, Anastasi and Upper Syros, overlook the Aegean.

As a Cycladic Island Syros offers several very beautiful sandy beaches, mainly on its southwestern side. These same beaches were made famous throughout Greece by Vamvakaris through his song "Frangosiriani".

Delagratsia is probably the island's most beautiful site and was named after the little Church of Panagia Madonna della Grazia. It must have been here that the second ancient city of the island was situated.

Finally, Kini is Known for its extensive beach which is preferred by families.

SIFNOS, ANDROS, AMORGOS, DELOS, IOS, KEA, KYTHNOS, MILOS, MYKONOS, NAXOS, PAROS, ANTIPAROS, SANTORINI, SERIFOS, SIKINOS, SYROS, TINOS, FOLEGANDROS