Legends, traditions and untold stories define the elegant Cycladic island of Syros. A haunting melancholy and an aura of past glory surround the old, aristocratic 19th century mansions of the Vaporia neighborhood in the main town of Ermoupolis, the narrow, steep alleys of Ano Syros and the celebrated nearby seaside settlement of Posidonia, also known as Della Grazia. This pervasive, ever-present mystery, which no travel guide can quite explain, constitutes a key element of Syros’ distinctive beauty.

Already a prominent port in the Aegean Sea during the early 19th century, roughly 100 years later Ermoupolis had grown into a fully urbanized town with considerable industrial activity. Its wealthy middle class built numerous stunning mansions in Ermoupolis and other parts of the island, including Della Grazia, Parakopi and Episkopio – popular summer retreats at the time – many of which can still be seen today. A fascinating, detailed presentation of the city’s history and development is on display at the Ermoupolis Industrial Museum.

The area of Ano Syros tells a different story. One of refugees fleeing from nearby islands and western Turkey to settle on Syros, integrating with the locals and defining the island’s daily life and culture. It is this story that is showcased at the Exhibition of Traditional Professions. The Markos Vamvakaris Museum pays tribute to rebetiko (Greek refugee blues) legend Vamvakaris, with many of his personal items on display. The rebetiko master was born on Syros but spent most of his life in Piraeus. Nevertheless, he frequently praised the beauty of the island in his songs.

WHERE TO SWIM
The sandy beaches of Komito, Agathopes, Delfini, Lotos, Galissas and Fabrika all have shallow waters and are easily accessible by car. This is not the case with the northern beaches of Aetos, Lia, Marmari, Gria Spilia and Grammata, where it is necessary to catch a boat departing from Kini.