Syros
From CruisersWiki
Background
The island of Syros (Σύρος) or Siros is the capital of the Cyclades. It is not a very tall island and its area is 86 km2 and it has about 35,000 inhabitants. The name Syros has been used since antiquity and it is probably of Phoenician origin. There was a sizable Cycladic settlement (Bronze age) over the NE coast and the island is mentioned in the Odyssey as the home of the swineherd Eumaios. Pythagoras' teacher Pherekydes was from here. In the Middle Ages Syros was dominated by the Venetians. Today there is a sizable Catholic population, remnant of that period. In later times many well known European visitors such as Byron, Nerval, Chateaubriand, and Melville started their Eastern Mediterranean tour from here. During the 1821 war of independence many refugees from Chios and Psara came to Syros. Until that time the population was predominately Catholic and agrarian. The new comers were Greek Orthodox, seamen and merchants.
After the Greek War of Independence of 1821, Syros became the maritime, commercial, and cultural center of the Aegean and a place of refuge. Young Nikos Kazantzakis went to school in Syros. Today there are many neoclassical mansions in Ermoupolis and Piskopio as well as in the aristocratic resort of Della Grazia near Finikas.
Syros is a wonderful island in the middle of the Aegean. It is not overly developed but yet it manages to provide all the amenities.
Charts
- BA 2682 Kolpos Petalion to Nisos Nisiros
- BA 1038 Steno Sifnou to Steno Kafirea
- Imray-Tetra G31 Northern Cyclades
- NIMA 54320 Kiklades Nisoi to Kriti
Radio Nets
Also see Cruiser's Nets
Submit details of local radio Nets.
Approaches to Syros are straight forward, no dangers.
Check-in facilities
See each Port/Stop listed below.
Ports and Popular Stops
- Ermoupolis (Port of entry)
- Finikas
Marinas & Yacht Clubs
Anchorages
Galissas
Galissas (Γαλησσάς) is a small bay on the W side of Syros, north of Finikas. It is mainly used by local small boats and there is barely room for a yacht. It provides some protection from the meltemi. I have not anchored here. Galissas is a favorite with the people from Syros for its wonderfull sunsets.
Delphino
A small cove which provides some protection from the meltemi although there are high gusts.
Aetou
This anchorage is very gusty.
Grammata
Click for larger view
Click for larger view
Grammata (Γράμματα) [37° 29.8' N 24° 53.4' E] on the NW corner of the island. It is a very attractive anchorage and it provides good shelter from the meltemi although there are high gusts from every direction. The rocks (W side) are covered with the names of seafarers who have sheltered here, hence the name Grammata - letters. Legend has it that the region in inhabited by feral rabbits which a kind soul had released to provide food for sailors waiting out a gale. You can anchor at the E side or at the W. Use a shore line. On the W side there are a number of tie-downs, the E side is less gusty.
Warning: The sketch and information provided by Heikell in the Greek Waters Pilot is not entirely correct. The depths are wrong!
Varis
This is a pleasant bay on the SE of Syros. It provides good shelter from the meltemi but it is totally exposed to the S winds.
Velostasi
This cove is in between Cape Velostasi and Varis. It provides some shelter from the meltemi. Should only be used for a quick lunch and swimming stop or in calm weather. Totally deserted.
Routes/Passages To/From
Popular passages/routes, timing, etc.
Tourism & things to do ashore
Ermoupolis
See Ermoupolis
Bronze Age Settlement
There is an excavated Bronze Age Settlement on the NE of the island. However, we have not been able to locate it after a several hour trek.
Galissas
It is well worth a visit to this nice bay. There are a number of attractive tavernas. Galissas is a favorite with the people from Syros for its wonderfull sunsets.
Grocery Stores
The market place in Ermoupolis is well worth a visit. They have everything. Make sure you buy a jar of capers and loukoumia (Turkish delight), both are specialties of Syros. In Finikas there is a "supermarket" about 50 m towards Ermoupolis. It is well supplied with basic provisions, bread, and fresh fruits. There is also a very good bakery and a fruit stand near the waterfront.
Eateries
- In Finikas there is very good traditional food in the Foradenes. Also near by the Asotos Yios (+30 22810 43 722) serves many mezedes.
- There are many good restaurants in Ermoupolis.
- In Ano Syros the Lilys (+30 22810 88 087) which is the oldest restaurant in Syros is hard to beat both for its food and its view.
Motorbike & Car Rentals
Several in Ermoupolis. In Finikas the marine store, the Maistrali, can make the arrangements.
Marine Stores & Facilities
- There is an excellent chandler, Orologas (tel. +30 22810 82 254) in Ermoupolis near the shipyard, at the Platia Iroon (Heroes Square).
- A good chandler, the Maistrali, in shipyard area in Ermoupolis, they also have an outlet in Finikas.
- There is also a large store of the Marina chain along the road to the airpot.
Transportation
There are daily flights from Athens. Also, there are several fast ferries every day to Piraeus.
References & Publications
- Heikell, R. Greek Waters Pilot, Imray Laurie and Wilson, Cambridgeshire
- Demetriades A. E. Πορτολάνος Σκαφών Αναψυχής (in Greek), Athens
- Dana Facaros , Greek Islands, Codogan
- Alpha Guide, Desmi Ekdotiki, Athens
Cruiser's Friends
Contact details of "Cruiser's Friends" that can be contacted for local information or assistance.
Forum Discussions
List links to discussion threads on the Cruiser Log Forum
External Links
- Syros (Wikipedia)
Personal Notes
Personal experiences?
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