A complete guide on what to do in Ermoupoli
Ermoupoli is the stunning capital of the Greek island of Syros, located in the Cyclades. We have lived here for over 6 months, and are planning to come back for another couple of months. It is safe to say we love the city and have a good idea of what to do in Ermoupoli.
There are so many things to do in Syros, but Ermoupoli on its own is responsible for some of the absolute highlights of the island. Although it only has around 20000 inhabitants, the town has the charm and vibe of a hip city, from the beautiful buildings to the trendy bars, delicious restaurants, and welcoming atmosphere. They call it the “Queen of the Cyclades” for good reason.
Read more: How to get to Syros
However, the Aegean Sea often steals the show, never far away, whether you are having a drink in the harbor, enjoying the view from uphill on your way to visit Ano Syros, or having a relaxing day by Asteria Beach.
You can easily spend a couple of days in Ermoupoli, but if you only have one day in Syros, be sure to check out our Ermoupoli and Ano Syros walking tour.
TIP: Check out our ultimate travel guide to Syros, with everything you need to prepare and have the best trip, including an interactive Google Maps with hundreds of places of interest you can’t miss.
1. Wander around Miaouli Square
Miaouli Square is the beating heart of Ermoupoli and one of our favorite spots to hang out. It’s a lively gathering place for both locals and tourists, surrounded by stunning neoclassical buildings. At the center stands the iconic town hall, a masterpiece designed by renowned architect Ernst Ziller.
The square is also home to a statue of Admiral Andreas Miaoulis, a hero of the Greek War of Independence, after whom the square is named. Around the square, you’ll find cozy cafés and restaurants, perfect for enjoying a coffee or a light meal while soaking in the vibrant atmosphere. Our favorite is Belle Epoque (maybe not so much for the food, but for the drinks and the location).
In the evenings, the square comes alive with locals who enjoy hanging out here, playing soccer, feeding the pigeons, etc. Perfect for people-watching and immersing yourself in Ermoupoli’s local life.
2. Visit the Apollon Theater
Just a short walk from Miaouli Square, the Apollon Theater is one of Ermoupoli’s most remarkable landmarks. Built in 1864, this historic theater is affectionately known as the “mini La Scala of Milan” due to its Italian-inspired design by architect Pietro Sampo.
Although the outside of the building might not seem impressive, the interior is stunning. Go inside to admire the beautiful details, balconies, and a rich red and gold color scheme that will transport you to the era of grandeur.
For an extra special experience, try to book a performance at the Apollon Theater. They host a variety of concerts and cultural events throughout the year. Even if there’s no event during your trip, go inside (only 2 EUR) for a tour of the theater and the little museum on the third floor.
3. Stroll through the Vaporia District
No visit to Ermoupoli is complete without a stroll through the Vaporia District (close to the Apollon Theater), often referred to as the “Little Venice” of the Cyclades. This was historically the rich part of Ermoupoli, where the city’s wealthy shipowners and merchants built stately neoclassical mansions with colorful facades.
It’s a picturesque neighborhood, perched on the edge of the Aegean Sea, that hosts many 5-star hotels such as the renowned Aristide Hotel (one of the best small luxury hotels in the world), Argini Hotel, Hotel Ploes, and the Castro Hotel.
For those who love photography, Vaporia offers countless picture-perfect moments (for example around the Saint Nicholas Church), especially at sunset when the light bathes the buildings in a golden glow. And if you love to shop, make sure to check out some of the lovely boutiques selling designer clothes, art, or beautiful jewelry.
TIP: If you love a good cup of coffee in Syros, go to Saint Syros by the Saint Nicholas Church. They are open all year and have a couple of tables outside in the sun by the little park.
4. Go for a swim at Asteria Beach
If you are in Vaporia, don’t miss going to Asteria Beach, a small rocky area perfect for a swim or simply soaking in the beauty of the Aegean Sea. To get here, you have to go down the stairs after passing Saint Nicholas Church.
On your way down, in the high season, you can enjoy a drink and meal at Sta Vaporia overlooking the crystal blue waters. Or go all the way down to the end of the platform, where you can find the hip Ciel Bar (only in summer) which has drinks, food, and sun loungers.
If you are standing on the concrete platform, perfect for some yoga, don’t forget to look up. This view with Saint Nicholas Church on top of the hill is one of the most famous pictures of Syros.
Read more: What to do at Asteria Beach
5. Explore the churches of Ermoupoli
Ermoupoli is not only a hub of neoclassical beauty but also a spiritual place. You can find both Greek-Orthodox and Catholic churches. The most prominent ones are:
- Saint Nicholas Church (Agios Nikolaos): being one of the most iconic landmarks in Ermoupoli, this Greek Orthodox church was built in the mid-19th century and dedicated to Saint Nicholas, the patron saint of sailors. Its grand neoclassical façade, topped with a majestic blue dome, immediately catches the eye and is a favorite subject for photographers. But also the inside of the church is impressive.
- Church of Resurrection (Anastasis): perched on top of one of the two hills that characterize Ermoupoli, lies this beautiful late 19th-century Greek-Orthodox church. The views from up here over Ermoupoli and the surrounding Cycladic islands are amazing.
- Saint George Cathedral: on top of the other hill, in Ano Syros, there’s the Roman-Catholic Saint George Cathedral. To reach the church, you’ll need to climb a series of steps through the narrow alleys of Ano Syros. While the ascent might require some effort, the reward is well worth it.
Besides these, take your time to explore and discover many of the other churches, such as the Metamorfisi Church (one of the most beautiful ones on the inside) and the Dormition of the Virgin Mary Holy Church (with an El Greco painting).
6. Go shopping in the lovely boutiques
Besides the supermarkets and some mainstream stores, Ermoupoli is also home to many lovely small boutique stores, selling anything from designer clothes and handmade jewelry to art and local delicacies.
The main shopping street is Petrou Protopapadaki, where you can find a wide selection of stores and cafes. However, take your time to wander around in the small streets around the square and in the Vaporia district where you can find lots of beautiful small shops.
Some of our favorite shops are:
- Desperate Design Lab: handmade clothes and jewelry
- Curious Cat: fun and unique clothing store
- Kostas Prekas: local and Greek delicacies and products
- Physis Soap Lab: handmade soap and cosmetics
- Art Pottery Workshop: beautiful and unique ceramics
7. Discover Ano Syros
Although technically a different city and not part of Ermoupoli, a visit to Ano Syros is a must-do when you are in Ermoupoli. The medical town covers one of the two hills of Ermoupoli and is known for its Cycladic charm, a maze of narrow alleyways, steep staircases, Saint George Cathedral, and traditional whitewashed houses with colorful shutters and blooming bougainvillea.
Life moves at a slower pace here, and the sense of history is around every corner. As you explore, you’ll find beautiful views over the Aegean Sea, charming tavernas, small artisan shops, and bars tucked into hidden corners, offering the perfect opportunity to experience local life.
Read more: Best things to do in Ano Syros
TIP: During winter, Ano Syros is deserted and no shops or cafes are open. However, it is still worth the visit for its history, Cycladic charm, and stunning views.
8. Visit a museum
Ermoupoli is known for its rich history and that also translates into the multiple museums you can visit around town. Here are the most important ones:
- Industrial Museum of Ermoupoli: this place offers a fascinating glimpse into the city’s industrial golden age during the 19th and early 20th centuries. Located in a restored factory building, the museum showcases exhibits that highlight Ermoupoli’s legacy as a major center of shipbuilding, textiles, and commerce.
- Archaeological Museum of Syros: for those intrigued by ancient history, this museum housed in the Ermoupoli town hall, offers a journey back to the island’s prehistoric and classical past. It is small but has an impressive collection of artifacts, many of which date back to the Cycladic civilization (3000–2000 BCE).
- Hermoupolis Heritage Textile Museum: this former textile factory has been beautifully restored and now hosts a very interesting textile museum. You can still see how everything exactly was a couple of decades ago when the loud machines and workers were creating towels. They also host events here.
9. Celebrate an event or festival
Ermoupoli’s vibrant cultural scene comes alive during its many events and festivals, offering visitors a chance to celebrate alongside the locals and immerse themselves in Syros’ traditions. There are many different ones, but here are a couple of our favorites:
- Carnival (Apokries): Taking place by the end of February or March, just before Lent, this lively festival is one of the most anticipated events of the year. Ermoupoli transforms into a hub of color and music, with parades, costume contests, and street parties filling the city with energy. The festivities combine Venetian influences with Greek traditions, making it a unique experience. We celebrated it twice and had a fantastic time!
- Easter celebrations: Easter in Ermoupoli is a very special event, as it is the only place where the Greek Orthodox and Catholic Church celebrate Easter together. It is a deeply spiritual and community-focused event. The city’s churches host solemn yet beautiful liturgies, culminating in the Good Friday procession and the midnight celebration of the Resurrection. The celebrations end with fireworks.
- Epiphany Day (January 6): This religious holiday marks the blessing of the waters, a tradition observed across Greece. In Ermoupoli, locals gather by the harbor to watch the priest bless the Aegean Sea. Brave participants dive into the chilly waters to retrieve the cross, a symbolic act of renewal and faith.
10. Savor local flavors
Ermoupoli is a city that is known for its food scene and local delicacies. Loukoumi is probably one of the most known local specialties, and no visit to Ermoupoli is complete without trying this signature sweet Turkish delight that comes in a variety of flavors like rose and mastika.
Besides the many international restaurants, including some fine dining places, you can find local Greek taverns and patisseries everywhere in town. They serve very affordable and delicious Greek dishes.
Read more: Best restaurants in Ermoupoli
Some of our favorite places to eat local Greek food are:
- To Tsipouradiko tis Mirsinis: our favorite Greek taverna by the harbor, serving many different local specialties.
- To Mikraki: have a delicious Greek lunch or dinner under the bougainvillea.
- Laoutari: some of the best Greek food in town, with live music on Sundays.
- Sinnous: a very local place in a small street close to the square with the best food (and also fun for a drink).
And last but not least, Ermoupoli is also known for its coffee scene. Drinking a perfectly brewed cup of coffee in the morning sun and watching local life pass by is something you can’t skip when visiting Ermoupoli. We’ve listed the best coffee bars in Syros for you, to make sure you can taste the best brew Syros has to offer.
11. Experience Ermoupoli’s nightlife
When the sun sets, Ermoupoli comes alive with a dynamic nightlife scene, even in winter. Whether you’re looking for a relaxed evening or a lively night out, the city offers plenty of options:
- Cozy cafes and bars: Start your evening with a drink at one of the many chic cafes and cocktail bars around Miaouli Square and the harbor. Popular spots like Jar, Quattro, and MouSouTou serve creative cocktails in an intimate setting, perfect for unwinding after a day of exploration. Also in Ano Syros (during the high season), you can find many bars.
- Live music venues: Ermoupoli’s deep musical heritage is celebrated in its live music venues, where you can enjoy traditional Greek music or contemporary performances. Look for events in Barrio, Laoutari, and Ano Syros.
- Late-night clubs: For those looking to dance the night away, Ermoupoli’s nightlife includes a few vibrant clubs where DJs spin music well into the early hours. Most are located near the harbor, such as Severo, Barrio, and Dusk Fun Bar.
12. Take a boat trip
During the high season, Ermoupoli is also a great place to arrange a boat tour. It’s a fantastic way to explore some of the northern beaches of Syros, discover hidden gems (often only reachable by foot or boat), and go to the surrounding Cycladic islands.
Options usually range from half-day trips along Syros’ rugged coastline, where you can swim in secluded bays like Grammata and Aetos, to full-day excursions reaching nearby islands such as Delos, Mykonos, or even uninhabited islets with lovely beaches.
TIP: One of our favorite boat tours we did, was with John of Spira Authentic Experiences (+30 69773 943 43), who is very knowledgeable about the area and the best and most friendly captain! We went around Didimi island (off the coast of Ermoupoli, with the lighthouse) to a stunning bay where we snorkeled over a ferry wreck, and then headed for Agios Stefanos where we watched the sunset. Contact him for this or other boat trips and please mention Explore Syros (or Jurgen and Heleen) say hi :-).
13. Spend a night in a neoclassical boutique hotel
As mentioned before, Ermoupoli, and more specifically the Vaporia area, is home to many fantastic neoclassical mansions, many of which have been transformed into stunning boutique hotels. Staying here for a night or more is an experience you can’t miss while being in Ermoupoli.
If you are looking for the ultimate luxurious experience, some of the best 5-star options are
- Aristide Hotel: this is probably the most famous hotel in Syros, being one of the best small luxury hotels in the world.
- Argini Syros: located in one of the biggest mansions, this hotel has beautiful rooms and also offers a delicious breakfast (that is accessible to people who don’t stay in the hotel as well).
- Apollonion Palace: located beautifully by the water and close to Asteria Beach.
- Castro Hotel: together with the Apollonion Palace, one of the more affordable 5-star hotels, also known for its spa (you can also visit if you don’t stay in the hotel).
- Hotel Ploes: also located by the Aegean Sea, this hotel offers amazing stays.
14. Meet the many cats of Ermoupoli
This may not really be one of the things to do in Ermoupoli, but to us, it is an essential part of the experience. Everywhere you go in Ermoupouli you will see cats, resting in the sun, walking through the streets, chasing pigeons, or watching the visitors go buy from a safe spot.
If you love cats or love to take pictures, you will have a lot of fun while exploring Ermoupoli. Most of them are taken care of and get food and water from the locals. However, unfortunately, there are also a lot of stray cats. Local organizations such as Syros Cats, try to help these cats.
15. Hike around Ermoupoli
There are many beautiful hikes you can do in Syros, but for most, you will need to either hire a car or grab a taxi. However, there are a couple of hikes you can do, starting in Ermoupoli. Here are a few of our favorites:
- Alithini – Ano Syros loop: a fun walk of around 5 kilometers (3 miles), walking up the old path to Alithini and circling back to Ano Syros, where you can then descend again to Ermoupoli. Along the way, you can visit some chapels but most of all admire the incredible views over Ermoupoli and Ano Syros.
- Hike to Agios Athanasios: behind Ano Syros lies this beautiful church, next to a spring. It is a short hike from Ermoupoli, but definitely worth it. If the church is open, take your time to wander around, and discover the mastic tree. The spring (walking down from the church) is always open. People used to come here to wash their clothes or take a bath. Now you can still fill your water bottle here and relax in the sun while the many cats accompany you.
- Hike to Agios Dimitrios: follow the water to the north, starting from Saint Nicholas Church, and you will reach Agios Dimitrios, another lovely Greek Orthodox church, located on top of the cliffs next to the Aegean Sea. When the ferries and boats sail by, they will blow their horn to ask for a blessing.
Practical tips for visiting Ermoupoli
How to get to Ermoupoli?
Getting to Ermoupoli is easy, as Syros is well-connected to Athens and the other islands by ferry or flight. Furthermore, the port where all ferries arrive is located in the center of Ermoupoli and the airport is only a 10-minute drive from town.
You can choose to come from Athens to Syros by ferry or by plane. During the high season, there are multiple ferries and a flight a day. During winter, there are less frequent connections.
Syros is also well-connected by ferry to Mykonos, Tinos, Andros, Paros, Naxos, and Santorini. Travel times vary but are usually between 30 minutes to 2 hours, depending on the island and ferry type.
What is the best time to visit Ermoupoli?
One of the reasons Ermoupoli is so unique is because it is alive all year round. We spent months in Ermoupoli in winter and found it to be very lively (unlike many other towns on the Cycladic islands). So any time is a good time to visit Ermoupoli.
That being said, it can’t hurt to read more about the best time to visit Syros to plan your trip around pleasant weather, and local festivals. Spring and autumn are generally speaking the nicest seasons to visit Ermoupoli as the weather is nice, everything is open and it is not crowded.
Getting around Ermoupoli
There are many different options to get around Ermoupoli:
- Walking: The city’s compact size makes it ideal for walking. Strolling through the streets around Miaouli Square, Ano Syros, or along the Vaporia District is an experience in itself, with scenic views and charming corners to explore. Be aware there are many stairs in Ermoupoli though.
- Taxis: Convenient for getting to and from specific locations, especially if you’re traveling with luggage or during late hours. Taxis are available at the harbor, Miaouli Square, and by the hospital.
- Local buses: Ermoupoli is well-connected to other parts of Syros via the local KTEL bus service. These buses are affordable and reliable, making them a great option for exploring nearby beaches or villages. There is also a free shuttle bus going around town.
- Rent a car: You don’t really need a car to explore Ermoupoli, but it can be handy if you want to explore more of the island or have a hard time walking. Read our ‘Car hire in Syros‘ article for more info.
That’s a wrap of the best things to do in Ermoupoli! Let us know in the comments if this article was helpful or if you have anything you would like to add or change!
Happy travels in Syros!