Yacht Charter Base Syros (Siros) Island, Greece |
Yacht Charter Base(Area 86 sq. km. Distance from Piraeus 83 nautical miles, distance from Rafina 62 nautical miles). The northern part of Siros is mountainous and the island stands out in general for the variety of the landscape in its hinterland, where hills alternate with low-lying farming areas. The coastline is indented with inlets of all sizes between capes. There are two large bays, of Ermoupoli to the east and Finikas to the west. Archaeological excavations have shown that Siros was inhabited in Neolithic times. Digs at Kastri and Halandriani have revealed a prehistoric acropolis, a settlement and a burial ground, and yielded artefacts of the Early Cycladic period. Ermoupoli, ‘Queen of the Cyclades’, is the capital and main harbour of Siros. It is also without doubt the capital of all the Cyclades. Ermoupoli stands on a naturally amphitheatrical site, with neo-classical buildings, old mansions and white houses in the island style cascading down to the harbour. The centre of the town, where Miaouli Square stands ringed with café s, has a grandeur all its own. Among the most important buildings are the impressive Town Hall (built in 1889 to plans by Ziller) and the Apollo Municipal Theatre (1864), which is a copy in miniature of La Scala, Milan. There is also a statue of Admiral Miaoulis. Ermoupoli has numerous magnificent churches, the most interesting of which are those dedicated to the Transfiguration, the Dormition of Our Lady, St. Demetrius, the Three Hierarchs, and St. Nicholas. Cyclades 07 The Archaeological Museum has a collection of notable finds, and the Municipal Library contains numerous interesting and rare editions. The quarter of the town known as Vaporia, where the seacaptains lived, is of special interest. Along its narrow streets stand neo-classical mansions. Finally, because of the island’s significant economical bloom in the 19th century, of high interest are the town's industrial buildings such as, amongst others, the Neorio shipyards, the Customs building and the Transit Warehouses in the port, the building of the old lazaret Lazaretto), as well as old factories scattered all over the island. Ano Siros (Upper Siros), with its walls, narrow lanes and arches, has kept much of its medieval character. The steep streets and countless steps lend the town the charm of a bygone age. At the very top of the town is the catholic Cathedral of St. George (San Tzortzis), next to which stands the Centre for Historical Studies. Not far below are the monasteries of the Jesuits and Capuchins. In the centre of the town is the Town Hall, with the Historical Archives of the Municipality of Ano Siros, and the Museum devoted to the popular composer Markos Vamvakaris, revered as one of the masters of Greek music. Various folklore events take place in Ano Siros, generally during the summer. On the north-east side of the island, which consists of an especially rich biotope, are Halandriani and Kastri hill, where important prehistoric finds have been made. The beaches of north-west Siros are difficult to reach. Among places of interest here is Gramata, where inscriptions dating from the Roman and Byzantine periods are to be found carved on the rocks. The southern and western parts of Siros are the most denselyinhabited. The best beaches are also here, including Galissas, a fine, large resort with a long sandy beach; Possidonia or Delagratsia, a coastal area with a good beach at Angathopes and neoclassical houses of great architectural interest; Vari, with an attractive beach, Finikas bay, Kini and Megas Gialos. There are more good swimming beaches at Kimata, Agios Nikolaos (in Ermoupoli), Delfini and Ahladi. Siros is well-supplied with tourist amenities and its natural beauties and interesting monuments make it an ideal holiday destination. Characteristic product of the island: Greek delight (loukoumia).
Useful telephone numbers: Police: 22810 96.100 Municipality of Ermoupoli: 22810 98.200 Municipality of Ano Siros: 22810 82.934 Archaeological Museum: 22810 88.487 Port Authority: 22810 88.888 Airport: 22810 87.025 |
