Summer may have drawn to a close, but for those eager to catch some rays, this delightful European city could be exactly what you’re after. British tourists flock to the Greek islands annually, drawn by the reliable sunshine and pristine sandy shores.
Whilst there’s an abundance of islands to pick from when planning your getaway, this particular destination has visitors raving about their experience. Research by Booking.com reveals that Syros’ capital Ermoupoli ranks amongst Europe’s most welcoming cities. The administrative heart of the Cyclades archipelago isn’t a mainstream tourist hotspot, meaning its beaches remain blissfully uncrowded, according to the Mediterranean Traveller, reports.
The settlement was established during the 19th century, named after the Greek deity Hermes, throughout the Greek Revolution. During this period, the city served as Greece’s industrial and commercial powerhouse.
Though Piraeus eventually claimed this distinction, it continued as a vital centre for the Cyclades islands, with its economy still thriving today. The Syros Cyclades website notes that visitors to the town “are treated to neoclassical architecture and a cosmopolitan aura that can be traced back to Syros’ commercial and artistic flourishing in the 1800s, following the arrival of the refugees from surrounding Greek islands and Asia Minor after the Greek Revolution of 1821”.
The destination offers plenty for tourists to explore, with the city centre featuring Miaouli Square beside the Town Hall, designed by German architect Ernst Ziller. For those eager to delve into the rich cultural heritage, the Archaeological Museum of Syros, Apollo Theatre, and the Cultural Centre of Ermoupolis are must-visit spots.
TripAdvisor has several rave reviews about Ermoupolis, with one user particularly recommending the Church of The Assumption of the Virgin Mary. “Built in the years 1826-29 by refugees from the island of Psara it is the second oldest church in Ermoupolis after the big main church a bit further up, the Metropolis Metamorfoseos Sotiros (which has no entry in Tripadvisor).
“It is dedicated to the ‘Kimisis Theotokou’, which translates as the ‘Dormition of the Mother of God’, a feast, which in the West is known as the ‘Assumption of the Virgin Mary’ (which is not exactly the same, since chronologically the Assumption came after the Dormition). The church, restored in the 1950s after damage during WW2, has a very richly decorated interior with a lot of gold, with chandeliers and columns that are painted to look like striped green marble.
“Quite impressive, but not too different from many other rich Greek churches. What makes this ecclesiastical building special though is to be found in the narthex, on the right side of the inner entrance.”
Another user, Betty G, lauded the locals of Ermopouli, recounting how she received a “warm welcome and lots of explanations about the food” when she dined at Miaoli square. Given the recent anti-tourist protests across Europe, this warm reception was a breath of fresh air for many holidaymakers, who may feel apprehensive about selecting their next holiday spot.