Ermoupoli, the capital of Syros, and the Cyclades, is a beautiful city with much to offer. It is historically significant as it was once the main port of Greece, a hub of shipbuilding activity and a commercial, naval and cultural centre. Ermoupoli or ‘City of Hermes’, the god of trade, also played a major role in the Greek revolution against the Ottomans.
It is now a peaceful town full of neo-classical mansions, squares and grand churches of a bygone era. There are a number of good museums to visit and great tavernas to sample the local food.
Miaouli Square is one of the most beautiful squares in Greece and is known for its tall palm tree where you can enjoy a coffee or meal in its shade. All of this can be discovered when you pick up a charter yacht from Ermoupoli, Syros.
Syros is centrally located in the Cyclades island complex and so is one of the best starting points for a sailing holiday in the Cyclades. Andros, Tinos Mykonos and Delos are to the north east; their stark, compelling beauty is even more impressive when looked at from a boat. Sail south to discover the rest of the islands, such as Paros, Naxos, Ios and Santorini. Even in the busy summer season, remote anchorages are found.
Ermoupoli, Syros is the transport hub of the region. There is an international airport on Syros, just 3km from Ermoupoli, which has direct flights from Athens and other European cities. There are regular ferry service from Piraeus and Rafina, Kea, Kythnos and Lavrio. Other Cycladic islands like Mykonos, Paros and Naxos also arrive and leave from Ermoupoli. In addition there are ferry links with the Dodecanese islands, including Patmos, Leros, Kos and Rhodes. The northeastern Aegean islands, including Patmos, Ikaria, Samos, Lesvos and Limnos are also connected by ferry to Syros.
The Cyclades are known as the windy isles, and attract more experienced sailors looking for challenging sailing. There are plenty of islands to explore - quiet and relaxed to busy and lively. A skippered or crewed charter with an experienced local skipper is recommended. The prevailing wind in the summer is the "Meltemi", which blows from the North - North West. With so many islands to explore, a one week charter might not be enough.