Syros

Syros is the administrative capital of the Cyclades, though far less visited than Mykonos or Santorini. The port town of Ermoupoli has grand neoclassical buildings, a marble-paved main square (Miaouli Square), and a town hall modelled on La Scala in Milan. The upper town of Ano Syros, reached by a climb through narrow alleys, has a Catholic cathedral at its summit and views over the Aegean. The island has had both Catholic and Orthodox communities for centuries, with their churches visible on adjacent hilltops. The waterfront has tavernas serving grilled octopus, fried calamari, and loukoumia (Turkish delight), which is a local speciality and sold at several shops. The Apollon Theatre, a miniature version of La Scala, hosts concerts and is open for visits. Beaches are modest compared to other Cycladic islands but less crowded. The currency is the euro, and English is spoken in town. Ferry connections to other islands are frequent from the port.