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 artifacts 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 cafes, has a grandeur all its own.
Among
the most important buildings are the Town Hall (to plans by Ziller)
and the Apollo Municipal Theatre, 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.
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 sea-captains lived,
is of special interest. Along its narrow streets stand neo-classical
mansions.
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,
next to which stands the Centre for Historical Studies. Not far
below are the monasteries of the Jesuits and Capucins. 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 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 Syros are the most densely-inhabited.
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 neo-classical houses
of great architectural interest; Vari, with an attractive beach,
Finikas bay, Kim and Megas Gialos.
There
are more good swimming beaches at Kimata, Aghios Nikolaos, Ermoupoli,
Ambela, Delfini and Ahladi.
Siros
is well-supplied with tourist amenities and its natural beauties
and interesting monuments make it an ideal holiday destination.
The ease of availability of products and services give the island
an advantage over its more isolated neighbours.
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