The Greek Islands are full of sun-soaked beaches, historical sites and delicious food and one town in particular is renowned for its friendly locals
Summer may have darwn a close, but for those keen to catch some rays, this charming European city could be just the ticket.
British tourists flock to the Greek islands year after year, drawn by the reliable sunshine and pristine sandy shores.
With countless islands to pick from when planning your getaway, this particular gem has visitors raving about their experience. Research by Booking.com reveals that Syros’ capital Ermoupoli ranks among Europe’s most welcoming destinations.
The administrative heart of the Cyclades island cluster isn’t overrun with tourists, meaning the beaches remain blissfully uncrowded, according to Mediterranean Traveller, reports the Express.
Founded during the 19th century and named after the Greek deity Hermes, the settlement emerged during the Greek Revolution.
Back then, the city served as Greece’s industrial and commercial powerhouse.
Though Piraeus eventually claimed that mantle, Ermoupoli maintained its position as a vital Cyclades hub, with its economy continuing to thrive.
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”.
There’s plenty to occupy tourists in this destination, with the city centre featuring Miaouli Square alongside the Town Hall – a masterpiece 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 is awash with 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 holidaymaker, Betty G, heaped praise on the locals of Ermopouli, recounting how she received a “warm welcome and lots of explanations about the food” during her dinner at Miaoli square.
Given the recent anti-tourist protests across Europe, this friendly reception was a breath of fresh air for many travellers, who might be feeling apprehensive about selecting their next holiday spot.