Syros - Not Mykonos but . . .

Several days ago, Captain Michael announced our ship would not be visiting Mykonos as the strong winds there would make it impossible for tenders to ferry passengers from the ship to the shore.  So, that port was replaced with the island of Syros with its port of Ermoupoli (so named for the goddess, Hermes).  My initial reaction to the news was one of disappointment; however, as we docked there yesterday morning, I could see it was a very pretty place.  

The view from my veranda

Syros, also known as Siros or Syra, is a Greek island in the Cyclades, in the Aegean Sea. It is 78 nautical miles south-east of Athens. The area of the island is 83.6 km² and it has 21,507 inhabitants. The capital is Ermoupoli and other town are Ano Syros, and Vari.  It turned out Ermoupoli was an architectural gem with colourful mansions, neoclassical buildings, imposing churches (two of which were situated on the two hills in the town), pretty squares and a lovely seafront crowded with bars and restaurants.  You can see the two churches (one Greek Orthodox and the other Catholic) on the two hills below.


Statue of Hermes

The town hall, an impressive structure, was situated on Miaouli Square and its architecture combines "the vibe" of classical ancient Greece with the Romanticism of the West.  It is considered to be one of the most beautiful town halls in Greece.


We wandered around the town and, while it isn't touristy like Rhodes was and, I expect, Mykonos is, there was still something charming about it.  I really liked the pastel-coloured buildings, particularly the creams, pale yellows, and peaches.








On the way back to the ship, I stopped for a glass of wine while my friends carried on.  It was nice to sit on the seafront, enjoy the views and people watch.  Tomorrow morning, we will be docked in Piraeus (Athens) and I have pretty much decided to spend the day on the ship to get ready for the long journey home - where, ironically, I hear the weather is warmer and sunnier than it is here!  What's that about?? 

 





 


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