Easter in Syros is an opportunity to create unforgettable memories colored by the beautiful spring nature and warmed by the welcoming spirit of the locals.
Syros welcomes spring and the preparations for Easter are in full swing; Now is the best time to discover this lively, authentic and one of the most interesting islands in the Cyclades archipelago.
Here, in Syros, Orthodox and Catholics celebrate Easter together. Regardless of the date of Catholic Easter, this island is one of the few locations in the world, and the only one in Greece, that the two Christian communities celebrate together.
Easter is important to Greeks and particularly to the people of Syros. So, you are welcome to joins us and we will introduce you to the customs and traditions of the Holy Week, a week-long celebration that includes a series of festivities leading to Easter.
Customs and traditions during the Holy Week, the week before Easter, are very important to the Greeks and particularly to the people of Syros.
Points of Interest:
• Places of public worship in Hermoupolis
• Churches of the Eastern Orthodox Church
Included:
• Pickup - Drop off at your location
• A guided tour with experienced guide
• Entrance fees
Details:
Duration time: 17.00– 20.00 (3 hours)
Note: Children under 4 years old can join for free
Cancelation: Free up until 24 hours before your scheduled pick-up time
Description:
• The Orthodox church of the Dormition of Virgin Mary, built between 1828 and 1829, is also famous for housing one of the master pieces of religious art, the icon The Dormition of Virgin Mary by the famous Greek painter Domḗnikos Theotokópoulos most widely known as El Greco.
• The church of the Transfiguration of Jesus Christ and Diocese of Syros, built in 1824, is a three-aisled Basilica with a dome and two bell towers. It stands out for its black-and-white mosaic in the courtyard, the historic arcade at the entrance, the decorative painting, the wood carvings Rococo style.
• The Saint Nicholas church, built in 1848, is famous for its lavish interiors, the impressive architectural structure, the silver-plated icon of St. Nicholas, patron saint of Hermoupolis, the despotic marble throne, the pulpit and its marble iconostasis, the biggest in Modern Greece.
Around 18.30 we will attend the service of the “Efchelaio" (The Blessed Oil) in the Church of the Holy Archangels on the outskirts of the capital Hermoupolis to witness the priest making the sign of the cross to the head and the lips with the blessed oil. Built in 1898, the Church of the Holy Archangels is located in Hermoupolis on the road leading to Ano Syros. This is a temple in the shape of a cross with a dome and an impressive bell tower. The Church’s interior is brilliantly adorned with a neoclassical marble iconostasis, icons of the 19th and 20th centuries as well as the icons of the archangels that were gifted by the Patriarch ofJerusalem.
Notice: This is the only Orthodox Church in Greece with a Catholic cemetery in the courtyard.
Customs and traditions during the Holy Week, the week before Easter, are very important to the Greeks and particularly to the people of Syros.
Points of Interest:
• Tastes, aromas, and history in Syros
• Traditionaldishes of the Easter period
Included:
• Pickup - Drop off at your location
• Transfer in a fully air-conditioned private vehicle.
Details:
Duration time: 09.00– 12.00, (3 hours)
Note: Children under 4 years old can join for free
Cancelation: Free up until 24 hours before your scheduled pick-up time
Description:
First thing in the morning, we will visit the "Kastri" Women's Association of Syros; a gastronomy workshop keeping the tradtion of local cuisine alive. Inspired by traditional recipes, the women cook using pure Cycladic raw materials in modern facilities. We will have the opportunity to learn about the traditional tastes and food options for these special religious days. We will be introduced to local eating habits and preparations of the most delicious homemade food on the island.
Together we will dye eggs red - one of the oldest Easter traditions for Greek Orthodox Christians.
Our next stop will be the majestic church of St. Nicolas (Agios Nikolaos), the patron saint of Hermoupolis that stands out for its lavish interiors and impressive architectural structure. The church is located at the prestigious district of Vaporia, featuring some unique high-ceiling mansions that seem to hover above the sea. Next, we will visit the Apollon Theater, a major attractions and cultural icon of Hermoupolis. Built in 1864 to the designs of the Italian architect Pietro Sampo, who drew his inspiration by at least 4 Italian standards including the Scala di Milano, the theater is hosting nowadays various cultural events.
We are on our way to the heart of Hermoupolis; the Miaoulis Square which is the historic square of Syros featuring architectural marvels in a dreamy landscape of the 19th century. We will visit the Town Hall designed and built in 1898 by the influencial architect Ernst Ziller. The crown jewel of Syros has architectural details on three different styles, Tuscan, Ionic and Corinthian, boasting outstanding features such as a princely staircase 15.5 meters high.
Customs and traditions during the Holy Week, the week before Easter, are very important to the Greeks and particularly to the people of Syros.
Points of Interest:
• All around Syros
• The medieval Ano Syros and Episkopio village
Included:
• Pickup - Drop off at your location
• A guided tour with experienced guide
• Entrance fees
Details:
Duration time: 16.00– 19.00 (3 hours)
Note: Children under 4 years old can join for free
Cancelation: Free up until 24 hours before your scheduled pick-up time
Description:
Leaving the town center, we are heading to Ano Syros, the medieval settlement located up the hill to the left of Hermoupolis. We will enter the settlement at the top of the hill. Here we will visit the St. George's Cathedral, also the Catholic cathedral of the island, the Catholic Monastery of Capuchins and the church of St.John built in 1635. Then we will wander around the core of the settlement, the picturesque Piatsa, with small shops and the museum of Markos Vamvakaris, one of the most influential Greek rebetiko compositors.
Early in the afternoon (around 18.00) we visit the village of Episkopio in the center of the island. There, on the top of this green hill, we will visit the chapel of the Prophet Elias to attend the service of the entombment and burial procession of Jesus Christ. During the service, the body of Christ is removed from the cross, the priest wraps it in a sheet and carries it on his back around the church three times. He places it on the wooden Epitaphio and, followed by the faithful who carry the Epitaphio on their backs, carries itin procession along the streets of the village chanting hymns.
Discover Syros with us, your trusted local guides since 1981. We know our island inside out and we are here to make your experience authentic and unforgettable. Let's create the perfect tour together, tailored to your interests and preferences.
Create your ideal, tailor-made experience and build your tour itinerary as you wish!
Whether you're planning a family vacation, a romantic escape, or you are a solo traveler, we can create a tour in Syros from scratch, together. When it comes to customizing your tour, the sky is the limit! Plan a custom version of any existing tour and give it a personalized twist, by:
• Adding special activities & inclusions to the itinerary
• Adjusting the itinerary to fit a certain theme or designing a brand-new itinerary to destinations around Syros and its landmarks!
Contact us, and together we will create the perfect tour that meets your needs and wishes!
And remember... the adventure begins here!
Points of Interest:
• Syros Market
• Neoclassic Mansion
• Town Hall
• ApollonTheatre
• Resident of Kyveli
• St. Nicholas Church
• Vaporia
Included:
• Pickup - Drop off at your location
• A guided tour with experienced guide
• Entrance fees
Details:
Duration time: 3 hours
Note: Children under 4 years old can join for free
Cancelation: Free up until 24 hours before your scheduled pick-up time
Description:
We will set a meeting point in Hermoupolis.
You will walk the narrow streets of Hermoupolis with our experienced guide, to smell Syros aromas, meet locals, see their everyday life, discover images and experiences of a bygone era and encounter monuments and neoclassical buildings from the imperious history. Small groceries, shops, traditional stores located in the heart of Syros, the Neoclassical capital of Cyclades.
We will get a glimpse of the glory of another era, as we will visit an old neoclassic mansion. Decorated with an elaborate marble staircase in the interior and beautiful frescoes, the mansion is famous for its ceiling fresco, representing eight of the gods of Ancient Greece -Zeus, Hermes, Themis, Apollo, Dimitra, Athena and four leading features of the Greek War of Independence against the Ottomans back in the 1821. Expressing the classicism prevailing in the architecture of Europe at the time, is adorned with an imposing pediment, which occupies the entire facade.
Our next stop will be the Town Hall of Hermoupolis in Miaouli square, which is one of the most impressive Town Halls in Greece. Noteworthy elements of the Town Hall are the ladder at the entrance, the boardroom, the portraits of former mayors, the carriage of Princess Sissy, its architecture and of course its history since 1876. Walking up the main square, we will make a stop to Apollon Theatre, one of the major attractions of Syros that constitutes an emblem of the island’s cultural heritage. The historic Theater Apollon was built in 1864 by the design of the Italian architect Pietro Sampo who was inspired by 4 Italian standards including the Scala di Milano.
Next stop is the Resident of Kyveli, one of the most famous actresses of the 1920's in Greece. Hermoupolis was chosen as the seat of the “Kyveli Institute” because it was here that 16 years old Kyveli appeared for the first time alongside her husband, and accomplished actor, Mitsos Myrat at the theatre “Apollon”. A life full of theatre, romance and a love affair which changed her life, are the main ingredients of Kyveli’s life story which will seduce you.
Our last stop will be the Church of St. Nicholas which is a magnificent Byzantine Church. The patron saint of Hermoupolis stands out for its lavish interiors and impressive architectural structure. The church’s icons were created by some of the best artists of the time while many Greeks from abroad as well as ship-owners helped for the construction of the temple. The Church located to Vaporia where refugees in the northern Aegean and Crete settled on the island of Syros, during the revolution. The marvelous home-boats “vaporia” that seemed to hover above the sea create a beautiful and picturesque area. The view is breathtaking.
Discover the enchanting island of Syros through a series of immersive private tours tailored to every traveler's desires. From exploring the Neoclassical wonders of Hermoupolis to uncovering the hidden gems of Ano Syros, each tour offers a unique journey into Syros' rich history, culture, and natural beauty. Indulge in gastronomic delights, embark on boat adventures to secluded beaches, or hike through magnificent landscapes to serene hidden shores. Experience the contrast between industrial and traditional life, witness breathtaking sunsets over the Aegean Sea, and immerse yourself in the tranquility and magic of Syros. With a blend of history relaxation, and adventure, these tours promise unforgettable moments and memories to treasure forever.
Points of Interest:
• St. Nicholas
• The Αssumption of the Virgin Church
• Mausoleum
• St. George Catholic church
• The Church of the Resurrection
• The Birth of the Virgin
Included:
• Pickup - Drop off at your location
• Transfer in a fully air-conditioned private vehicle.
Details:
Duration time: 3 hours
Note: Children under 4 years old can join for free
Cancelation: Free up until 24 hours before your scheduled pick-up time
Description: We will pick you up at your location.
Our first stop will be the majestic cathedral of St. Nicolas, patron saint of Hermoupolis that stands out for its lavish interiors and impressive architectural structure. St. Nicholas is located at the prestigious district of Vaporia, featuring some unique high-ceiling mansions that seem to hover above the sea.
Next, we will visit to the Αssumption of the Virgin church which is the second oldest church on the island and was built behind the harbor in 1828. It is a three-aisled Basilica with impressive architecture and decoration. The Interior is adorned with elements from wood and marble while the domes create a wooden frame that looks like an overturned boat. What stands out is the authentic icon of the assumption from 1562 painted by Dominikos Theotokopoulos (El Greco), making the Church one of the most important sights on the island.
Leaving the town center, we will go to the Mausoleum of Syros. This is a cemetery reflecting the history and culture of the magnificent island of Syros in its exquisite mausoleums and beautifully decorated tombstones. The most imposing tombs belong to important personalities of the island like Mavrokordatos, Benakis, Antoniadis and Rodokanakis. The incredible monuments are signed by important Greek as well as Italian artists & sculptors such as Fytalis, Vitalis, Spanos and A. Canessa.
Next stop will be Saint George Church in Ano Syros. This is the Catholic diocese of Syros. Built in 1200 on the highest point of the hill of Ano Syros it has undergone numerous renovations and reconstructions over the years, the latest being that of the Tinian architect Chatzisimos. It is a large complex including the Church, the Bell Tower, the baptistery, the sacristy, the hospitality room, the historical archive building, the Episcopal Palace and an abandoned house. The Cathedral is a three-aisled Basilica with marble columns. Statues of Saints by Italian sculptors of the 18th century dominate the entrance while on the inside visitors will certainly be impressed by the wood-carvings and marble flooring inspired by a Tinian sculptor.
The Church of the Resurrection of the Savior will be our next stop. It is a magnificent temple dedicated to the “Resurrection of the nation” dominating on the hill of Hermoupolis. The church was constructed in 1874 by the local architect Dimitris Eleftheriadis but began to work consistently from 1908 onwards. This is a three-aisled Church of Byzantine style with neoclassical elements, a dome, impressive bell towers and very special icons. The Church is celebrated on the Sunday of St. Thomas and organizes various events for both children and adults.
Last stop will be the church of The Birth of the Virgin at Chroussa. A lavish church in a natural oasis. Chroussa is a charming village with quaint chapels, majestic mansions, villas, Orthodox and Catholic churches, footpaths and alleys that pop up through a magnificent pine forest worth exploring. Just 8.5 km from Hermoupolis, Chroussa constitute an absolute oasis of peace and tranquility while offering a multitude of events throughout the year.
Discover more experiential experiences here: hospitalitystories.com / vassilikossyros
