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Guide
Essentials
🏙️ City | Syros is the capital of the Cyclades islands, known for its beautiful architecture and rich history. |
👥 Population | Approximately 21,000 residents. |
💻 Internet Speed | Average internet speed is around 20-30 Mbps. |
💸 Currency & Banking | 1 EUR ≈ 1.07 USD; most shops accept credit/debit cards. |
🚰 Tap Water | Tap water is generally not drinkable; bottled water is recommended. |
🔌 Power | Electricity is 230V, 50Hz, with Type C and F sockets. |
📶 SIM Card | Providers include Cosmote, Vodafone, and Wind. |
💳 Banking for Expats | Eurobank and Alpha Bank are popular among expats; Revolut is widely accepted. |
🛌 Accommodation | Options range from traditional Pensions to modern apartments available on Airbnb. |
💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, cashless payment methods are widely accepted. |
🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and local real estate agencies offer short-term rental options. |
🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Pensions like Pension Agathe offer affordable lodging starting from €30 per night. |
🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | Ermoupoli is the most recommended area for tourists due to its historical significance. |
🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | Ano Syros offers a quiet, inspirational environment for longer stays. |
Working and Networking
🏢 Best Coworking Space | Syros Coworking is the best spot for remote work, located in Ermoupoli. |
☕ Best Cafe for Work | Cafe Foyer is popular among remote workers, offering good coffee and Wi-Fi. |
💼 Networking Events | Meetups are organized occasionally through local Facebook groups. |
🥂 Social Events for Expats | The Syros International Film Festival hosts expat gatherings. |
Transportation
🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Taxis can be hailed directly or booked via local phone services, Uber is not available. |
🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Rental services like Syros Bike can be found in Ermoupoli. |
🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Galissas Beach is just 10 minutes away by car and is popular with locals. |
✈️ Top Regional Airline | Sky Express offers flights connecting Syros to other islands. |
✈️ Top International Airline | Aegean Airlines operates flights to Athens. |
🛣️ Highway Access | Local roads connect to regional ferry points. |
🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | There is no train service; ferries are the main transit method. |
🚍 Public Transport Passes | Public transport is limited; taxis and scooters/bikes are preferred. |
✈️ Regional Travel | Ferries connect to nearby islands including Mykonos and Tinos. |
Health and Wellness
🏥 Best Hospital | The General Hospital of Syros provides basic medical services. |
🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga on the Beach offers classes along the coastline. |
🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Syros Fitness is a popular gym option for locals. |
🧺 Laundry Services | Laundromats are available in Ermoupoli. |
Food and Drink
📱 Best Food Delivery App | Wolt is a popular food delivery service on the island. |
🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Syros' local specialty is Loukoum, a sweet delicacy. |
🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Restaurants like Laouto offer several vegetarian dishes. |
🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Koutelieris is famous for its traditional pastries. |
🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | The local market in Ermoupoli offers fresh produce at reasonable prices. |
🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Greek websites like Skroutz can be useful for online shopping. |
🛒 Grocery Delivery | Supermarkets like Sklavenitis provide delivery services on the island. |
🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Ermoupoli has a vibrant nightlife, with bars like The 112. |
🍻 Local Brewery | Microbrewery Syros Beer produces craft beer on the island. |
🍷 Wine Bars | Oenos offers a selection of local wines. |
🍲 Street Food Stalls | Various souvlaki stands provide quick eats. |
🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Pizzeria Da Marco serves excellent Italian food. |
Culture and Attractions
🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Ermoupoli's Town Hall and St. Nicholas Church are must-visit landmarks. |
🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | The Industrial Museum of Syros showcases local history. |
🏰 Historical Sites | The Apollo Theater offers a glimpse of 19th-century architecture. |
🕍 Religious Sites | The Church of St. George in Ano Syros is worth exploring. |
🎉 Annual Events | The Syros Carnival in February attracts visitors from all over Greece. |
🎨 Cultural Districts | The Vaporia area is known for its neoclassical mansions. |
🎭 Theater Venues | Apollo Theater hosts various performances throughout the year. |
🛍️ Local Markets | The daily market in Ermoupoli features local produce and crafts. |
🎼 Music Scene | Local tavernas often feature live music, especially during summer. |
🎨 Street Art | Ermoupoli has various murals contributing to its charm. |
🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Cooking workshops are occasionally offered by local chefs. |
👩🎨 Art Galleries | Gallery Mykonos hosts exhibitions by local artists. |
🕰️ Historic Buildings | The Town Hall of Ermoupoli is a historic masterpiece. |
🏴 Local Heritage | Syros maintains its cultural identity through local customs and traditions. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | The beaches of Galissas and Kini offer beautiful scenery and relaxation. |
🏞️ National Parks Nearby | No national parks on the island, but hiking trails are abundant. |
🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | The coastal road from Ermoupoli to Galissas offers stunning views. |
🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | The viewpoint at Ano Syros provides panoramic views of the Aegean Sea. |
🦉 Birdwatching Locations | The hills around Ano Syros are ideal for birdwatching. |
🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Designated campsites near the beach allow for bonfires. |
Other Services and Amenities
📦 Parcel Delivery Service | Local post offices and DHL offer reliable delivery services. |
🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Electronics repair shops are available in Ermoupoli. |
🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Local community centers often have ping pong tables. |
🧑🏫 Language Classes | Language schools in Ermoupoli offer Greek language courses. |
📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Cultural Center of Syros has resources for studying. |
🏘️ Community Centers | The Syros Cultural Center organizes various community events. |
🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Internet cafes in Ermoupoli often cater to gamers. |
🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | No casinos are available on the island. |
Business
🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. €2,500 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = €100,000) |
🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. €2,000 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = €80,000) |
🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. €2,800 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = €168,000) |
🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. €2,300 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = €138,000) |
🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. €3,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = €240,000) |
🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. €2,500 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = €200,000) |
💼 Corporate Tax | 24% corporate tax rate. |
💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 15% tax on dividends. |
🏦 Tax System | The Greek tax system is based on worldwide income for residents. |
📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 45% for income above €40,000. |
🧾 VAT | 24% standard VAT. |
🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, there are strict rules governing CFCs. |
🏠 Property Tax | Annual property tax based on assessed value. |
🏠 Property Transaction Tax | 3% tax applied during property purchases. |
💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | Greece is moving toward a more favorable tax environment for remote workers. |