Bagni di Lucca and Beyond

After our time in Santorini we took the ferry to Syros, another island in the Cyclades group.

The early settlement of Syros goes back around 5,000 years. It has had a rich and varied history, including a period of Venetian rule.

We stayed in Ermoupoli, the capital of the island.  The town was built in the 1820s during the Greek Revolution as an extension of Ano Syros, which sits on a hill above the port town.

I was up early to see the sun come up quickly over the port.

Much of the town was built in the Neoclassical style merging with Greek Classicism and elements of the Renaissance. A good place to start a walk through the town is in the lovely Miaoulis square. City Hall takes centre stage.

The square is lined with cafes shaded by palm trees.

A statue of Andreas Miaoulis keeps an eye on things.

Someone, it seems, has a sense of humour.

The pretty streets are paved with marble. Bougainvillea climbs up buildings and decorates the restaurants dotted around the town.

Greek gentlemen like to gather to solve the problems of the world.

We found the food market…lots of fresh seafood.

There are dozens of restaurants to choose from, but one beside the water called out to us.

We liked it so much we went twice.

One of the dishes was called sea urchin salad. When it arrived it looked like soup.

We ate it anyway. When the waitress came to take our plates she asked if we enjoyed it.

We did. When she asked what it taste like I replied that it was like eating the sea…salty deliciousness.

As the sun began to set the lights came on in Ermoupoli.

Sunset over Ermoupoli was spectacular. The colours changed constantly.

We visited Ano Syros and hired a car to drive all over the island on day 2 and 3. There will be posts to follow.

Syros is a completely different Greek Island from Santorini. I think it is more authentically Greek. I can see that it would be a popular destination for Athenians to spend their summer holidays. It was relaxed and calm when we were there in spring, with far fewer people than Santorini. I’m pleased we experienced both islands.