What to do in Syros on a rainy day

A rainy day in Syros can change your plans, especially if you were hoping to spend it at the beach or exploring the island’s villages. But it doesn’t have to mean spending the day indoors at your accommodation.

Hermoupolis is the best place to head when the weather turns. As the island’s capital and a town with a year-round population, it offers museums, cultural spaces, cafés and restaurants that aren’t solely dependent on summer tourism.

Here are a few ways to spend a rainy day in Syros, along with some practical things worth knowing before you head out.

The Industrial Museum of Hermoupolis is one of the most interesting places to visit when the weather isn’t suitable for outdoor activities.

During the 19th century, Syros became an important industrial and commercial centre. Shipyards, textile factories, tanneries and other businesses played a major role in the development of Hermoupolis.

The museum brings this period to life through machinery, tools, photographs and objects from the island’s industrial past. It helps explain why Hermoupolis developed into such an important city, and how its history differs from that of many other Cycladic islands.

You’ll find the museum on Georgiou Papandreou Street, outside the historic centre but still within walking distance of the port.

Allow around an hour for your visit, depending on how much time you want to spend exploring the exhibits. Check the opening hours before going, as they can vary by season.

If you’re already in central Hermoupolis, the Apollon Theater is worth checking out.

Built in 1864, the theatre is one of the city’s best-known historic buildings. Its interior, with decorated balconies and an impressive painted ceiling, is the main reason to visit.

You don’t need to attend a performance to see it, provided the theatre is open for visits. It’s a relatively short stop that can easily fit into a day spent around Miaouli Square.

The theatre is also used for concerts, performances and other events, so access may be restricted during rehearsals or preparations. It’s worth checking the visiting schedule before making plans.

The Archaeological Museum of Syros is housed in the Town Hall of Hermoupolis, overlooking Miaouli Square.

Its collection includes finds from Kastri and Chalandriani, two important prehistoric sites on the island, along with objects from later periods.

It’s a small museum, so you won’t need several hours to explore it. If you’re interested in the island’s history, though, it’s a worthwhile stop and an easy one to combine with other activities in the centre.

The Town Hall itself, designed by Ernst Ziller, is one of Hermoupolis’ most recognisable buildings. You can read more about its history and architecture in our separate guide to the Town Hall of Syros.

As with the other museums, check opening hours in advance, particularly during the winter months.

Not every rainy day needs a full schedule. One of the advantages of Hermoupolis is that its cafés and restaurants aren’t limited to the summer season. Around Miaouli Square and the nearby streets, you’ll find places where locals meet for coffee, breakfast or lunch throughout the year. It’s a good opportunity to slow down, especially if you’ve spent the previous days travelling around the island.

For lunch, look for dishes featuring local ingredients such as San Michali cheese or Syros cured meats. If you haven’t tried the island’s traditional loukoumi, you can also pick some up from one of the town’s confectionery shops.

Our guide to local food and products in Syros has more information about the island’s specialities and producers.

If you’re visiting outside summer, remember that many restaurants in the seaside villages operate seasonally. Hermoupolis generally offers more choices during autumn and winter.

Syros has a cultural life that extends beyond its permanent museums, although the programme changes throughout the year.

The Gallery of the Cyclades, housed in the historic transit warehouses near the port, is one of the venues used for temporary exhibitions and cultural events.

Depending on when you visit, you may also find exhibitions, concerts or performances in other municipal spaces.

Rather than planning your day around a particular exhibition, check the current cultural programme. This is especially useful outside the summer season, when events are less frequent and opening arrangements may differ.

If the rain continues into the evening, check whether there’s a film showing at Cinema Pallas in Hermoupolis. The indoor cinema operates during the cooler months, making it an option for visitors travelling outside the main summer season.

You can also check the Apollo Theater’s programme for performances or concerts.

If nothing is scheduled, dinner in Hermoupolis is a straightforward alternative. Many of the town’s restaurants remain open throughout the year, although individual opening days and hours vary.

A few things are worth keeping in mind, especially if you’re visiting outside the main tourist season.

• Check opening hours before leaving. Museums and cultural venues may have limited schedules or close on particular weekdays.
• Pay attention to the wind. Rain in Syros often comes with strong winds, which can make exposed areas less pleasant to visit.
• Wear suitable shoes. Marble pavements, steps and sloping streets in Hermoupolis can become slippery when wet.
• Plan your return journey. If you’re staying outside Hermoupolis, remember that bus services are less frequent outside summer.
• Leave room for a change of plans. A cloudy morning doesn’t necessarily mean rain all day. You may still get a chance to explore the waterfront or walk through town between showers.

You don’t need to fit everything into one day. A museum visit, a long lunch and perhaps a film or performance in the evening can make for a perfectly good day in Syros, even when the weather isn’t on your side.