Syros is so special and special since it can and does combine the rural landscape – in northern Syros or Apano Meria – with the residential tourist area in the south of the island.
On a tour of northern Syros, lovers of the Cycladic landscape will be left in the tranquility offered by barren nature with low vegetation and dry stones. This tranquility is also enjoyed by the migratory birds that gather in the area and rank it as one of the most important in Greece, which is why Mount Syringa has been included in the Community Network of Protected Areas NATURA 2000, with the following data:
- Area Name: ΟΡΟΣ ΣΥΡΙΓΓΑΣ ΩΣ ΠΑΡΑΛΙΑ
Area Code: GR4220018Type: B Latitude: 24o 54 Latitude: 37o 28 Maximum Altitude (m): 434 Area (ha): 700,
while the NATURA 2000 network of Syros consists of two other areas:
- Area name: GYAROS ISLAND
Area Code: AG0010077 Maximum Altitude (m): 447 Area (ha): 2700
- Area Name: NORTHERN SYROS
Area Code: GR4220018 Type: B Latitude: 24o 54 Latitude: 37o 28 Maximum Altitude (m): 434 Area (ha): 700
And where our landscape seems dry, right there we can find a wide variety of plants and herbs. The special microclimate, the strong sun, the sea breeze and the strong winds make the herbs of Syros have intense flavors, aromas and colors. The most common species are thyme , daffodil and sage , which you will see blooming if you are there in the spring. In the area you will find rare species of plants, such as mandrake, which contains a medicinal substance and is used as a laxative, as well as three species of saffron that are endemic to Syros.
In the southern part of the island, the residential development becomes more evident and coexists with lush vegetation whose main feature is the local clusters of pine trees.
The fauna of Syros is also of great interest. In addition to the kids that climb dry rocks and shoot on rocks up to the sea, the most initiated can observe birds, reptiles, amphibians, hares and rabbits. Throughout the island, and mainly in Apano Meria, 11 species of reptiles, the green toad (a species of amphibian) and 47 species of birds are endemic.
Geomorphology and flora of Syros
Miranda Daskou, Biologist
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1I3-YA_xfkh2NMBmuNq37h8az0eCCadBZ/view?usp=sharing