Since 2005 Omilo welcomes every summer many students from all over the world on the island of Syros. Our students have three things in common: they love Greek culture, they want to learn the Greek language and they want to explore the “real Greece”. For that reason, we chose to move our school to the island of Syros during the months of July, August and September.
Syros has a perfect location, in the center of the Cyclades island group, just opposite to the very known islands of Tinos, Mykonos and Paros and only four hours by boat from Piraeus, Athens. Syros also has a national airport. You can find many photos and articles on the internet about this island with its rich history, nice beaches, good food, amazing architecture, etc. No need to repeat it again… and attract too much mass tourism!
Although other islands might have nicer beaches and more spectacular nature, one thing we never find elsewhere in Greece (except of the major cities), is the amazing cultural life and music scene. Syros’ people love the arts and music as much as they love the sea. The music schools in Syros are very popular, with many excellent young students.
Greece’s most traditional and distinctive music style is the “rebetiko”, also known as Greek blues. It is not always easy for tourists to find an authentic place to go to listen to some good rebetiko songs. Luckily in Syros there are still many places where you can hear Greek bouzouki players and rebetiko singers. Markos Vamvakaris, one of the most known Rebetika composers, musician and singer, was born in Syros in 1905 (he died in 1972). Do not forget to visit the Museum of Vamvakaris in Ano Syros.
If you would like to know more about the Greek blues, we recommend to watch this amazing Rebetica Music documentary (47 minutes and in English), of course also mentioning Markos Vamvakaris and Vassilis Tsitsanis, as well as many other big names.
However, Syros does not only offer Rebetica music, but something for all tastes. The International Classical Music Festival, Hermoupolis Guitar Festival, Ano Syros festival and Musical May are only some of the island’s internationally acclaimed annual festivals. Last but not least, the Apollo Theater was fashioned after the famed La Scala Opera in Milan. Therefore it is sometimes called “La Piccola Scala.” In 2014, it celebrated its 150th anniversary. The Apollo Theater is a key venue of another festival, the annual Festival of the Aegean. When attending an Omilo course during the months of July, August and September, most likely you will have the possibility to visit a performance in this beautiful theater.
During a Greek course on Syros island you will not only learn and speak Greek, but also have many opportunities to attend various cultural events , go for walks, enjoy shopping in Hermoupolis or just relax on the many beaches!
And if this is not enough, Omilo takes care of extra Greek dance lessons as well as tavern evenings!
We can not wait to welcome our students in Syros soon again.
Are you in the mood to join us on the island of Syros?
Watch the video and click below for all the info, dates, prices and registration form
1-week courses
2-week courses
The Omilo team will be looking forward to welcoming you.
