ermoupoli walking tour

Syros | The capital of Cyclades

The weather in syros is:.

• Please log-in to Favorite Ermoupoli

The open air museum of Syros

From the imposing Town Hall in Miaouli Square and the Apollon Theater to the aristocratic mansions and the Church of Agios Nikolaos of the Rich in the Vaporia district, Ermoupoli is much more than the capital of Syros. It is an open-air museum worth exploring from end to end.

It is the main port of Syros, with ferry connections to Piraeus and Rafina and other Greek islands, and is only 3km from the airport, which has regular direct flights to Athens. There are cafes, restaurants and shops filled with life all year round.

The capital of the Cyclades

Ermoupoli is the administrative centre of Syros and the rest of the Cyclades. But it is very different from the main settlements of other Cycladic islands, known for their sugar-cubed houses and whitewashed splendor.

Instead, you are treated to neoclassical architecture and a cosmopolitan aura that can be traced back to Syros’ commercial and artistic flourishing in the 1800s, following the arrival of the refugees from surrounding Greek islands and Asia Minor after the Greek Revolution of 1821.

In the decades that followed, Syros’ new residents contributed to Ermoupoli becoming a commercial, industrial and shipping centre in Greece (second only to Athens in importance and population). It was named after Hermes, the god of commerce and messengers, and as its wealth grew so did its thriving artistic and cultural scene.

A walking tour of Ermoupoli

Strolling through the narrow streets and fascinating neighborhoods of Ermoupoli, you are instantly transported to a bygone era through monuments and buildings that represent Syros’ imperious history.

The heart of Ermoupoli is Miaouli Square , dominated by the grand Town Hall , which is still the political, social and cultural hub of the island. It is one of the biggest and most impressive town halls in Greece and a work of legendary 19 th -century German architect Ernst Ziller , who was inspired by three different architectural styles.

The Archaeological Museum of Syros (one of the oldest museums in Greece) is housed in four rooms of the Town Hall, with a separate entrance on Emmanouil Benaki Street. And in nearby Vardaka Square, the Apollo Theater was designed by Italian architect Pietro Sampo, who was partly inspired by La Scala di Milano. Sampo also designed the Cultural Center of Ermoupolis in 1863, another fitting symbol of the cultural heritage of the city.

Not to be missed on any stroll around Ermoupoli is Agios Nikolaos of the Rich , a magnificent church of inestimable cultural importance. This brings you into aristocratic Vaporia , and a charming district of Ermoupoli known for the colourful mansion houses built in the 19 th century. Vaporia is also popular with both locals and visitors for a quick swim followed by a coffee or sunset cocktails.

Back at the harbour, the Gallery of the Cyclades is housed in one of the original 1830s warehouses, where cargo was delivered or loaded onto visiting ships. The gallery hosts periodic art exhibitions (mainly during the summer months) and has a small theatre that stages plays and concerts.

Other museums in Ermoupoli include the Ecclesiastical Museum , the Industrial and Textile museum , the Cycladic Art Replicas Exhibition , the Historical Archives of the Cyclades and the Kyveli Institute .

AREA OVERVIEW

Nearby locations all villages & settlements nightlife attractions restaurants & tavernas museums in syros associations rooms for rent, a sports bar & dinner, miaouli square, elliniko kafeneio, the town hall of ermoupolis, archaeological museum of ermoupoli, historical archive of the cyclades, municipal library, ithaki tou ai, cultural center of ermoupolis, cycladic art replicas exhibition, the philharmonic of ermoupolis, the apollon theater, syros chess club, severo cafe-bar, archontariki tis maritsas, syros lyceum of greek women, the high school of syros, en ermoupoli, plaza cafe & croissant, liquid music bar.

Ermoupolis Walking Tour (2 hours)

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Dimitris - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

A Quick Guide to Ermoupoli – The Neoclassical Capital of the Cyclades

Ermoupoli (also spelt Ermoupolis or Hermoupolis ) is the capital of Syros , a Greek island in the middle of the Cyclades group.

Unlike neighbouring Mykonos, Syros is not a major tourist destination but it’s actually the administrative capital of the Cyclades. And Ermoupoli – its main town and port – is a major ferry hubs so you may well end up here if island-hopping  for any length of time.

It’s definitely worth spending at least a day here – it’s one of the most beautiful small cities in Greece and is quite unlike anywhere else in the Cyclades.

Here’s what to see and do whilst in Ermoupoli.

Ermoupoli – What’s It Like?

Ermoupoli is unique amongst Cycladic towns for its Venetian heart and neoclassical architecture painted in attractive pastel hues.

But Ermoupoli is not a tourist town. It’s a busy working town with a significant university population which lends it a buzz and a business all year round. As the administrative centre of the Cyclades there are many civic offices and also plenty of cheap ferry connections which bring locals to Syros for their bureaucratic needs.

Syros has a long history as one of the most prolific islands in the Aegean. It was under Venetian occupation for a long time – from 1204 until 1522. Even under subsequent Ottoman rule a significant part of the population retained their Catholic beliefs.

At this time, the main settlement was on Ano Syros – one of the two hills overlooking the harbour. These two hills are each topped by a church and give Ermoupoli a unique skyline. They were originally separate villages but have now been absorbed into Ermoupoli.

The population really exploded during the Greek War of Independence against the Ottomans in the 19th century when it welcomed Greek refugees from Asia Minor and the Dodecanese islands. Syros remained neutral during the war and was seen as a safe haven. These newcomers built down by the harbour in Ermoupoli and endowed it with their wealth, industry, and expertise.

This small island became known for its shipbuilding, banking (it even had its own currency), and textiles production. Its success can be seen in the many neoclassical villas and mansions surrounding the port.

What to See and Do in Ermoupoli?

Ermoupoli has a natural harbour with the Neorion docks on its west and a headland called Nisaki to its east. Larger ferries tend to dock on the western side. Immediately in front of the docks you’ll find travel agencies selling ferry tickets, cafes, and a few cheap guesthouses.

The old shipyard (Neorion) next to the ferry port has recently been revived and behind it is the Industrial Museum of Ermoupoli .

Walk around towards Nisaki and the waterfront becomes livelier, with long rows of cafes and restaurants that have generous outdoors seating. This part of the harbour is where the megayachts and tourist boats dock. 

The National Resistance Monument (pictured above) takes pride of place in the harbour and the road behind it leads up to Miaouli Square and the Syros Town Hall .

The main road that runs alongside the harbour is very busy and in the hot summer this area can feel dusty and chaotic. Head back a street or two to find more relaxing places for a coffee.

Thankfully Ermoupoli’s backstreets are a joy – shady and cool, swathed in bougainvillaea and lined with cafes and tavernas. In the streets immediately behind the waterfront you’ll find local stores selling clothes and hardware as well as a small covered market.

Miaouli Square

Maiouli Square is the civic heart of Ermoupoli, it’s biggest plateia and a favourite hangout for local kids.

You will find several prominent buildings on or around the square:

• Ermoupolis City Hall (designed by Ernst Ziller)
• Archaeological Museum of Syros
• Historical Archive of the Cyclades
• Ermoupoli Municipal Cultural Centre

Like many Greek squares, it’s packed with fast food joints. If you’re after a gyros and fries you’ll find plenty here, as well as several sweet shops (Syros is known for its loukoumi , elsewhere known as Turkish Delight, and you’ll see hawkers selling boxes of it on the ferries).

The Ellinikon Bistro is a pleasant old-school cafe with a surprisingly modern menu.

Or head to the south east corner of Miaouli Square where you’ll find the densest tangle of alleyways which are home to some of Ermoupoli’s best cafes, bars, and restaurants. This area really comes alive at night.

You can have a coffee at The Corner Cafe , an ice-cream at Django Gelato , and cocktails at JAR .

The north east corner of Maiouli leads on to two icons of Syros – the Apollon Theatre (based on the design of Italian opera houses such as Milan’s La Scala) and the blue-domed Church of Agios Nikolaos which appears in many photos of Ermoupoli.

Vaporia and Asteria Beach

Beyond Agios Nikolaos you’ll find the much-photographed Vaporia district, where wealthy shipbuilders constructed their mansions (the name itself refers to a type of ship). You’ll see plenty of marble on show in these grand abodes. Some have been turned into high-end hotels and guesthouses.

It’s also home to Asteria Beach . It’s not so much a beach as a concrete swimming platform, but it’s the best option for a dip in town and is the place to be seen in the summer months.

Behind Vaporia is the western hill – Dili – which is home to the Orthodox Church of the Resurrection . There up plenty of steps which will take you up to the church through Vrontado , a very quiet residential neighbourhood with many abandoned houses that must have been glorious in their prime.

There’s a good view from the church but if you’re only going to choose one hill to climb then Ano Syros is the more interesting of the two.

From the Church of the Resurrection it might look simple to walk across to Ano Syros but the road is winding and there are too many fields with barbed wire fences to easily walk. I tried but got a few funny looks. Perhaps it’s more straightforward in the car. 

Ano Syros is a must-see whilst on Syros, especially if you can’t help but miss the vibe and aesthetics of the other Cycladic islands. This is the oldest part of town by far – dating back to the 1200s – and it has a serene feel.

The houses of the village form a natural fortification with the Catholic Church of Agios Georgios at its core. It has amazing views over Ermoupoli and a handful of fantastic cafes and bars to enjoy them from.

For more information read Ano Syros – A Beauty Hidden in Plain Sight .

How to Get to Ermoupoli

Syros has a domestic airport (JSY) with connections to Athens – see Skyscanner to compare fares.

But it’s also very well connected by ferry. Being an administrative hub there are frequent connections to Athens Piraeus as well as the other islands in the Cyclades and the Dodecanese – see Ferryhopper for routes and fares. Ermoupoli is the main ferry port on Syros and ferries dock a 5-minute walk from the main part of the waterfront.

Where to Stay in Ermoupoli

Ermoupoli has a great range of high-end and boutique accommodation options, many housed in its beautiful neoclassical buildings. True budget rooms and studios are surprisingly thin on the ground, rooms can sometimes be cheaper in the beach villages.

• Electra Syros Boutique Hotel
• Hotel Hermes
• Aeolia Boutique Studios
• Locadiera Pansion

If you want to help support the island’s many stray cats please donate to Help Syros Cats .

Syros – An Island Guide

Ano Syros – A Beautiful Hidden Gem in Greece

Syros – 10 Local Secrets

Ultimate Guide to Beach Destinations in the Cyclades

A-Z List of Greek Islands

Greek Island-Hopping 101: Everything You Need to Know

Enjoyed this post? Click to save to Pinterest:

Image credits: All images © The Mediterranean Traveller

Share this post:

Syros Ermoupoli

• View on map

A lively state sparkles under the Aegean sun. The past, the present and the future seem to coexist harmoniously in the marble-paved streets with the imposing mansions.

Ermoupoli was created by refugees who came from Izmir, Chios, Psara, Kasos and Crete in the 1820s. At that time the port had few buildings. The first church that was built was Metamorfosi and then districts were created according to the place of the refugees’ origin (Hydreika, Vrontado, Psariana). The name it was given means city of Hermes, due to the growth of the trade.

The refugee settlement became an important urban centre in the Aegean and up to circa 1860 Syros was the first commercial port in Greece. Along with the trade, the craft industry, the culture, the arts, and the social life were developed. It became the cradle of the modern Greek enlightment, as among the refugees of the new town (and mainly the Chians) the most progressive tendencies of the Modern Greek Enlightenment were represented. Through the 19 th century Ermoupoli gained its valuable architectural “dowry” –the mansions and the public buildings. Most of them have been built in about 75 years, that is why the settlement shows uniformity and unity. German, Italian and Greek architects were conscripted for their creation.

Most of the buildings are all-marble and have rich interior decoration (ceiling paintings, frescoes, marble staircases, sculptures, etc.).

TOWN HALL SQUARE

The heart of the city is Miaoulis Square, or Town Hall Square, which was established in the 19 th century. Here all the festive events are held and important events for the island have taken place such as the reception of Venizelos and the disapproval of King Constantine from the crowd. Formerly there there was sand over there and on its NW side there was the orchard of Salachas with wells. In 1847 the Municipality bought it and built the square envisaged by the Weiler plan. The buildings around it are from the period between 1840-50 and their galleries were built following the model of the Italian towns of that time.

On the square there is the famous bandstand, a work of Ioannis Vitalis made of Pentelic marble, and the statue of Andreas Miaoulis of 1889. In its lower right end one of the oldest kiosks of Greece is located.

The Town Hall of Ermoupoli is one of the largest in Greece. It was built between 1876-1889 and it is the work of Ernst Ziller. Upon entering you will admire the marble staircase – cantilever and hanging- that looks as if it is flying. At its base there is the effigy of Mayor D. Vafiadakis. Right from the entrance, on the ground floor, the courts are housed and on the first floor the conference room of the City Council stands out. In the building there are also the registrar of mortgages and the Archaeological Museum.

Around the square you will see the Club Hellas -current arts centre of the Municipality (1862-3) and the Historical Archive, formerly house of Ladopoulos (1870). The outdoor cinema Pallas was built in 1855-1866 and it was initially the municipal grocery store. The Hellenic Telecommunications Organization (OTE) building is of the period 1957-1958 and in its place there was the Greek Senior School of Christos Evangelidis and then the “Hotel of the town” and “of France”. One of the most impressive halls is the current Cyclades Labor Center (1871-3) which is all-marble, with rich architectural decoration on its facade.

Above the square, the clock that was manufactured in 1861 by a mechanism which came from Munich stands out. It was destroyed by the bombing of the Germans and it was restored in 1949. The pointers are stopped at 12.30.

APOLLON THEATRE

The Apollon Theatre is an emblematic building of Ermoupoli, built in 1862-4 and designed by architect P. Sampo who built the Club as well. The layout of the interior keeps the proportions of the Italian tradition and everyone says it is a miniature of La Scala -although this is not accurate. The design is influenced by at least four Italian standards: La Scala (1776), the theatre (1816) San Carlo of Naples, the academic theatre in Castelfranco (1745) and the Teatro della Pergola in Florence (1755). On the contrary the support of the domed ceiling follows the French system. Thanks to the Apollon Theatre, the artistic life in Syros flourished. It hosted performances by famous leading actors, such as Marika Kotopouli, Cybele, Manos Katrakis, and many concerts. It is an important cultural pole of attraction in Syros even today as it hosts cultural events and the Festival of the Aegean.

(Tel.: +30 22810 85192).

AT THE COAST

The coastal road, full of coffee bars, shops, taverns and restaurants, ends up in the transit warehouses that were built between 1834-1839, designs by J.W. Erlacher with the stewardship of Wilhelm von Weiler. They are covered by cylindrical vaults of small bricks and stone voussoirs. They stopped operating as warehouses since interwar period and they host public services (port authority, etc.). In 1994 the Cycladic Art Gallery was created hosting temporary exhibitions in four warehouses of the south side.

The Customs building (1859-1861) is imposing. A part of it was destroyed in the war and was rebuilt by maintaining the original design. On the side there is Nisaki, from where you will enjoy excellent views of Vaporia.

The district that stands out in Ermoupoli is famous Vaporia. Three generations of shipowners, bankers, and industrialists passed by the grandiose urban mansions facing the sea.

In Tsiropina square with the palm trees, which was formed in 1880 and later took its name after the mayor, you will find yourself in one of the nicest points of the city. There you will see the grandiose building of the Prefecture of Cyclades, once Tsiropina (1883). There are dozens of interesting buildings around; the house of Zygomalas of 1880 stands out, which is now the headquarters of the Public Power Corporation (DEI), and the huge house of Kriaras in 600m 2 facing the sea. A unique building next to Agios Nikolaos is the old Carabiner (Italian police station) –the house of merchant Tampakis and current basis of the metropolis. From the narrow streets beside the Prefecture you will find yourself near the sea and the view of Vaporia will take your breath away.

AT THE MARKET

Ermoupoli has a wonderful market, with shops, bookstores, grocery stores, art galleries, coffee bars, restaurants and ouzeries. Old shops forming true attractions can be found by walking through the city. The “Inopnevmatopoleion” (Alcohol store) of Kritsinis operating since 1917 and the pharmacy of Koveos of 1837, the “oldest of modern Greece”, as it is called by its owners, are very famous.

The market of the town is located on Chios St. with grocery stores, fish stores and shops selling herbs and traditional products, “loukoumia” (confections based on a gel of starch and sugar) and “halvadopites” (halva pies).

– The walk in the neighborhoods, such as Hydreika or Psariana is beautiful: in the second one you will see the metropolis of Ermoupoli’s Catholics, -Evangelistria (1829), a three-aisled basilica which follows the Italian standards and has a nice painted decoration.

– Pole of attraction in Ermoupoli is, inter alia, the casino of Syros (or of the Aegean) housed in two buildings of the early 19 th century which have been renovated.

Photo Gallery

Agios Nikolaos

Ermoupolis Walking Tour (2 hours)

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Dimitris (Ermoupoli, Greece): Address, - Tripadvisor

Syros Ermoupolis

General information

The beautiful town of Ermoupolis in Syros is not only the capital of the island but the entire Cyclades as well. It is a commercially and culturally developed sea settlement of unique architectural beauty, a great reminder of the brilliant past of the city.

DISCOVER SYROS WITH OUR TOURS! Book an unforgettable Tour in Syros or get there with your own rental car .

This town was founded by the refugees and Greek revolutionaries who came to the French-protected Syros from various parts of Greece, such as Chios , Psara, Kassos, Crete  and Asia Minor, to escape the massacres conducted by the Turks during and after the Greek War of Independence (1821). Those people put their powers, faith and capacities together and created the magnificent Ermoupolis, which became prosperous very quickly and turned into the most important commercial shipping nation as well as the cultural center of the New Greek Nation of the 19th century.

Ermoupolis owes its name to Hermes, the god of trade. In fact, Ermoupolis translates into "the town of Hermes". The great economic prosperity of the city was followed by social and cultural development and the appearance of a Greek bourgeoisie. The glorious past of the capital is still apparent in its wonderful neoclassical architecture : old mansions, marble paved streets, grandiose marble squares, imposing churches, monuments, statues, and well-preserved superb neoclassical buildings adorn the amphitheatrically built city. This architecture justifies the various names the town often used to be called, like  Little Milan and the Duchess of the Aegean .  Vaporia Quarter is the quaintest neighborhood of Ermoupolis and the perfect place for a stroll to marvel at the impressive architecture.

In front of all this amazing beauty and noble architecture, Eleftherios Venizelos said once that "Greece was reborn in Ermoupolis", and everyone who has the chance to visit this marvel will agree with this statement. To build this marvelous town, many European architects came from various countries like Germany, Italy, and Greece, and joined their talents in a glorification of artistic and architectural beauty.

The magnificent Miaouli Square is one of the most beautiful squares in Greece. It is known for its tall palm tree that shadows small coffee shops and restaurants, creating an attractive scene and relaxing atmosphere. The square is surrounded by the superb building of the Town Hall which was designed by the famous architect Ernst Ziller. It is among the top impressive neoclassical buildings in Greece and the most grandiose of all the mansions in Syros.

Apart from the municipality, this architectural marvel also houses the Archaeological Museum . Also surrounding the square is the Cultural Centre of Hermoupolis, a beautiful building with high-painted ceilings and chandeliers, where various cultural activities take place throughout the year, such as concerts and interesting art exhibitions.

In Miaouli Square is also a round marble stand with beautiful relief panels with representations of Apollo and the Nine Muses. On this bandstand, the town's philharmonic band often gives concerts. The Apollo Theatre , which stands on Vardaki Square and was designed by the French architect Pietro Sampo, is also worth seeing. It is a miniature of the famous La Scala of Milan and used to house many famous artists and present Italian operas. Several events still take place their, especially during the summer season. 

Hotels in Ermoupolis

With a classy and timeless neoclassical design, Aristide Hotel provides 2-person suites with modern hints of luxury. Each suite has a unique decorative style, enhanced by artworks from the hotel’s private collection. In some of them you will discover private plunge pools or balconies with great ...

Castro Hotel Syros is a five-star hotel featuring rooms and suites, large double beds, three restaurants, a wellness center with a hot tub, a gym, and views over Ermoupolis. It is one of the few luxurious options for your stay in Syros.

Apollonion Palace

Boasting a seafront location in the cosmopolitan town of Ermoupoli, Apollonion Palace combines an elegant design with stunning sea views and a friendly atmosphere. The hotel has a charming interior design and its terrace offers direct access to the sea. Luxury amenities are also provided.

Things to See & Do in Ermoupolis

Sightseeing, activities & entertainment, ermoupolis map, photos by greeka members, photos by greeka team.

• ben67 02 Apr 2009 The lady of the Cyclades Ermoupolis is certainly the best and true village on Syros. In a brochure, I read that it is called "the Lady of the Cyclades". Well, you could say that, I guess, because it has so many noble corners that looks truly elegant and fragile. You will see many impressive buildings (some will remind you of Venice), spacious squares, lovely cafeterias on the highest spots with view to the port and lovely gift shops in every narrow street. How nice! I took some very good photos of Ermoupolis and when I show them to my friends they get impressed!
• elisaty 24 Aug 2008 Buy loukoumia before you leave Ermoupolis is the most beautiful town on Syros. I loved the big, impressive buildings inspired by the Greek antiquity, with those tall columns and many floors. Time flew when I was shopping at the gift shops behing Miaouli square: great things to buy and good prices! Try Archontariki restaurant for nice baklava and when you leave the island buy loukoumia to offer to friends. Hermoupolis is also a nice base to go excursions. Definitely on Azolimnos and Galissas. Also go to Ano Syros, a vilage that looks like Ermoupolis a bit, only much smaller.

DISCOVER MORE SYROS VILLAGES

• Share this page on Facebook
• Share this page on Twitter
• Copy the URL of this page

Sign in to the Greeka Community.

Upload your best photos of Greece and interact with other Greeka members!

Ermoupolis Walking Tour (2 hours)

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Dimitris (Ermoupoli, Greece): Address, - Tripadvisor

Palm Beach walking tour leader Rick Rose wins prestigious county tourism award

A Palm Beach institution known for his encyclopedic knowledge of the town's history has been honored for his contribution to local tourism.

Rick Rose , the bowtie-wearing leader of the Worth Avenue walking tours since 2011, on Thursday received the prestigious Providencia Award from Discover The Palm Beaches, the county's tourism marketing agency.

"Receiving the Providencia Award for me, personally, is the highest possible recognition of my life's work," Rose said Friday.

The announcement was made during Discover The Palm Beaches' Travel Rally Day celebration Thursday at Manatee Lagoon in West Palm Beach, where Discover also announced that Palm Beach County charted a record-breaking number of visitors for the first quarter of this year, with 2.8 million visitors. In addition to Rose's award, Discover presented its Partner of the Year Awards to The Ben Hotel and Visit Palm Beach.

Rose was born and raised in Palm Beach County, as was his mother, he said. And though he left the area for about 25 years, "This was always home for me."

Rose has dedicated his entire career to travel and tourism after receiving his degree in hospitality from Florida State University. "It honestly kind of puts a crown on my achievements," he said. "I couldn't think of another recognition anywhere that would be more heartwarming."

This is the 32nd year the award has been given to a local business, organization or person in recognition of their contributions to Palm Beach County's tourism industry.

In addition to the Worth Avenue walking tours, Rose wrote "Palm Beach: The Essential Guide to America's Legendary Resort Town," and he co-owns and operates Palm Beach Vacation Rentals, which has 40 short-term rental properties in Palm Beach County.

Rose was chosen from a pool of applicants by a committee of local tourism industry leaders as one of three finalists, with the historian going head-to-head with PGA National Resort in Palm Beach Gardens and developer Related Southeast and its CityPlace and Hilton projects in downtown West Palm Beach.

The winner was chosen by a popular vote, with votes cast online via the Providencia Award website. Rose said he was grateful to be considered alongside such prestigious organizations as Related Southeast and PGA National Resort. "They would have been very deserving," he said.

Rose is an esteemed member of Palm Beach County's tourism community, said Milton Segarra, president and chief executive of Discover The Palm Beaches.

"As a dedicated resident, historian, and author who has documented the rich history of 'America’s First Resort Destination,' he brings The Palm Beaches to life for visitors and other residents," Segarra said. "His thorough knowledge, distinct Palm Beach style, and overall contributions to our organization and to the larger community are invaluable, and we are proud to honor him as a strong tourism ambassador with the Providencia Award."

Winning the Providencia Award is a full-circle moment for Rose: His mentor and Worth Avenue walking tours predecessor James Ponce was the last individual to receive the award 10 years ago. Since Ponce's recognition, only organizations or groups have received the Providencia.

"We've got an unbelievable destination here," Rose said. "Really for me it's not just Palm Beach island, it's the whole county."

This was the second year in a row that the Providencia Award honored a person or organization based in Palm Beach. Last year's award went to The Colony Hotel.

The first winner of the Providencia was actor Burt Reynolds , who was raised in Palm Beach County and returned to the area in the 1970s, when he settled at a sprawling ranch in Jupiter Farms. Throughout his career, Reynolds brought film and television productions to the Palm Beaches.

The award was named after a Spanish ship that sank off the coast of Palm Beach in the 1880s. The vessel's cargo included tens of thousands of Trinidad coconuts, which the crew managed to bring on shore and plant — later inspiring the name, "Palm Beach."

Kristina Webb is a reporter for Palm Beach Daily News, part of the USA TODAY Florida Network. You can reach her at  [email protected] .  Subscribe today  to support our journalism.

A guide to Milwaukee walking tours, from history and culture to food and ghosts

If you're looking to learn more about the history, culture and architecture of your hometown (or you're visiting the city and want to learn more), a walking tour is a great way to do it.

Here are a few walking tours of Milwaukee sites and neighborhoods.

Historic Milwaukee walking tours

Historic Milwaukee is a nonprofit organization that hosts walking tours and events like Doors Open Milwaukee in order to raise awareness about the city's architecture and history.

Historic Milwaukee Special Tours are guided walking tours.

• German Heritage Walking Tour: Tourists will learn about notable German people and places in Milwaukee history. 2 hours. $20 for adults, $5 for ages 6-11, free for kids 5 and under.
• Beyond Brady: Polish & Italian Immigrants in Milwaukee: Tour explores how this east side neighborhood was the home of Polish and Italian immigrants and became Milwaukee's counterculture stronghold in the 1960s and '70s. 2 hours. $15 for adults, $5 for ages 6-11, free for kids 5 and under.
• Industrial Heritage, Walker's Point: Tour explores how the former warehouses and factories of Walker's Point have evolved into restaurants, places of business and homes. 2 hours. $20.
• Walker's Point Churches Tour: Tour explores the architecture and religious beliefs of several churches in Walker's Point, especially as they evolved throughout Walker's Point history as different immigrant groups made the neighborhood their worship home. 2 hours. $20.
• Yankee Hill Walking Tour: Tour explores the history of the Yankee Hill neighborhood. 2 hours. $20 for adults, $5 for ages 6-11, free for kids 5 and under.
• Yankee Hill Churches Tour: Tourists walk by seven churches in the east side neighborhood, to learn about their architecture and history. If church schedules allow, tour will also include a walk inside the churches. 2 hours. $20 for adults, $5 for ages 6-11, free for kids 5 and under.
• Wisconsin Avenue Churches Tour: Tourists learn the history of churches constructed from the 1860s through the 1920s with a focus on the architecture, traditions and different ethnic groups that have worshipped there. 2 hours. $20.
• Women's Milwaukee: Tour explores the history of downtown Milwaukee with a focus on the stories of women rather than the more typically told stories of Solomon Juneau, Byron Kilbourn and George H. Walker. 2 hours. $20 for adults, $5 for ages 6-11, free for kids 5 and under.
• Lulu & Rocky Family Tour: This family tour, recommended for kids ages 6-10 and their families, is based on a children's book that explores some of the famous and historical sites of downtown Milwaukee. 1.5 hours. $10 for adults, $5 for ages 5-11, $2 for ages 4 and under.
• Gargoyles, Grotesques & Dragons: Tour focuses on the meaning and history behind the "faces" that appear on downtown Milwaukee buildings. 2 hours. $20.

Historic Milwaukee mobile app tours highlight different parts of the city with self-guided routes with suggested stops and information about the sites. Unless otherwise noted, the downloads are free.

• Avenues West: a 2.5-mile tour with 23 stops just west of I-43, a neighborhood that includes Marquette University and historic mansions.
• Brady Street: a .8-mile tour with 27 stops, includes architectural and historic sites of the street. $4.99 to download.
• Clarke Square: a 1.8-mile tour with 17 stops, located in the heart of Milwaukee's Latin American community, once a predominantly Polish community.
• Diverse Downtown: a 2-mile tour with 18 stops through downtown Milwaukee told through the lens of Native Americans, women and people of color who shaped the area.
• Exploring the Beerline Tour: a 1.4-mile tour with 15 stops, through two Milwaukee neighborhoods, Riverwest and Harambee, with information about the Beerline rail line that was decommissioned in the early 1990s and became a multi-modal recreational trail.
• Harbor District: a 3.5-mile tour with 17 stops, of an area that was once a marshland, became an area known for tanneries and foundries with ships coming and going, and is now an area that groups are working to revitalize.
• Indigenous Milwaukee: a 5-mile tour with 27 stops that focuses on the stories of the many Indigenous communities who have made Milwaukee home.
• Layton Boulevard: a 1.7-mile tour with 17 stops, with historic and cultural stops on the historic street that is now part of 27th Street.
• Metcalfe Park: a 3-mile tour with 28 stops representing the culture and history of this majority-Black community.
• Milwaukee Moderns: a 2-mile tour with 18 stops that focuses on the architecture of buildings in downtown Milwaukee that are in the Postmodern, Brutalist and International styles.
• North Point Mansions South: a 0.8-mile tour with 24 stops in a historic neighborhood on the lower east side that shows off many historic mansions. $4.99 to download
• Silver City: a 1-mile tour with 15 stops of the area that got its name in the early 20th century when its industrial workers were paid in silver coins.
• Visiting Villard Avenue: a 1.2-mile tour with 20 stops that explore the culture and history of this part of "Old North Milwaukee."
• Yankee Hill: a 1.1-mile tour with 21 stops in the neighborhood that derived its name from its placement on a bluff and the "Yankee" residents who arrived from New York and New England in the 1830s. $4.99 to download.

Historic Milwaukee Self-Guided Tours are self-guided tours in printed form.

• Walking Milwaukee: 31 Tours of Brew City's Neighborhoods, Landmarks and Entertainment Districts: In this book, each tour includes commentary on topics like architecture, culture, history and trivia along with where to eat, drink and shop. There are photographs, a map for each tour, as well as distance and difficulty level. $16.95.
• Walking Milwaukee: Downtown Edition: The full set of cards includes 10 tour cards, each of which is a mapped walking tour, and eight landmark cards documenting the history of some downtown landmarks. Mini sets are also available for purchase on specific topics including Beer Barons of Wisconsin Avenue, Milwaukee's Downtown, Milwaukee's Lakefront and Yankee Hill. $2-$20.

Milwaukee Soldiers Home walking tour

The Milwaukee VA Soldiers Home historic district is a national historic landmark on the grounds of the Milwaukee VA Medical Center. The Milwaukee Preservation Alliance hosts tours of the historic buildings located on the grounds.

• Guided tours are 90 minutes long and can be scheduled through the Milwaukee Preservation Alliance website . The tours are free, although donations are welcome.
• An app is also available to download for people who want to take the self-guided tour.

Milwaukee walking tours that feature food and drink

Fun Beer Tours MKE : These guided beer-themed tours include historical facts and Milwaukee trivia, as well as stops where people can buy beer and other drinks (Cost of food and beverages are not included in the fee).

• Beer is famous. Milwaukee made it so: A tour of spots at the Pabst Brewery complex and Central Waters Brewing. 0.9 miles. 2 hours and 45 minutes. $20 for adults (21 and over).
• Downtown: History and architecture: Tour starts at the Milwaukee Public Market and loops through downtown to see historic sites such as City Hall and the Pabst Theatre. 1.4 miles. 2 hours. $20 for adults (21 and over), $15 for teenagers, free for kids ages 12 and under.
• Pabst: History and architecture: Starts with a tour of the Pabst Brewery complex, then continues on to see sites such as the Deer District, the Riverwalk and the 3rd Street Market Hall. 1.3 miles. 2 hours. $20 for adults (21 and over), $15 for teenagers, free for kids ages 12 and under.
• 'Take me to your liter' 3-craft brewery tour: A tour that includes MobCraft Beer Co., Indeed Brewing Co. and Broken Bat Brewing Co. 0.7 miles. 2.5 hours. $20 for adults (21 and over).
• Beer and pretty much everything else tour: Tour starts at 3rd Street Market Hall, then goes down Wisconsin Avenue and along the Riverwalk; it also includes stops at Safe House and Explorium Brew Pub. 1.3 miles. 2.5 hours. $20 per adults (21 and over).
• Quintessential Milwaukee tour: Starts with a tour of Broken Bat Brewing Co., then moves on to the Riverwalk and the Historic Third Ward; it also includes stops at the Public Market and the 3rd Street Market Hall. 1.3 miles. 2 hours, 45 minutes. $20 for adults (21 and over)

Milwaukee Food Tours are well-known for bus tours of various eateries, but they also have streetcar tours and a few walking tours.

• Brady Street Lunch Tour : Historic and cultural information about the neighborhood is intermingled with stops for pizza, cannoli, tacos, salami, prosciutto, olives, empanada and a Milwaukee-brewed beer. 1.25 miles with 5-6 stops. 2.5-3 hours. $74 for adults, $45 for kids ages 8-15, free for kids ages 7 and under.
• Around the Ward in 90 Minutes : Tourists will learn about the history and culture of the Historic Third Ward as they stop inside historic buildings and one food stop. 1.25 miles. 1.5 hours. $30 for adults, $10 for kids ages 8-15; free for kids ages 7 and under.
• Walker's Point Stroll, Sip, & Savor : Tourists stroll through the historic district, with four food and drink stops along the way (1 cocktail, 2 beers, tacos and a paloma). 1.25 miles. 3 hours. $99 (adults only).
• Streetcar History Tour : Tourists take a ride on the Hop as they learn about the history and culture of the different neighborhoods the streetcar drives through, and get off the streetcar twice for brief walking tours of the Historic Third Ward and Cathedral Square. There's also a stop for dessert. 1.25 miles. 2 hours. $30 for adults, $10 for kids ages 8-15, free for kids 7 and under
• InstaMKE Photo Walk : The tour guides are professional photographers who give photo-taking tips as they tell stories of different photo-worthy Milwaukee sites, including in the Historic Third Ward, on the Riverwalk, Wisconsin Avenue and outside the Milwaukee Art Museum. There's also a stop for a sweet treat. 1.5 miles. 2 hours. $30 for adults, $10 for kids ages 8-15, free for kids 7 and under.

An art walking tour and a scavenger hunt

Sculpture Milwaukee : People can go on a self-guided tour of the urban public art exhibition that is spread over two miles in downtown Milwaukee and the Historic Third Ward. The online map will lead tourists past whatever sculptures they're interested in.

Milwaukee Scavenger Hunt Adventure : Urban Adventure Quest curates scavenger hunts for many North American cities. Milwaukee's tour covers 2 miles of downtown and takes between 2 and 2.5 hours. Tourists use their smart phones to get clues to lead to different sites where they will search for specific features. There are 17 challenges, and the cost is $49 for a team of two to five people.

Ghost Walking Tours

American Ghost Walks hosts tours in other Wisconsin cities like Madison, Waukesha and Lake Geneva. These are the Milwaukee tours.

• Milwaukee Third Ward Ghost Walk : Tourists are guided through different sites in the Third Ward with violent, ghostly or paranormal stories behind them, including stories that involve the mafia and gangsters and ghost sightings at Skylight Opera Theatre, the Italian Community Center and the Milwaukee Institute of Art and Design. Tourists will also hear ghost stories "with Third Ward connections," including at the Pfister and the Hilton Garden Inn. 1.5-2 hours. $25 per person
• Milwaukee Shadow of City Hall Ghost Walk : Tourists walk by the buildings of some of the most notorious of downtown Milwaukee's ghost stories including those at City Hall, the Pfister, the Pabst Theatre and the Hilton Garden Inn. 1.5-2 hours. $25 per person.

One more ghost tour deals with a different type of ghost — ghost signs. Milwaukee marketing agency Hoffman York developed a free augmented reality tour of the Third Ward, which allows users to hold up their phones to various buildings to see what the faded advertisements looked like in their heyday. Paper maps are available at the Milwaukee Public Market or Historic Third Ward Association, online at augmentedhistory.org