Kritikos

Kritikos is a well-established Greek supermarket chain with a branch on Ermoupoli's coastal road, Petrou Ralli 44. For visitors staying in or around Syros's capital, this is one of the most convenient full-service grocery stops on the island — open six days a week and stocked with everything from fresh produce and deli cuts to cleaning products and bottled water.

The store sits on the seafront strip that runs along the eastern edge of Ermoupoli, the island's main town and the administrative capital of the Cyclades. The location makes it easy to combine a grocery run with a walk along the waterfront or a stop before heading to the ferry terminal nearby. With a 4.3-star rating from nearly 200 Google reviews, it consistently performs as a reliable everyday shop rather than a tourist-oriented convenience store.

Kritikos operates across multiple locations in Greece and carries a broad range of products comparable to other mid-sized Greek supermarket chains. The Ermoupoli branch functions as a proper neighbourhood store serving both locals and visitors, which tends to keep prices grounded and stock practical rather than heavily skewed toward premium imported goods.

What to Expect

The Kritikos on Petrou Ralli is a standard-format supermarket with the product range you'd expect for self-catering on a Cycladic island. Expect fresh fruit and vegetables, a chilled dairy section, packaged meats and deli counter options, a bakery area, dry goods, canned and jarred products, wine and spirits, soft drinks, and a cleaning and household aisle.

As part of the wider Kritikos chain, the store stocks both national Greek brands and own-label products across most categories. The chain's online platform — kritikos-sm.gr — also offers a Club Card loyalty scheme and an online ordering service with same-day delivery options in covered areas, though availability of that service on Syros specifically is worth confirming directly with the store.

Floor space is sufficient for a proper weekly shop rather than just a top-up. Checkouts are staffed rather than self-service-only, which can make transactions more straightforward if you're navigating the shop in a second language. The coastal road location means there is street-level access directly off Petrou Ralli, which is useful if you're loading bags into a car or scooter.

For visitors in rented accommodation — particularly apartments or villas in Ermoupoli, Ano Syros, or the surrounding hillside neighbourhoods — Kritikos is a logical first stop on arrival to stock up on essentials before the smaller village shops close for the afternoon.

How to Get There

The store is at Petrou Ralli 44 in Ermoupoli, on the coastal road that runs parallel to the harbour. From the main ferry port (the Port of Syros), head south along the waterfront — Petrou Ralli is the continuation of the harbour road as it curves away from the central quay. The walk from the port takes under ten minutes on foot.

If you're arriving from Ano Syros or the upper town, walk or drive downhill toward the port area and pick up the coastal road heading south. There is on-street parking along Petrou Ralli, though spaces can fill during peak summer hours. Scooters and bicycles can be left along the kerb near the store entrance.

No dedicated bus stop serves this exact stretch, but Ermoupoli is compact enough that most accommodation in the town is within a 10–15 minute walk. Taxis from the main taxi rank near Miaouli Square can drop you at the address directly.

Best Time to Visit

The store opens at 8:00 AM Monday through Friday, which makes it viable for an early morning shop before beach days or day trips. Saturday hours run slightly shorter, closing at 8:00 PM rather than 9:00 PM. The store is closed on Sundays, so plan accordingly — Sunday is a poor day to arrive and find yourself short of supplies.

Mid-morning on weekdays tends to be the quietest window. Late afternoon, particularly from 5:00 PM onward and especially in July and August, sees heavier foot traffic as people return from beaches and day trips. Saturday mornings before noon are manageable but busier than midweek.

Syros has a longer active season than many Cycladic islands due to its year-round resident population — Ermoupoli functions as a proper city, not just a summer resort. The Kritikos branch is likely to maintain consistent stock and service outside peak summer, making it useful for shoulder-season visitors in May, June, September, and October.

Tips for Visiting

• Plan around Sunday closures. The store does not open on Sundays. If you arrive on a Sunday or are leaving on a Monday morning, stock up the day before.
• Bring bags. Single-use plastic bags are subject to a small charge in Greek supermarkets; reusable bags save the fee and the inconvenience.
• Check the deli counter early. Cut meats and cheeses at deli counters in Greek supermarkets often sell out of popular options by early afternoon, especially in summer.
• Use the coastal road for parking. Street parking on Petrou Ralli is generally available early in the day. By mid-afternoon in high season, spaces become scarce — consider shopping in the morning if you're driving.
• The Club Card scheme is available if you plan to shop at Kritikos branches elsewhere in Greece during your trip; it can be set up via the chain's website at kritikos-sm.gr.
• The store phone is +30 2281 085803 if you want to check stock availability, confirm hours on a specific date, or ask about any special closures around Greek public holidays.
• Stock up on water here. Bottled water is significantly cheaper at supermarkets than at kiosks, beach bars, or convenience stores — Syros tap water is generally safe but many visitors prefer bottled for drinking.
• Local produce and regional Greek products are often available alongside national brands; look in the dry goods and preserved foods aisles for items specific to the Cyclades.

Practical Information

Address: Petrou Ralli 44, Ermoupoli 841 00, Syros, Greece

Phone: +30 2281 085803

Website: kritikos-sm.gr

Opening Hours:

• Monday–Friday: 8:00 AM – 9:00 PM
• Saturday: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM
• Sunday: Closed

Social Media: Kritikos maintains active accounts on Facebook (@KritikosSuperMarket) and Instagram (@kritikossupermarket), where weekly promotions and seasonal offers are typically posted.

Note that Greek public holidays may affect opening hours. It is worth checking the store's website or calling ahead if you're visiting around major holidays such as Easter, Assumption Day (15 August), or Ohi Day (28 October).