Below, you will find information about how to get to Syros by ferry, where to buy your tickets, information about the island and its port, the best things to do there, as well as many photos.
Located in the northern part of the complex, the serene island of Syros is the capital of the Cyclades. Praised for its stunning blend of Cycladic and Italian architecture, it is fringed with magnificent beaches that make it an ideal summer destination. Thanks to its administrative significance, it boasts a number of ferry connections and is easily accessible from several islands of the Aegean Sea.
HOW TO TRAVEL THERE
Syros has a national airport receiving domestic flights from the International Airport of Athens. However, the most popular way of getting there is by sea, as tickets are more affordable and travelers can enjoy the seascape throughout the crossing. Note: Since there are no direct flight connections between insular airports, the ferry is the only transportation method available to reach Syros from other islands.
Ferry Connections
The island is well-connected with the port of Piraeus in Athens, while two weekly routes are also available from the port of Lavrio, which lies close to the International Airport of Athens. Ferry connections to other islands include, but are not limited to Santorini, Mykonos, Naxos, Paros, Milos, Ios, Tinos, Rhodes and Crete (Heraklion).
The most popular route for anyone wishing to combine the sights of the Greek capital with the beauties of the Aegean is from Athens to Syros. To include more island destinations in your itinerary, you can fly directly to Santorini or Mykonos, the two most popular islands in Greece, both of which boast an international airport. From Santorini and Mykonos you can easily proceed to Syros by ferry.
Both high-speed/catamaran and conventional vessels operate routes to Syros.
High-speed ferries are faster, which means that the duration of the trip is shorter. For that reason, tickets for this type of vessel are usually more pricey.
On the other hand, conventional ferries are larger and can carry more passengers and vehicles. This makes them more budget-friendly, but also slower than high-speed ferries.
The conventional ferries operating this route belong to Blue Star and SAOS Ferries, while high-speed/catamaran vessels are run by Sea Jets and Fast Ferries. Please note that due to their smaller size, high-speed ferries are more easily affected by strong winds, so delays may occur.
Booking your ferry tickets is one of the first and most important steps in organizing your holidays in Syros!
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Emerging as one of the major naval and commercial hubs of the newly-founded Greek State in the 19th century, Syros remains the administrative center of the entire Cyclades complex. Its capital town, the elegant Ermoupolis, is adorned with magnificent public buildings and mansions, while the settlement of Ano Syros enchants visitors with its traditional Cycladic architecture. Moreover, the island's coastline is fringed with fabulous beaches, like the much-sung Galissas and other partly-organized or secluded coves.
Best time to visit
The best time to visit Syros is during the summer, between June and August, when the weather is warm and sunny. However, if you would rather enjoy the beauties of Syros in a more quiet season, we recommend going there in May or September, when the weather is still quite pleasant.
Best things to do
In brief, the best things to do in Syros are to stroll around the quaint streets of Ermoupolis and Ano Syros, sample the local gastronomy and swim in the crystalline waters of magnificent beaches such as Galissas, Agathopes and Armeos. Some of the must-visit sights include the neoclassical Town Hall, the imposing Catholic Cathedral of Saint George, and the church of Agios Nikolaos in the picturesque district of Vaporia.
Is Syros for you?
The island is sure to enchant families with children, and anyone looking for a tranquil, laid-back destination with plenty of sightseeing opportunities.
Facts
Learn what you don't know about Syros!
Syros is the capital and administrative center of the Cyclades.
It has approximately 21,100 inhabitants, most of whom live in Ermoupolis and Ano Syros.
The island was first settled by the Phoenicians and its name derives from the Phoenician words sur or osura, which mean "stony".
It is home to a large Catholic community, which amounts to nearly half of the island's population. In the 17th century, it was even referred to as "l'isola del Papa", which means "the Pope's island".
Syros is particularly renowned for its traditional sweets, which include the excellent loukoumia and the handmade halvadopita.
Island-hopping: Where to go next?
Being connected with a plethora of islands, Syros is an ideal base for island-hopping. It is well-connected to the volcanic Santorini and the vibrant Mykonos, the two most popular destinations in the country, while other popular choices include the diverse Naxos, the cosmopolitan Paros and the picturesque Tinos. Moreover, from Syros, you can access Rhodes, the so-called Island of the Knights in the Dodecanese, the historic Crete (Heraklion), as well as the traditional Ikaria in the Eastern Aegean.
Photos of Syros
Map
ABOUT SYROS PORT
Port description
Syros Port is conveniently located in Ermoupolis, the capital town of the island. It is connected by ferry with two ports of Athens (Piraeus and Lavrio), as well as with Crete and several islands of the Cyclades, the Dodecanese and the Eastern Aegean.
At the port, visitors will find a plethora of facilities, including a modern passenger terminal, waiting sheds, luggage-keeping areas and toilets. In the surrounding area, there are also several cafes and taverns, as well as plenty of accommodation options.
During the summer months, there may be considerable traffic around the port, so it is recommended that you get there 1-1.5 hours before the scheduled departure time.
There are several ways to leave from/get to Syros Port.
Public buses connecting Ermoupolis to Galissas, Posidonia and other locations are the most affordable option. The central bus terminal is located at the edge of the port, within a couple of minute's walk. The frequency of the itineraries is subject to change, depending on the season and the destination, while tickets can be purchased directly from the bus driver.
Taxis are another good transportation option, but you need to bear in mind that the cost will ultimately be determined by the distance. Instead of hailing a taxi, you can also arrange a pre-booked private transfer and have the driver wait for you at the port.
Finally, several car rental agencies can be found in the area around Syros Port. Having your own car is one of the best ways to move around the island and unlock beaches and sights that would otherwise not be accessible.
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