Great day trips are easy from Syros

Syros is at the centre of the Cyclades and the first stop when you arrive by boat from Athens. There are daily trips out of Syros to Tinos, Mykonos and Santorini on Blue Star Ferries. Hellenic Seaways’ boat the “Artemis” also goes to other Cycladic islands, like Paros, Amorgos, Andros, Astipalea, Chios, Donoussa, Pholegandros, Ikaria, Ios, Kea, Kythnos, Milos, Patmos, Serifos, Sifnos, Naxos and many other smaller islands. The timetable changes according to the time of year – so best to check greekferries.gr.

When you make Syros your base, you can explore some of the amazing islands around you and still come home to the peace of beautiful Syros.

Getting Around Syros

By Taxi: Taxis line up at the port, and can be called from Poseidonia easily. They are cheap and quick. Tel: +30 22810-86222

By Car: For a few days, you may prefer a rented car. If you email ahead, your car will be waiting at the port as you disembark, or at the airport. You can rent a car from Vassilikos (mention The Good Life for a reduced rental rate.)

By Motorcycles & Scooters: Auto Moto Champion +30 22810 81805

By Bike: There are various bike hire shops on the island like Maistrali  OR Bike Center (+30 22810 76666, +30 6939280933, zkontiza@otenet.gr)

Getting to Syros from Athens

There are two ways to get to Ermoupoli, Syros from Athens, by sea or by air. As Syros is an important administrative center it is well served by both all year round. It is also the first stop for boats servicing other Cycladic islands, making it ideal for island hopping.

Getting to Syros by Sea

Syros has a superior ferry service from Pireaus (main port of Athens) compared to other islands and is a hub for island transport. The ferry takes around 3 or 3.5 hours depending on the particular boat and the weather.

There are also ferries to Syros from the mainland ports of Lavrio and Rafina. Syros also connects to Tinos, Andros, Mykonos, Kythnos, Kea, Ikaria, Astypalea, Amorgos, Donoussa, Naxos, Paros, Kos, Rhodes, Patmos, Leros, Samos, Fourni, Folegandros, Iraklia and Santorini island.

Check out Blue Star Ferries and Hellenic Seaways for fare and schedule information.

Should I pre-book ferry tickets?

You can, but there is no savings advantage. Greek ferry tickets are like bus tickets, easy to get with multiple travel agents around the city. Buy them in Athens before you leave or get them at the port an hour before departure. The only potential problem would be a Greek public holiday or August when the boats may sell out early.

Getting to Syros by Air

There are daily flights from Athens, taking 35 minutes. The Syros airport is small and easy to navigate. Taxis are cheap and easy to pick up at both ends. Also, the Athens metro connects to Eleftherios Venizelos International Airport of Athens, with an 8 euro ticket.

For information on fares and schedules, visit the following
websites:

Olympic Air
Aegean Air