Getting from Athens to Syros

If you are heading to Syros from Athens you are going to the capital of the Cyclades and one of the most underrated destinations in the group. Ermoupolis is the largest city in the Cyclades, a neoclassical port built by wealthy merchants in the 19th century with grand mansions, an opera house modelled on La Scala and a central square that is one of the finest in Greece. The island has good beaches, excellent food and a year-round population that gives it an authenticity most Cycladic islands lose in summer. Ano Syros above the town is a medieval Catholic quarter with a completely different character from the neoclassical port below it.

Take the ferry

The Piraeus to Syros ferry is one of the best-served Cyclades routes, with up to 6 daily crossings in summer and at least one daily crossing year-round. The fastest service covers the distance in around 2 hours. Conventional ferries take around 4 to 4.5 hours. Syros is also connected from Lavrio with a few weekly crossings in summer, taking around 5 hours. Book ahead in July and August.

Getting there by air

Syros has a small domestic airport with connections from Athens operated by Sky Express, running a few times a week. The flight takes around 35 minutes. Flights are limited and do not run daily so check availability before planning around them. The ferry is more reliable and more frequent for most travel dates.

Your best option

Take the ferry from Piraeus. At 2 hours on the fast service it is one of the quickest Cyclades crossings from Athens and the arrival into Ermoupolis harbour, with the neoclassical town rising above the waterfront, is one of the best in the islands. Book ahead in summer.