Getting from Syros to Agios Efstratios

If you are heading to Agios Efstratios from Syros you are making your way from the capital of the Cyclades to one of the most isolated islands in Greece, sitting between Lemnos and Lesvos in the northern Aegean, on the opposite side of the country. It has a single rebuilt village and beaches that see almost no visitors outside a handful of Greeks who keep the place to themselves.

Take the ferry

There is no direct ferry from Syros to Agios Efstratios. Getting there means taking the ferry from Syros to Piraeus, which runs up to 6 daily crossings in summer and takes around 2 hours on the fast boat, and then boarding the long Piraeus to Lemnos ferry, which runs around 3 times a week and takes around 12 to 15 hours, followed by the ferry from Lemnos to Agios Efstratios taking around 1 hour 30 minutes and running 4 times a week. Flying is considerably more practical for most travelers.

Getting there by air

Agios Efstratios has no airport. The nearest airport is Lemnos. Syros has a small domestic airport with limited connections from Athens. Taking the ferry from Syros to Piraeus, flying from Athens to Lemnos and then taking the ferry to Agios Efstratios gives a total journey time of around 5 to 6 hours. In Greece, airlines do not operate direct inter island flights.

Your best option

Take the ferry from Syros to Piraeus and fly from Athens to Lemnos, then take the ferry across to Agios Efstratios. Check the Lemnos to Agios Efstratios schedule before booking your flights as the ferry runs only 4 times a week. Bring everything you need as the island has almost no facilities and that is entirely the point. If you are traveling with a car, take the ferry from Syros to Piraeus and board the overnight Piraeus to Lemnos ferry, which takes your vehicle and arrives in the morning.