Syros Symi Ferry

Syros Guide

The Greek island of Syros is one of the Cyclades group of islands and lies in the Aegean Sea, around 145 km to the south east of Athens, the Greek capital. The island's history dates back to around the 3rd millennium BC, to the reign of Halandriani and Kastri. Artefacts excavated on the island show that there must have been a metalwork laboratory on the island which it is thought had a commercial relationship with Asia Minor. During the 6th century BC, the island was occupied by the Samians, when many of the island's inhabitants moved to the island. The important physician and philosopher, Pherecydis was born on the island during this period and later went to Samos and became Pythagoras' teacher.

In addition to the island's beauty, Syros has a thriving cultural scene and a love of the arts. Tourists should take the time to visit the island's museums and galleries in addition to strolling through pretty village streets or lazing on the beach.

From the island's port there are ferry services to Rafina and Piraeus by both conventional or high speed ferry. Syros is also connected to all of the Cyclades Islands, the Dodecanese Islands, Crete, Thessaloniki and Skiathos.

Symi Guide

The Greek island of Symi is one of the Southern Dodecanese and is located to the north of the island of Rhodes and is close to the coast of south west Turkey. The island is around 13 km in length, north to south, and about 8 km east to west and has a total land area of around 70 sq. km. The four main areas on the island are Yialos, which is where the island's main harbour is located, Chorio is the top town, Pedi Bay is the valley that is located below Chorio and Nimborios is the bay and settlement that lies to the north of Yialos. Also on the island is the small village of Marathounda and the Monastery at Panormitis.

There are a number of popular sites across the island and includes a number of old churches and monasteries with one worth visiting being the Church of Constantinos and Eleni on the southern slopes of the Vigla which has lovely gardens and terraces. Also on the island, and built by the Knights of St. John in the 14th century, is the Monastery of the Archangel Michael at Roukouniotis which was built on the site of a 5th century monastery, which itself was built on the site of a pre-Christian temple.