So, you’ve decided to visit Syros? Excellent choice! We love the Greek island of Syros (we even created this entire Syros blog about the island), and think it is one of the best Cycladic islands to visit, even though it is not as famous as its neighbors, Mykonos or Paros.
After living in Syros for over half a year already, we’ve fallen in love with the neoclassical charm of Ermoupoli, crystal blue Aegean sea, laidback way of life, and delicious Greek food! So now comes the big question: how do you get to Syros?
Good news: there’s more than one way to reach this Cycladic gem, either from Athens to Syros by plane, by ferry from Piraeus (the port of Athens), or by ferry from another Cycladic island. And even better news, whether you choose the ferry or a flight, it’s always a scenic ride!
Here’s a quick overview of the different ways to get to Syros, with links to our in-depth guides for each route, because we’ve tried them all!
Where is Syros located?
Great question! Syros is located right in the center of the Cyclades, that dreamy group of Greek islands floating in the Aegean Sea. The island spans an area of approximately 83 square kilometers. It’s also the administrative capital of the Cyclades and, fun fact, home to the only real city in the group, Ermoupoli!
See Syros as the calm, cool gem surrounded by flashier party islands like Mykonos and Santorini. While those get the crowds and the Instagram influencers, Syros flies under the radar with its elegant neoclassical town, authentic Greek culture, and just enough beaches to make you lose track of time.
Being in the center and having the capital of the Cyclades, Syros serves as a maritime hub. It connects various islands and the mainland.
General travel tips for Syros
Traveling to Greece requires valid identification. For EU citizens, a national ID card suffices. Non-EU citizens need a passport and, depending on the country, a Schengen visa. Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your trip’s end date. If you travel from Athens to Syros or between the Cycladic islands, you usually don’t need to show your passport anymore.
The primary language spoken in Syros is Greek. While English is widely understood in tourist areas, learning basic Greek phrases can be helpful. The currency used is the Euro (€). It’s advisable to carry some cash, as smaller establishments might not accept cards. ATMs are readily available.
The best time to visit Syros, which has a Mediterranean climate, is spring (April to June) and autumn (September to October). During these months, the weather is pleasant, and the island is less crowded. Summer (July to August) draws more tourists, leading to higher prices and packed beaches. Winter is mild but not ideal for beach activities.
Read more: What to pack for Syros?
Now let’s dive into the best ways to get to Syros!
The classic: take the ferry from Athens to Syros
If you wonder how to get from Athens to Syros, ferries are the most popular way, offering regular services from mainly Piraeus and sometimes Rafina. Hellenic Seaways and Blue Star Ferries are the primary operators. It is also how we usually go from Athens to Syros.
Travel times range from 2.5 to 4 hours, depending on the type of ferry. There are ferries all year round, but there are more ferries in high season, including the fast ferries which only go from April to October. Tickets can be booked online or purchased at the port. During peak seasons, advance booking is advised.
We actually enjoy this part of the journey, sitting on the deck, coffee in hand, salty wind in our hair, pretending we’re in a romantic Greek movie.
Want all the practical details? Check out our full article on taking the ferry from Athens to Syros.
The fast lane: take a flight from Athens to Syros
If you’re short on time or just not great at sea travel (no judgment, we’ve had some moments we would have rather been in the air than down on the water), then a short domestic flight from Athens to Syros is your best friend. It only takes around 35 minutes, gate to gate.
The plane is small, the airport in Syros is charmingly tiny (and has only national flights), and it is so close to Ermoupoli that before you know it, you’re strolling through the town, wondering how it still smells like fresh bread even outside the bakeries.
During high season, there are daily flights from Athens to Syros operated by Sky Express. During winter, there are only 3 flights a week. Visitors should book flights early during the summer season to ensure availability.
Curious about our flight experience? Read our full article on flying from Athens to Syros.
The adventurer’s route: take a ferry from a neighboring island
Already living your best island-hopping life? Maybe you’re chilling in Mykonos, soaking up the laid-back vibes of Tinos, or doing yoga in Naxos. Great news: Syros is well-connected by ferry to many nearby Cycladic islands.
It’s often just a short hop away, some routes even take under an hour. For example, if you are visiting Mykonos, the ferry from Mykonos to Syros (a complete guide) only takes 40 minutes by fast ferry or 1 hour and 20 minutes by regular ferry. And the ferry from Tinos to Syros is even quicker, only taking 35 minutes.
Getting around Syros
Syros isn’t huge, but it’s big enough that you’ll want to have a car, especially if you’re staying a couple of days and plan to explore beyond Ermoupoli. Renting a car or scooter is the easiest way to hop between beaches, mountain villages, and sunset spots (bonus: parking is usually free and fairly easy).
That said, the local buses are surprisingly reliable (mainly during high season) and affordable, connecting the main towns and beaches during the day, perfect if you’re traveling light or just don’t feel like driving on twisty island roads.
The Ultimate Syros Travel Guide + Google Maps
For more flexibility, taxis can be hailed or booked via phone or apps, or you can just go to the square or port in Ermoupoli.
And for the brave or overly optimistic: yes, you can walk from village to village. Syros has some fantastic hikes, taking you all over the island. Just bring water, sunscreen, and the legs of a mountain goat.
Where to stay in Syros
Once you’ve made it to Syros, you’ll need a comfy place to drop your bags and soak in those sea views. From stylish boutique hotels in Ermoupoli to peaceful guesthouses in Ano Syros or beachside stays in Galissas and Kini, there’s something for every vibe and budget.
We’ve stayed in a mix of them. If you’re traveling as a family to Syros or as digital nomads (like us), there are great apartments with fast Wi-Fi.
Need recommendations? Check our article on where to stay in Syros.
What to do in Syros
Now that you’ve arrived on this beautiful island, what to do in Syros? Plenty!
Start by getting lost in the marble-paved alleys of Ermoupoli, where pastel mansions and grand old buildings make you feel like you’ve stepped into a Wes Anderson film set.
Visit Ano Syros, the hilltop medieval village with jaw-dropping views and music drifting through the narrow lanes.
Swim at Syros’ beaches like Kini or Agathopes, go hiking in Apano Meria, sip frappés at one of the many coffee places, and of course, taste-test all the best restaurants in Syros. The island blends culture, history, and a laid-back island vibe so well, you might “accidentally” stay longer than planned (trust us, we know).
Final tip: plan with a pinch of flexibility
When you plan to go to Syros and wonder what the best way is to get there, take into account that the Greek transport can be charmingly unpredictable, especially in high winds or during strikes (yes, those happen).
Always double-check your ferry or flight a day in advance, leave a little wiggle room in your schedule, and maybe pack a few snacks. Or a bottle of wine. Or both.
But in the end, no matter how you get here, Syros is absolutely worth the trip. Whether you glide in on a ferry, hop over by plane, or arrive via a spontaneous island detour, this island welcomes you with open arms and a lot of marble.
See you on Syros!
Leave a comment