How to Get There
Traveling by ferry from the port of Piraeus, it takes about 4 hours to reach the port of Syros. One-way tickets cost approximately 29.50 euros per person and 72 euros for a car. For more information about itineraries and reservations, see www.digitickets.gr.
By plane from Eleftherios Venizelos Airport near Athens to Syros Airport, which is 3 kilometers from Hermoupolis, the journey takes 35 minutes. Sky Express offers almost daily flights to Syros Airport; rates vary depending on the season. For more information and reservations, see www.skyexpress.gr.
Getting Around
Road Network
There are many car and motorbike rental shops in Hermoupolis. Syros has a fairly extensive road network that connects Hermoupolis with both the seaside villages in the southern part of the island and the various settlements in the center and farther north. There are a few dirt roads, most of them leading to rural churches or small beaches. Signs indicating the borders and precise location of settlements may be misleading, so drivers need to be attentive. Rather than trying to drive a car or motorcycle around Hermoupolis or Ano Syros, with their extensive networks of footpaths and narrow roads that are inaccessible by car, it is best to park outside these settlements and explore them on foot. There are a lot of hills, however, so be prepared for some endurance walking!
Other Means of Transport
It is possible to rent a boat or take a water taxi in Syros. The island has many marinas for refueling and easy mooring.
Many of the points of interest (such as the beaches on the northern side of the island) are accessible by footpath.
Busses from the KTEL Syrou Bus Station (http://www.ktel-syrou.gr) in Hermoupolis frequently set off for Ano Syros; they also connect the town with the island’s other major villages: Kini, Galissas, Finikas, Poseidonia, Vari, Azolimnos, and Megas Gialos. Busses head to smaller villages as well, but less often.
Within the city of Hermoupolis, municipal ‘Mini Busses’ (which are not necessarily small) run on five different routes (http://walkinginthecity.syros-ermoupolis.gr/transportation/mini-bus/). This transportation is free.
Useful Tips
If you are planning to stay in Hermoupolis and Ano Syros for several days, it would be preferable to rent a vehicle only for the days you plan to explore the rest of the island. Within Hermoupolis and Ano Syros, walking is best.
In the inland areas of Syros, probably due to the flat terrain, there are many roads, so we can travel from one village to another in various ways. Ask the locals for the fastest, easiest way.
Bicycle use may be appropriate in the seaside villages, but in Ano Meria and Hermoupolis you will find it very difficult to climb the hills and the steps.
Syros has several ports and marinas. Especially during the summer, telephone for information before you sail.
If you have a boat, it is worth visiting the nearby island of Gyaros, which was a place of exile for many years. It is a good idea to visit with a local who has already been there, for safety’s sake.
Useful Phone Numbers
Police: 22810-96100
Port Authority: 22810-88888
Hospital: 22810-96500
Municipality: 22810-82500
Airport: 22810-81900
Bus Station: 22810-82575
Citizens’ Service Center (KEP): 22810-79643
