Ferry from Syros to Athens (Lavrio)

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.

Athens (Lavrio) Guide

Lavrio is a town and port located at the tip of the Attiki Peninsular and is not that popular with visitors as it doesn't seem to be mentioned very much in guidebooks about Greece. This is surprising especially given that it is home to the oldest and largest ancient amphitheatre in the country and also to a giant hole that would be popular to visitors who enjoy unexplained phenomena. In ancient times the town was known for its mining and industry and in fact the large columns from the temple of Posideon at nearby Sounion were mined in the town. There are also silver mines in the town that date back to prehistoric times.

Although the town's port is less important than the Port of Piraeus, it still plays an important role in the development of the region. The port can accommodate passenger ferries, commercial boats, fishing boats and yachts and is the perfect port of departure for passenger ferries departing to the Cyclades and to islands in the eastern Aegean.