Syros Koufonissi 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.

Koufonissi Guide

The Greek island of Koufonisia is located to the east of the island of Naxos and to the west of the island of Amorgos, and is made up of two islets named Pano Koufonisi and Kato Koufonisi. The two islets are separated by a strait which is around 200 meters wide and the island's name is derived from the Greek for "Hollow Island" which is a reference to the large caves which led pirates to believe that the island was hollow when viewed from the sea. Located close to Koufonisia is the deserted island of Keros which has been declared an archaeological site that is under protection because of the many Cycladic artefacts that have been found on the island.

Pano Koufonisi is the only inhabited of the two islets and is a popular destination for visitors who want to relax on the island's golden sandy beaches or to swim in the island's war, crystal clear waters.