Ferry from Naxos to Syros

Naxos Guide

The Greek island of Naxos is part of the Cyclades group of islands that lie in the Aegean Sea. Naxos City, or Chora, is the island's largest town and capital and is built amphitheatrically on the island's west coast. It is also home to one of the biggest ports in the Aegean Sea. The town is popular with tourists and as a result there are many bars, restaurants and cafes to cater for them. The small island of Palatia, which extends from the mainland of Naxos, is the town's emblem. Located on the small island is Portara, which is a monument resembling a door standing alone, without any walls attached to either side. A visit to Portara is advisable, especially after your swim, whilst the sun is setting.

The island is also well known for its food and for producing the famous Naxian potatoes, wine, Kitron liquor productions and the popular cheese called Graviera. There are many restaurants located throughout the island serving local produce to the many tourists who visit.

From the island's port ferries depart to Piraeus (Athens) and to the other islands in the Cyclades.

Syros Guide

The Greek island of Syros is one of the Cyclades group of islands and is unusual in that the island's architecture is more medieval rather than the more typical Cycladic. The island's capital is Ermoupolis and has some fine examples of Venetian mansions to see. In the Vaporia quarter of the capital visitors will find some lovely large churches and impressive neoclassical buildings, such as the Town Hall and Apollo Theatre in the central square. Also popular with visitors are the island's beaches which are well equipped for tourists and have a good range of facilities.

The island can trace its history back to the 3rd millennium BC where signs of inhabitation have been found in the Halandriani and Kastri parts of the island. Artefacts found indicate that there was some kind of metal workshop on the island which possibly had a trading relationship with Asia Minor. The Samians occupied the island in the 6th century BC and is when many of the island's inhabitants moved to the island. At that time, the important physician and philosopher Pherecydis was born in Syros and some years later he went to Samos and became the teacher of Pythagoras.