A four hour ferry ride from Athens, Syros was worth the ride and Kelli’s nausea! We arrived in the ferry port and met our taxi, which had been pre-arranged. We laughed when we saw that our hotel was on the same block as the ferry! Shortest cab ride ever!! We took this picture of the ferry once we were checked into our room:

After checking into our beautiful room at the port, we took local transit, choosing to ride the full route around the island, to scout out a beach to visit the following day! The bus ride was an experience; an hour and a half full of twists and turns, with amazing vistas on each side of us.

We had a guide take us on a walking tour of our port town of Ermoupoli. She was great, explaining the lifestyle and history of the area. We toured several old buildings that were once single family homes and are now government or public service buildings with original marble archways, floors and staircases and beautiful, historic works of art. Such wonderful old buildings to work in!

Most streets are paved in marble- beautiful but treacherous when wet! In the evening light, this stone shines and gives the streets a luminescent glow.

On day two, we journeyed to Galissas beach. Kevin wanted to swim but the water was cold and having seen that episode of Seinfeld, didn’t want to risk it! We enjoyed a carafe of cheap wine at a beachside restaurant and then had to hop back on the bus. Cheap wine and twisty bus ride, not recommended!

All in all, Syros did not disappoint! It is a lovely island, with friendly people. It was super easy to navigate and it was very safe,  except maybe for crossing the street! Watch out for men on scooters, eating a pastry, smoking a cigarette and talking on their cells, all while driving! Some even had their dogs on the scooter too!

We had a lovely chat with a local actor from the Syros theatre, the Apollon. His passion and enthusiasm for his craft, his people, his way of life and his heritage was infectious. The theatre was beautiful and had historical significance to the area. It is very famous.