Ferry from Syros to Piraeus.

Syros is the capital of the Cyclades and a real working island, with the neoclassical mansions and marble squares of Ermoupoli, the medieval hill town of Ano Syros and a year-round population. That makes the ferry to Athens a lifeline rather than a summer extra, and it is one of the most reliable routes in the Cyclades.

Two companies serve this direction. Blue Star Ferries sails every day, all year, on large conventional ships; in several months of Ferryhopper's table of last year's data, Seajets also runs high-speed boats that cut the trip to around two hours. The fares are close enough that many travellers choose purely on timing.

Arrival is at Piraeus, Athens' main port, roughly 10 km south-west of the city centre, with the metro station directly across from the main Cyclades gates. From there, metro Line 3 continues all the way to the airport, and the X96 bus links the port and the airport around the clock, so connections are easier than from many islands.

Book ahead in summer and around Greek holidays, especially for cabins and car spaces, which are limited. And remember that Syros has its own airport (JSY) if you ever need an alternative to the boat.

Syros sits in the middle of the Cyclades, open to the summer meltemi, the north wind that peaks in July and August. On windy days the Seajets high-speed boats are the most likely to be slowed or held in port, while the Blue Star ships usually keep sailing, though they can run late. The port authority can stop any departure in unsafe conditions. Because Blue Star sails daily, a cancellation usually means moving to the next day's ship rather than a long wait; your operator will rebook or refund you. Leave a buffer before any flight from Athens.