Nautical Odyssey

Heading north is always tricky cause you travel against the strong northerlies winds called Meltemi. After a 5 hours trip with the engine unfortunately, we arrived in Syros. Syros Island combines culture, entertainment and religion in the most harmonious way. It used to be one of the most significant islands in cycladic civilisation. Nowadays, the island is world-renowned for its rich cultural tradition with events that take place in Ermoupolis, the island’s capital, such as the International Classical Music Festival of Cyclades, ANIMASYROS International Animation Festival, Ermoupoleia Cultural Festival etc that offer a range of options for every visitor to experience.

At this point, I think it is worth spending some time to talk about Syros Shipyard, aka Neorion. Neorion roots go back to a traditional shipyard on that island, known for the construction of ships and boats for use during the Greek revolution of the 1820s, as well as design and building of various types of ships for the new Greek kingdom in the decades that followed. The company was officially founded in 1861 to technically support the "Greek Steamship Company", initially employing, in addition to Greek technical staff and several mechanics from Western Europe.

During the 1860s, in addition to ship building, it produced steam engines, boilers, pumps, and heavy cannons. A heavy steam engine of its own design and construction was exhibited at the International Exhibition in Paris in 1878. In 1893, the company produced its first metal steamship (the Athena).

In 1898, the name "Neorion" (an Ancient Greek word indicating a port facility for ship repair and construction) was adopted.

During the second half of the 19th century, it was one of the most important Greek heavy industries, at times second only to the Basileiades machine works in Piraeus. Other Neorion products included a variety of machinery (some of it exported), engine parts, and specialized metal constructions for the Greek industry.

In 1997, Neorion acquired another shipyard, Elefsis Shipyards, while it diversified into new fields such as the construction of luxury mega-yachts and subcontracting work for aerospace companies. The company is currently organized as the Neorion Group. (Source and photo from Wikipedia)

I was always imagined myself living in Syros. A town on an island with urban culture same as in a big city.Read more

Poros is a small island in Greece in the heart of the Saronic Gulf. Having Aegina and Agistri above it, Hydra and Spetses below it, and the coasts of the Peloponnese in arm's reach, its location is extremely convenient. Thanks to its proximity to Athens, it is a favorite destination for short trips from Athens among Greeks and tourists alike! Great port for sailboats and many bays well protected from all winds. (Sunset Picture taken from the web)Read more