Syrna (island)

Called Syrna (Greek Σύρνα ( f sg ) ), formerly also Sirina (Greek Σειρήνα ( f sg ) ), is a Greek Aegean island, located 35 km southeast of Astypalia and 44 km south-west of Nisyros. Administratively Syrna belongs to the municipality Astypalia in the Greek region South Aegean, Dodecanese Regional District.

The highest elevation of only 11 km ² island is 322 meters high. Syrna is now uninhabited, remains of buildings can be found on a flatter land between two bays in the southwest of the island; here is also a chapel dedicated to St. John, a second chapel on the island dedicated to St. George. Inhabitants of other islands operate on Syrna continue Livestock, Agriculture and Fisheries.

Minoan finds from the Middle Bronze Age evidence of early settlement of the island. In the waters around the island several shipwrecks have been found from classical or Byzantine period.

Nature

The fouling of the barren island is dominated by Phoenician juniper (Juniperus phoenicea ) and other plant species of Phrygana.

Conservation

The island itself and its southeast offshore rocky islands are breeding and transit area of some rare species of birds, especially Audouin, Mediterranean Shearwater, Cory's Shearwater and the protected Eleonora's Falcon. Therefore Syrna is part of the Natura 2000 area

• GR 4210011 Vrachonisia Egeou: Velopoula, Falkonera, Ananes, Christiana, Paxia, Fteno, Makra, Astakidonisia. Syrna Gyro Nisia ( Βραχονήσια Νοτίου Αιγαίου: Βελοπούλα, Φαλκονέρα, Ανάνες, Χριστιανά, Παχειά, Φτενό, Μακρά, Αστακιδονήσια, Σύρνα - Γύρω νησιά ). ( also classified as an Important Bird Area. )