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Symi
Symi at a glance
Symi is one of Greece’s best kept secrets and arriving into it's horse shoe shaped harbour is a photographer's dream. Marvel at the brightly painted neo-classical mansions cascading down the hillside as you sail through the traditional fishing boats and yachts bobbing in the azure sea
Yialos, the lower part of Symi Town, has a cosmopolitan feel and in summer there’s a lively buzz around the pretty boutiques, cafes, tavernas and bars. Visitors can stroll through the quaint upper town to reach a medieval castle.
Chorio village is higher up from the quayside; the 350 or so steps put off some people from visiting but it is well worth the effort because Chorio retains a feel of old, laid-back Greece with lots of narrow passageways, ruins and kafenion – cafes where locals relax, discuss news of the day and play cards.
Symi , in the south-east Aegean, has dozens of small, often isolated, beaches tucked away in coves which can be reached by water taxi so choose a different beach every day! There’s usually a friendly taverna on the beach to add more pleasure to the experience. Some beaches can also be reached by bus or hire car but arriving by boat makes for a special holiday memory of Symi. Well-marked footpaths make the island an excellent destination for walkers who can explore the rugged inland with forests of juniper and oak as well as tiny monasteries that are scattered across the island. The finest frescoes on the island are at the hilltop Kokkimidhis monastery which is reached by a steep path off the Panormitis road.
Taxiarchis Mikhail Roukountis is Symi’s oldest monastery and it can be seen during a three-hour walk across the island from Yialos to the western coast where Aylos Emilianos monastery is on a small islet connected to the coast through a narrow causeway.The main town of Symi, commonly referred to by the same name as the island itself, is divided in two parts: the harbourside one, called Gialos, and the adjacent one on the slopes of the hills, called Chorio (village).
The entrance of the horseshoe-shaped port is dominated by Roloi, a clock tower. Right in front of it there is the statue of the fisher boy, Michalaki (little Michael), which seems to be welcoming the visitors to the island. The Town Hall, the cathedral, the square and the Naval Museum of Symi are the main attractions on this side. The latter lends an insight to the naval tradition of the island and boasts, amongst other things, exhibits representing the evolution of sponge fishing through the years. Visit the island’s main church Agios Ioannis with its marvelous pebble-stone courtyard and stone-built bell tower. Relax in a traditional cafe in one of Symi’s main squares - Kampos, Tarsanas, Skala - or enjoy shopping in the nearby stores.
Head to the upper part of the town to Chorio (aka Ano Symi) from a stony 500 steps stairway. The locals call it Kali Strata (good way!) with a wonderful walkway under the trees and a breathtaking view over Gialos. The charming colourful houses with their tiled roofs and the small alleys create a stunning locale. The interior of the houses are also of great interest; elaborately decorated ceilings, skylights, neoclassical decor on doors and windows as well as pebble stone floors are just some of the details you’ll see on these beautiful man made structures.
The highest spot of the town is Kastro (= castle) on the west, the remnants of a castle built by the knights of St John (14th c.). In its interior you will see the church Panagia (Virgin Mary) of Kastro.
Tip: The best time of the day to walk around the town is in the afternoon when the sunlight highlights the colours and the island's noble style.
At the location Myloi, visit Pontikokastro (the castle of mice!); there is a prehistoric tomb as well as remnants of old mills, used in the past for crushing grains into flour, yet some of them are households today. Behind the highest mountain of the island (560m) lies a beautiful cypress and pine tree forest.
The forest at Kourkouniotis is home to 120 byzantine wine presses of which eleven have been restored. The island held a fine tradition in winemaking up to the 18th c.
The most significant event is Symi’s Festival that hosts a large number of cultural events such as classical and modern music concerts, dance, theater, cinema, and literature evenings from July to September every year.
Copyright Credit to Visit Greece