Symi

Simi is the eighth largest Greek island in the Dodecanese. Its nearest land neighbors are the Datca and Resadiye peninsulas of Mugla Province in Turkey. Its interior is dotted with small valleys, and its coastline alternates between rocky cliffs and beaches, and isolated coves. Its main town, located on the northeast coast, is also named Symi and consists of the lower town around the harbour, typically referred to as Yialos, and the upper town is called Horio or Ano Symi. Other inhabited localities are Pedi, Nimborio, Marathounda and Panormitis. Panormitis is the location of the island's famous monastery which is visited by people from all over the world, and many Greeks pay homage to St Michael of Panormitis each year.

The island has 2,606 inhabitants, mostly engaged in tourism, fishing, and trade. In the tourist season which lasts from Easter until Panormitis Day in early November, tourists and day-trippers increase the number of people on the island to as much as 6000. In addition to its many historical sites, the island's isolated beaches, many reachable only with small boats, are popular with tourists. The Municipality of Symi includes the uninhabited offshore islets of Gialesino, Diavates, Kouloundros, Marmaras, Nimos, Sesklio, and Chondros.

Today, on the island there are 5 settlements,  Symi, Emporio, Marathounta, Pedio and Panormitis. (Source simi.gr)

Settlements Simi, Nimborio, Panormitis and Pedio have been declared the traditional PD Gov. 594D/13.11.78

When you arrive to the island you face a beautiful picture with the colorful houses and courtyards offering an amazing feeling in the eye of the visitor.

During the summer, small boats do day trips for the beautiful beaches. The approach of the beaches by other means such as car or foot is difficult.

Beaches

Nos. The closest in the capital and the most popular. It has pine trees which provide shade

Saint George. Perhaps the best beach with majestic rock and clean water.

Saint Nikoloas. Organized beach

Marathounta. Pebble and clean water.

Pedio. One of the most popular beaches - accessible by foot, taxi or bus.

Saint Basil. A beautiful pebble beache in a large and deep bay surrounded by mountains

Sesklo. Island in the southern tip of Symi with clear water. Accessible only by boat.

How to get to the island of Symi

You can reach the island by ferry from Piraeus using Blue Star Ferries company. Visit their website for information and reservations.

Also you can come by plane or boat to Rhodes and then by ship's comfort or Dodekanisos Seaways to get to Symi. Visit the ΑΝΕΣ and Dodekanisos Seaways websites to find out about current services

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Images from wikipedia public domain