Symi

Symi is part of the Dodecanese island group, 425 from the port of Athens.  It is a town that relies on tourism, fishing and trade for economical growth.  A holiday in Symi means you will experience the interior of mountains and valleys with many windmills and enjoy the coastline with its rocky cliffs and beaches with isolated coves.

The old town of Symi has been well preserved and very little concrete constructions exist there.  To make the most of your holiday in Symi, it is handy to know of the different areas that Symi is divided into.  It consists of the harbour, the village above the harbour and the valley south of the harbour, Pedi Valley.

There is also a bay with a small settlement north of the harbour and a settlement at Marathounda.  Lastly there is the Monastery complex area at Panormitis.

Holiday attractions in Symi

Through the history of Symi, it was invaded and controlled by several empires.  During World War II the town was bombed several times and nearly destroyed.  At the end of the war, the Germans signed the surrender of the Dodecanese Islands over to Greece.

Many of the tourist attractions to see when you are on holiday in Symi are therefore reminders of the war stricken history of Greece. Katarinettes in the harbour, Yialos, is where Germany signed surrender of the islands.  On the bridge there is a good copy of the Lindos ship that presently serves as a World War II memorial.

Also in the harbour, behind the town square, there is the Nautical museum.  This museum is identified by the canons on the outside.

The Town Square is where you can enjoy the hospitality of Greece.  It is where you will find street cafés and tables on the pebbled pathways.  Enjoy your holiday in Symi by relaxing here and tasting the cuisine of the town and socialising with the locals.  Experience the old town atmosphere of this unspoilt town.  Many festivals are held here in the town square and you may want to plan your holiday to Symi to coincide with one of these festivals.

From the St John’s Church, follow the foot path behind the square that leads to the village, Chorio, and castle with the 19^th century mansions along the way.

The castle was rebuilt in the 15^th century by knights of St John.  It was destroyed during World War II.  The remains are left and a plaque to honour Filibert de Niallac, the Grand Master of the French Knights.

Along the path you will find a historical French pharmacy with medicine jars and other paraphernalia used during the French era of Symi.

In the older part of Chorio there is a museum portraying relics and artefacts that remind of the cultural diverse history of the town and then visit the Monastery of the Archangel Michael in Panormitis.  It is built on the site of the ancient temple of Apollo.

Transportation

To travel while on holiday in Symi, you can make use of the bus service.  Symi has a reliable bus service with hourly trips from the harbour to the village and Pedi Bay.  Car hire services and taxis also operate in the area.

There are water taxis to transport tourists to the beaches that cannot be reached by foot.  Other boat services are available for trips to the more secluded bays and beaches.

Accommodation

Accommodation is available in all the areas where the tourist can stay while on holiday in Symi.  To preserve the old style of the town, many of the old houses and mansions were restored to provide tourist accommodation.

Accommodation ranges from cottages, apartments and studios to villas and guest houses, all with their own unique view of the town or harbour.  There is a newly built holiday complex in Yialos, the harbour.  The only hotel is also situated in the harbour.

Conclusion

Holidays in Symi are where you can experience the remnants of a savage war, combined with Greek nature and hospitality.  Ancient history combined with modern history preserved in an old style atmosphere makes for an unforgettable holiday.