Symi island is the most romantic island ideal for luxury cursing, exploring, afternoon swim in a private bay, or watching the sunset with your loved one. Sounds like a dream holiday? Read further because we promise you will fall in love even more with this charming island.
Symi Island
This lovely island with cozy beaches, pine forests, and olive groves will steal your heart. Here you will find some isolated bays for the monks who live out of the town in monasteries. There are many small agricultural areas, olive groves, and lots of taverns on the island. For this reason, we recommend you try out some of the amazing local food they offer.
The spirit of the island remains intact and that brings the most value to it. Here you can truly escape the crowds and experience the easy-going Greek island life. Furthermore, the moment you head to Symi you will be impressed by the most beautiful harbor in Greece. We recommend you to stroll around the port’s entire bay area, alongside the moored small boats and yachts.
You will find many local shops open throughout the day, traditional cafes and fish tavernas… Later on, as the day goes by you can relax on the deck and enjoy some delicious Greek food before the night falls.
GULET CRUISE GUIDE
THE BEST PRIVATE MARINAS, PORTS OR ANCHOR POINTS
Port
Gialos (Port in Greek) is a natural harbor of Symi island where only cruising yachts and small boats are allowed to dock. The port has all the facilities to satisfy requirements for small boats and big yachts. It is well protected and busy since Symi is one of the most visited islands. There is also Nimborio port, another quite similar natural harbor with a nice quiet bay to swim and relax.
On Anchor:
Your private gulet can also anchor close to the port and by tender, you are transferred to this beautiful island. Possibilities are: Ayia Marina, Pedi, Thessalona, Nanou-Maria, Marathouda Bay, Faneromeni Bay, Panormitis, Agios Emilianos, Nimborios
MOST POPULAR CHOICES:
Gialos Port
As you arrive at the harbor you’ll be amazed by the stunning view and the surrounding landscape that is quite unique. From there you can take a tour or explore this small and beautiful island on your own.
Panormitis anchor
It offers a good shelter from wind and a very nice ambiance away from crowds. The water in the port isn’t the most pleasant for swimming but nicer areas are in the reach if you wish to relax under the sun on the beach.
INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT SYMI:
- The Monastery Arhangelos Michael Panormitis is still inhabited by the monks.
- It has the highest baroque tower in the world!
- They have a long marine and sponge fishing tradition. During the Ottoman Empire, they were the only ones who had the right to sponge fish in Turkish waters.
- It is known from its unique shrimps “Symi shrimp”.
- It has thirteen major churches and dozens of chapels, some from the Byzantine era.
- There are almost no modern concrete constructions, just old houses that are being resurrected for visitors.
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Monastery Archangelos Michael Panormitis
It’s a Greek Orthodox monastery second-largest monastery in the Dodecanese with the highest baroque tower in the world. Tower was built in the 18th century in Venetian style. In the interior, there is an icon of Archangel Michael, protector of sailors in the Dodecanese sea, and the patron of the island.
There are many interesting legends about Archangel Michael told by the locals. One legend says if you promise something to Archangel Michael you must give something in return and for this reason, the interior of the church is fully decorated with an array of gifts donated from the travelers.
There is also a story of the message with prayers that you have to send out in the bottle. The greek sailors would cast bottles with the message in the sea and they would mysteriously end up in the shoreline of Panormitis. Today many believers still do this practice and there are many messages for everyone to read. The church is also decorated with wonderful icons, paintings, and carvings. The quite beautiful and mesmerizing thing to experience on your Greek cruise.
- Take a tour to Kali strata
It takes some time to reach Kali Strata located between two villages Gialos and Chorio. You will have to get ready for a walk 500 steps but you will pass by quiet neighborhoods, small bars, and restaurants, and see churches along the way. It usually takes up to 30 min so take a bottle of water and enjoy it. Once you reach the top you will be amazed by the views. It is definitely worth the walk and later you can reward yourself with a glass of wine in the harbor area.
- Kastro
Kastro is one of the most fascinating and mysterious places and we recommend you to visit the castle of St. John’s Knights, built-in 1407. The castle was built on a former acropolis to protect from invasions and extended the Byzantine fortress and it breathes history that speaks of ancient times.
- Nimborio
This island guarantees the most peaceful atmosphere that one could wish for. It is also the Ancient Capital of Symi where you can visit the Dodeka Spilea (catacombs), twelve underground tunnels, from Byzantine times, used for artist’s workshops. Here you can often see dolphins jumping in the bay and it’s crystal clear sea is ideal for snorkeling and swimming.
- Swim in many of secluded beautiful beaches
There are so many beaches that it is hard to list them all. For this reason, we just mentioned some of the most beautiful ones you should consider visiting. Those are Nanou beach, Agia Marina and Agios Georgios. They are all reachable by boat only, consisting of pebbles, charming tavernas, and turquoise waters.
RESTAURANTS IN SYMI
- Secret Garden
It is a hidden gem with different mezedes (Greek appetizers), where you can enjoy local food nicely. This is a must-visit when on Symi where you will be served some of the best food on the island.
- Tholos
A quiet seafood restaurant with a great sea view will amaze you with its quality with very attentive waiters. If you are visiting Symi, take the time to visit this little gem.
- Manos Taverna
One of the favorite on-demand taverns on the island, make sure to try stuffed calamari with greek salad, which comes in huge portions and is very tasty!
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