Symi Island

Symi is the best rest place of the Dodecanese. Due to its mild climate and a big amount of sunny days holiday season lasts from May to October here. It is one of the most picturesque islands of the Dodecanese with the mountains forming the bays of enormous beauty. Ano-Sima (or Khorio as it is called by local inhabitants) spread over two hills on both sides of the port rises above one of them. The top of one of the hills is crowned with a fortress and the Church of the Virgin Mary. The legendary street Kali Strata numbering hundreds of steps leads from the port to the settlement.

The architecture of XIX century when Symi inhabitants, experienced sea men and fish men, talented traders used to sell sea sponges to the main European and Asian left its mark on the island. It is one of the most beautiful settlements of Greece, with its winding streets, handicraft workshops and numerous churches and monasteries. Lit by the rays of southern sun, magnificent neoclassic buildings are reflected in the water tinting it with amber yellow. Its picturesqueness, traditional architecture, houses with pediments, pebbled yards will impress you greatly.

In the beginning of the twentieth century Symi numbered 30000 inhabitants and was the world biggest centre of sponge extraction. After the period of decay the population decreased to 2500 people. However, due to the tourism the number of its citizens continues to grow. Beneficial ecological situation contributes to long life expectancy on the island. According to some data, it can make up 95 years. Sea sponge extraction remains one of the main occupations of local people. Tourists readily buy ecological sponges extracted from the bottom of the Aegean Sea.

The Monastery of Panormitis plays an important role in the life of the island. It was founded in the end of XVIII century and is considered to be the most significant monastery of Symi and the second one on the Dodecanese archipelago. It was established in honor of Taksiarkhis Michael.
The popularity of the monastery can be explained by the fact that the miracle-working icon of the Archangel Michael is kept there and St. Michael Panormitis is believed to be a patron of those sailing the seas. Fraternity and voluntary helpers make concerted efforts to keep an immaculate order in the monastery museum. Lots of memorable gifts made by the crews of the ships entering the harbor are stored here. Russian sea men presented the museum with the icons, church utensils and ship models.
The nature was lavish with tens of pristine beaches with crystal pure water. You can get to these beaches only by sea, so boats – an original taxi of the island – are in store for you.

History in brief

According to the myth, god Glavcus abducted Symi, the daughter of the king of Ialysos and took her away to the island which later was named after her.

Symi was already inhabited in the prehistoric times. Gomer mentions that three Symi ships under the command of king Nereus took part in the Trojan War. Symi together with the neighboring islands became a part of Dorian Hexapolis, participated in the Persian War and joined the Second Athenian League.

No matter who seized the island – the Byzantines, the Knights of St. John of Jerusalem or the Ottoman Empire – the local people were given wider autonomy and freedom in comparison with the other islands, as they were rightfully considered the most skillful shipbuilders and sea men.

The third of the wooden fleet of the Roman Empire was built at the shipyards of Symi. The Turks also showed interest in sponge extraction, so they allowed it on the whole coast of Asia Minor. Despite the participation of the island in the national liberation war of 1821 that led to the limitation of its privileges, it prospered during XIX century and was not short of money. And only with the appearance of steam engines and the advent of the Italians in 1912 the town lost its importance. In time of the Second World War Symi was exposed to bombardment and burnt down by the Hitlerite troops. And only after its end the island reunited with Greece 7 March 1948.