Symi Island
Symi
Symi is one of the most precious gems of the Dodecanese island complex! The colorful architecture of its houses is one of the highlights of the island, with postcard-like mansions popping up as you begin to approach the harbor. In addition to the impressive harbor, you will find many excellent sunset views, beaches with crystal clear waters, almost all of which have pebbles and little or no sand, and traditional settlements. The beaches in Symi are small coves but attract many visitors to their picturesque surroundings. Symi is more than words or pictures can say.
Symi is an island with a long history.
According to mythology, the island was called Metapontida or Aigli after the eponymous Nymph who gave birth there, the Three Graces. Another version is that Symi got her name from the princess of Rhodes, who was stolen here with the god Glaucus since her father the king did not want to approve of their marriage. Glaukos, who is considered the first inhabitant of Symi, was a keen swimmer and shipbuilder and he taught these skills to the inhabitants of the island.
Another myth, according to Diodorus the Sicilian, states that the first inhabitant of Symi was Chthonios, son of Poseidon and Symi, when he was exiled from Dotium in Thessaly and settled on the island, which gave him the name of his mother.
The first inhabitants of the island were probably peoples from Asia Minor, and later Minoans.
In the Homeric era, just before the Trojan War, Symi is represented as king by the brave and beautiful Nirea, son of Charopus and Aglaia. Thanks to his intelligence and youth, he spread his state to the opposite Kariki beach.
When the Trojan War was declared, Nireas took three of his best ships, as Homer also writes, and together with the king of Rhodes, Tlipolemus, and Dipos and Pheidippus of Kos, ran to help Menelaus, the husband of Helen the Fair. . There, at Troy, he fought bravely, and fell for Greece. His royal tomb was erected in Troy and the epigram was engraved on the tombstone.
“Enthade the handsome one on Chthonias has Gaia, Nirea the Charopus boy and of Aglaia”
The beauty of Nireus was such that the ancients had him as a comparative measure.
“Nireos kallion” they said, i.e. more beautiful than Nirea.
Agios Georgios
The beach is located on the eastern side of the island, between Pedi and Marathounta. It is the most impressive beach of the island due to the vertical rock that is right behind it. The 300 meter rock creates a fantastic landscape and offers natural shade to visitors after lunch hours. Combined with the crystal clear, green-blue waters with pebbles, it enchants the visitors with its wild beauty. It owes its name to the small church of Agios Georgios that is built on the edge of the rock. The positive thing is that the rock provides visitors with natural shade after lunch hours so they can comfortably enjoy the sea. It is a unique setting that you should definitely see up close.
Nanou beach
Nanou beach is considered the best pebbly beach of Symi and is located on the eastern coast of the island, a little north of Marathousta. It is a beautiful and picturesque beach in a bay overgrown with cypress trees, hidden behind high hills and rocks, which on one side are lost in its waters. On the coast you will find coarse pebbles while the sea has wonderful crystal clear waters with a blue-green color.
Agios Vasilios
The beach of Agios Vasilios is one of the most beautiful beaches of the island. It is located in a large and deep bay surrounded by high, rocky mountains with sparse wild cypress trees. It is a secluded, pebbly beach with crystal clear blue waters. Above the beach there are some trees that offer natural shade.
Agia Marina
The beach of Agia Marina is located at the north-eastern end of Symi, in a bay at the entrance of which there is a small rocky island with a small church, which is called Agia Marina. It is sandy with turquoise, crystal clear waters ideal for diving and very safe for children.
Agios Emilianos
Agios Emilianos is a small islet that joins the island of Symi through a narrow strip of land. The homonymous church of Agios is built on the islet. Picturesque beach without sandy beaches but with green and clear waters.
Faneromeni
Beautiful secluded cove with turquoise waters.
Maroni beach
Maroni beach, a very picturesque beach west of Symi. At this point the land narrows creating an island on which there is a small church. The beach is very special as the fir trees reach to the sea and the color of the water is particularly green.
Niborio
The small settlement Niborio (or Emporios) was the ancient capital of Symi where the king of Nirea once lived as well as one of the first ports established on the island. Today it is one of the most picturesque parts of the island, with few houses built literally on the sea.
Seskli
Seskli is an island-paradise that is an ideal destination for a one-day excursion and sea exploration, due to its rich seabed and beautiful waters.
The golden-pink sand alternates with thick white pebbles and on its transparent bottom you will have the opportunity to see even with the naked eye fish, rays and dolphins swimming next to you. The colors of the sea take on all the shades you have seen on the most beautiful beaches where you have swum, depending on the composition of the seabed in each part of it and the landscape as the sun goes down becomes more and more exotic. In Seskli there is the small church of the Apostle Paul and it is said that he was found there after a rough sea during the trip from Asia Minor to Rhodes.
Panormitis
Panormitis is famous for the monastery of Archangel Michael. The Monastery of Archangel Michael of Panormitis is an orthodox monastery, in Symi, more specifically it is located in the village of Panormitis, on the south side of the island and is one of the most important places of worship in Symi. a visit to the monastery of Panormitis with swimming in its sheltered bay, will be unforgettable.
Seal Cave
Emerald, intense, impressive waters with a beautiful cave frequented by seals. Fokospilia is located after the beach of Agios Emilianos.
Toli
Toli beach is located on the south side of Symi. It is a relatively small beach with pebbles on the shore and clear blue waters, it is beautiful and ideal for swimming.
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Port
Symi (Gyalos)
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Hours
Monday: 11am – 9pm
Tuesday: 11am – 9pm
Wednesday: Closed
Thursday: 11am – 9pm
Friday: 11am – 11pm
Saturday: 11am – 11pm
Sunday: Closed