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Symi is a small Greek island, about an hour by ferry from
Rhodes. There is no airport on the island, which makes it
necessary to sail from its bigger neighbor island. This is
hardly any inconvenience though, since you won't happen to
find as beautiful an experience as the one that welcomes you
when you approach the harbor of Symi.
Yialos, the name of the harbor town, first comes across as a
toy town, consisting of wonderfully beautiful and pretty
houses built along the harbour front, as well as above into
the rocks of the mountain. The first time you see this, it's
an indescribable experience as you are welcomed with the
incredible scent of wild basil, thyme and oregano, which
grow in the mountains. If you arrive at night, as the ferry
gets closer and closer to the beautiful harbour, the lights
from the surrounding houses hit the water and gives it all
an almost magical look.
Once the ferry is docked, you take your luggage and drag it
out on to the pier. Here you will find yourself in a small
inferno of Greeks and tourists, all of whom are trying to
get back and forth. It might seem a bit chaotic until you
manage to get some distance from it and can either walk or
drive along the harbor towards your accommodation. If you
haven't found a place to stay, before you arrive, you can
usually get lucky and find one just by asking at the nearest
Taverna or Supermarket. There is always someone who knows
someone, who just happens to have either a house or a room
to let.
Originally Symi was an island where the main income came
from fishing and sponge diving. Back then approximately
22500 people lived on the island. It is estimated that the
population today is about 2500 people, mainly Greeks but
also British, French, a few Danes as well as Italians. Today
fish are still caught daily for you to enjoy fresh at one of
the many fantastic restaurants. Whereas the natural sponges
are imported these days, though they are still of excellent
quality. Also plenty of leather goods can be found here,
most of it of really impressive quality. Apart from that
there are clothing boutiques, tavernas, bars, night clubs
and supermarkets. These are mostly found in the harbor area
though, with only a few in Chorio, the upper town. Chorio
does however have some really great restaurants, tavernas
and a few bars that are highly recommended. In Chorio's town
square you can sit under a shady canopy and enjoy an
ice-cold Greek beer or soda whilst watching the world go by.
There are several beaches on Symi, though most of them are
rocky and you have to get out into the water before finding
the sand beneath your feet. They are still a fantastic
experience and you quickly get used to the hard surface
(bathing shoes are a good idea), besides you can rent beach
beds cheaply (or free) on the most popular beaches.
If you're not interested in beaches and swimming in the
Mediterranean, I highly recommend walking in the mountains.
The nature is very beautiful and you'll find tranquility and
inner peace unlike any other place I know.
Many writers have written books on Symi be it either about
Greece, travel guides or even thrillers but there are just
as many artists, painters and photographers also flocking to
the island. Most find the peaceful and beautiful
surroundings incredibly inspiring, as do I.
Panormitis is the biggest of the island’s many
many monasteries and definitely worth a visit. It's on the
other side of the island and is almost an entire town in
itself, pretty and majestic to behold. It is said that you
can experience miracles if you say a prayer and light a
candle for your guardian angel (saint). Many also hang up
valuables by the icon of their saint, in order to show their
appreciation. Illnesses are cured this way, or at least
that's the story.
The only sad thing about this island is when the time comes
and you have to go home again and thus leave Symi. As
fantastic as the arrival at this Greek paradise is, equally
sad it can feel to have to say goodbye again. Most people
come back year after year once they've had the pleasure to
visit Symi once and no longer feel the need to go anywhere
else. After all, they've now found their home away from
home.
-Thomas |
