Background
The harbour of Symi is often described as the most beautiful of all the Greek islands. The neo-classical houses which climb from the harbour front up into the village above reflect the wealth gained back in the 19th century when Symi was thriving from its sponge industry as well as being an important trading centre. The wonderful pastel shades of the properties combined with the labyrinth of alleys are a painter’s or photographer’s paradise.
The town is split into two – Yialos, the harbour, and Chorio, the village above. The two are linked by the Kali Strata, a staircase of over 360 steps which meanders through the houses up into the village. If this sounds a little energetic there is also an hourly bus service as well as six taxis!
Yialos is very cosmopolitan and is packed with restaurants, cafes, bars and good quality shops. It is also a busy harbour in terms of visiting yachts and so provides an entertaining place to sit and enjoy a cool drink whilst watching the world go by.
The village of Chorio is relatively sleepy. It is self sufficient in terms of shops and restaurants and has the traditional feel of an old Greek village. The bars tend to be filled with as many locals as tourists as this is where the majority of them live.
How to get there
By air
Symi does not have its own airport so it is necessary to fly to Rhodes and then complete the journey to Symi by ferry.
Scheduled flights to Athens
Olympic airlines http://www.olympicairlines.com and Easy Jet http://www.easyjet.co.uk both offer scheduled services to Athens on a daily basis. These are useful if you wish to travel out of season [i.e. October – April]. Olympic offer the advantage of tying in the domestic flight between Athens and Rhodes so you can virtually travel straight through. Easy Jet offer lower prices the earlier you book but make sure the timings allow you to connect with a domestic flight between Athens and Rhodes. Domestic flights can be made through Olympic and Aegean Airlines http://www.aegeanair.com.
Scheduled flights to Rhodes
British Airways https://www.britishairways.com now offers a scheduled service between Gatwick and Rhodes. This will start at the end of March and fly twice a week on Wednesdays and Saturdays. From 7th May flights will run on Sunday nights, Wednesday and Saturdays. During the season this is increased to 4 times a week to include Fridays. As the plane fills up then the price also increases so it is advisable to book early.
Charter flights to Rhodes
Charter flights run between the UK and Rhodes mostly on Wednesdays and Saturdays. Wednesday flights tend to be during the day departing from the UK before 9.30am and returning from Rhodes early afternoon. On Saturdays the flights tend to be late evening arriving in Rhodes in the early hours of Sunday morning. We can book you a hotel room in Rhodes on your arrival before you finish your journey to Symi by ferry in the morning.
Useful flight links:
http://www.flightline.co.uk
http://www.xl.com
http://www.flymonarch.com
Transfer between the airport and harbour
There is a taxi rank directly outside the airport. A taxi to Rhodes town and the harbours will cost about 15 euros depending on how much luggage you have.
By sea
There is a very good scheduled service between Rhodes and symi on a daily basis. The first ferry is usually between 8am and 9am and the last is usually at 6.30pm.
ANES, the Symi Company operates:
The hydrofoil “Aegli” from Mandraki harbour with a journey time of 60 minutes. The “Proteus” and “Symi” car ferries from the Commercial harbour and take 1½ and 2 hours respectively. In addition, the Dodekanesos “Pride” and “Express” catamarans leave from Colona harbour and take 50 minutes. If you find that your flight does not coincide with the ferries and it is necessary to overnight in Rhodes, we can organise this for you.
Twin centre with Kastellorizo, Tilos or Nissiros
Why not split your holiday and stay for the second week on another island. We can advise you how to do this.
Things to do
Beaches
Symi has many beaches around the island. Some may be reached on foot but most are only accessible by taxi boat. The majority are pebbly but this means that the sea is crystal clear and ideal for snorkelling.
Boat trips
There are four wooden caiques which do day trips around the island and to some of Symi’s secluded bays. They generally leave at 10.30 am and return to the harbour before 6pm. These types of trips include a wonderful barbeque lunch cooked by the crew. Some of these trips are combined with a walk or bus trip in the morning through the interior of the island – you are then picked up by boat to enjoy lunch and a cruise back to the harbour.
Walking
You can purchase a comprehensive walking guide which contains over 20 walks – this is available on the island.
Evening entertainment
In Yialos many bars can be found around the harbour. There are 3 clubs for the night owls. The village has a number of bars / cafenions as well as two bars who close when the last customers go home!
Starting in June and running through to the beginning of September is the Symi Festival. A wonderful opportunity to attend free concerts, recitals, readings, Greek dancing, theatre and cinema every night.
Eating out
Symi is becoming renowned for its wonderful choice of restaurants. Down in the harbour there are over 25 eateries ranging from traditional family fare, authentic Italian cooking, fresh fish, Greek meze and more sophisticated Mediterranean menus. The choice is immense.
The village of Chorio now has five very good restaurants / tavernas which are all of a very high standard. General Info
Two banks - National Bank and Alpha Bank
Two Doctors surgery – one in Yialos and one in Chorio [ most doctors speak good English]
Two dentists down in the harbour
Water is shipped in from Rhodes so please use sparingly and no paper down the toilet!
As on many Greek islands there is building and rebuilding going on - a result of foreign investment as well as families reclaiming their properties and rebuilding.
Many paths to properties are unlit so please bring a torch! |
