Located just 23 miles north of Rhodes and close to the coast of south-west Turkey, Symi is regarded as one of the most picturesque of all the Greek islands. This beautiful island is divided into two distinctive areas; the main harbour of Yialos which is the focal point of Symi and the

Symi

village of Chorio. Whether you want to spend your time just lazing on the beach or exploring the islands beautiful interior, Symi is the perfect choice for you.

Yialos Harbour has a great choice of restaurants and cafes along with many Italian style mansions built on the hills around the harbour.

Chorio is the upper part of Symi Town and is situated away from the harbour. With amazing views over the harbour, Chorio enjoys a slower pace of life ensuring visitors on their package holidays to the island enjoy a totally relaxed holiday in wonderful surroundings. If you follow the Kali Strata from Chorio you will eventually reach the top of the Kataraktis, the original path connecting Yialos and Chorio. From Chorio’s village square (Syllogos Square) there is a road which takes you behind the castle and on to Lemonista Church. The castle was rebuilt by the Knights of St John in the 15th century on the site of a previous castle. During WWII it was used as a munitions store which was blown up, destroying the castle and the Church of the Assumption which was housed within its walls. Part of the walls still remains and there is a plaque commemorating Filibert de Niallac, the Knight’s French Grand Master.

Away from the beach there are plenty of places to visit and things to do including;
The Monastery of the Archangel Michael Panormitis – Built in the 6th century and restored in the 18th century, this is a working monastery where visitors can see Byzantine frescoes and amazing carved iconostasis.
Catacombs (consisting of 12 caves) and Roman mosaics at Nimborio to the north of Yialos.
The Nautical Museum at the rear of the town square, easily recognised by the canons outside.
The Archaeological and Folk Museum.
The Town Square is one of the venues for the Symi Festival. St Johns Church is also a Festival venue and has an interesting pebble courtyard and burial ground.

Kali Strata

Take the Kataratkis (a steep footpath) from the rear of the harbour to the castle and Chorio. Originally the only to get from the harbour to the village until the Kali Strata was built in the 19th century. The Kali Strata is around 350 steps up to Chorio and is lined with 19th century mansions.
Mountain climbing in St Georges Disalona which has a unique quarried rock face only accessible by

St Georges Disalona

taxi boat.
Explore the island by foot or bicycle, including a stroll around the harbour with its excellent neo-classical mansions.
Visit the windmills on the hillside above Yialos and then take the scenic walk to Pontikokastro (Mouse Castle), a partially excavated stone circle which dates back to Neolithic times.
Explore the islands bays and coves by taxi boat.
Take an island cruise for a day of relaxation whilst soaking up the sun.

Temperatures are at their best for outdoor activities in April, May, September and October. Spring sees the islands flora in full bloom and is the perfect time for holiday packages to Symi.