Hotels in Symi Greece

Symi Island, Greece

Small Dodecanese beauty

Symi is located in the Southern Dodecanese, north of Rhodes island. Symi is 30 sq miles big.  The highest point is Mt. Vigla at 2021 feet (616 metres). Symi, in the south-eastern Aegean, was once home to some of the world's finest sponge divers. Such was the value of their harvest that the island became one of the wealthiest seaports in the Mediterranean.

Symi Town offers an exceptionally beautiful harbor in a nation of beautiful and charming harbors. The harbor brought wealth to Symi, and the fine captains' houses and clock tower contribute to an elegant, even opulent feeling. Symi made its fortunes on construction of lightning-fast ships and the now-declined sponge fishing industry, and was the capital island of the Dodecanese. Back then, a population of 30,000 filled the charming villages.

One of the island's most famous landmarks is the monastery of the Archangel Michael Panormitis on the southwest coast. Built in the early 18th century, it overlooks the bay bearing its name in a setting combining mountain and sea. It contains marvelous Byzantine frescoes and an intricately carved iconostasis. There is no lack of wonderful beaches on Symi. You'll find good swimming at Yialos, Pedio, Emborios, Marathounda, Nanou as well as on the nearby islets of Agia Marina and Nimos. Daily ferry connects Symi to Rhodes island.

back to Symi hotels