There have been hundreds of descriptions and countless tributes for Symi the “Duchess”, which according to Greek mythology, is the birthplace of the three Graces (Charites).
These descriptions, however, are not enough to imagine the real magic of the island.
Only if you wander through the tiny alleys of the island, admire the neoclassical houses of Yalos, that are brought out like from a fairy tale, walk in Kali Strata at sunset, dive into the blue waters and visit the Panormitis Monastery, you will be able to feel the special aura of this place.
From the moment the boat enters the port and the Municipal Clock starts to appear, a journey back to time begins.
Colored mansions in red, light blue, blue and salmon shades, with large windows, ceramic roofs and triangular facades, amphitheatrically built, decorate the Yalos’ slopes and bring nostalgic memories of the glory of earlier times.
It is no coincidence that the entire settlement has been declared “historically preserved”.
Right on top of it, the churches of Annunciation, Saint John, Virgin Mary of the Castle and Lemonitissa stand as if they are protecting the harbor and the inhabitants day and night.
In front of the Clock, a wide, uphill path with five hundred footsteps is distinguished between the “halata” which are the mansions of the captains and the merchants that were destroyed in World War II, but haven’t been repaired yet.
Kali Strata, which connects the harbor to the village, was for many years the main shopping street of the island from where all the transports departed.
A walk by the street which is decorated with colorful plants and artistic home doors that excite your imagination, is undoubtedly a unique experience, especially if you go down the street at sunset and see Yalos “on fire” due to the red colors of the sky!
In general, Symi, despite its small size, has many interesting places, mainly due to its lacy coastline.
In the southern part, there is the Panormitis Monastery and the Island of Seskli, which is ideal for sea exploration, while in the northern part there is another port, Emporios and the Island of Nimos, which has a pebbled beach with crystal clear blue waters.
Last but not least, Agia Marina, the rocky islet in Pedi Bay, and Agios Georgios Dysalonas, between Pedi and Marathounta, are the beaches that compete for their beauty.
