The fact that tracksuit It hides places that are small treasures and are known by practically everyone. But most likely, many do not know that a special island is hidden here, very different from the classic imagination of the Hellenic country, where three thanks and where the wonders to discover are truly numerous: symi.
Symi Island, the land of the Three Graces and sponges
No, we are not referring to the colorful and friendly expression that indicates something obvious but to the Charites, or the Graces, three divinities of Grace who were probably linked to the cult of nature and vegetation and also to the goddesses of the joy of living. . The name of the island, in fact, derives from the beautiful ninfa Syme.
In addition to being the birthplace of the Three Graces, the Island of Symi (or Simi) is also known as the land of sponges because its territory is full of sea sponges that in some way have marked its history, mainly aquatic organisms that can live both near the surface and at 4.500 meters deep.
Where is
The island of Symi is a charm in the Aegean Sea that is part of the Dodecanese archipelago. It is located 41 kilometers north of the coast of the island of Rhodes and a few kilometers from Turkey.
It is an authentic pocket of land full of wonders: despite having an area of only 58,1 square kilometers, in addition to charming beaches, exuberant nature and towns that seem to have been frozen in time, it preserves more than three hundred monasteries and churches.
What to expect
If you decide to take a trip to Symi you should assume that this is one Different Greece. What dominates here are not the buildings built in white lime and with blue decorations, but the colorful houses that climb its slopes. Neoclassical in style, all of them are painted in bright colors and have views of beaches bathed by crystal clear waters.
A picturesque island, therefore, on which to get drunk Mediterranean aromas such as oregano and rosemary and that proudly displays its naval history past. The ideal place to enjoy excellent dishes in wonderful taverns by the sea.
What to see
The first thing we recommend you see on the island of Symi is its main town that bears the name of Simi. It is a thriving town with Italian neoclassical architecture that seems to want to stay attached to the hills and descend poetically to the crystalline waters of the river. Porto Gialos, one of the most evocative corners of all of Greece.
Il medieval town of Simi, Called Horio or Ano Simi, it is accessed through two suggestive stairs that lead to an intriguing labyrinth of narrow streets where pastel-colored houses alternate with ancient ruins, such as those of the castle built by the Knights of Saint John.
Also absolutely worthy of interest is the Monastery of Saint Michael the Archangel of Panormitis which, in addition to being sumptuous and resting on an exciting cove, is also one of the outposts of the legendary and mysterious straight line that unites all the places consecrated to Saint Michael, that is, the one that begins in Ireland and ends in Israel. , crossing Cornwall, Normandy, Piedmont, Apulia and also Greece, precisely.
Then again the church dedicated to Santi Constantinos and Eleni where you can be enchanted by gardens, terraces and a well; He monastery of Sotiris Megalos which offers an exciting sight to say the least; the sixty-four hermitages spread throughout every corner of the island and can be visited along wonderful trails. In fact, another activity that you cannot miss on the island of Symi is healthy hiking along its routes that go from the interior to the coast, and vice versa.
The beaches of Symi
A holiday in Greece certainly cannot ignore the sea and the island of Symi is truly exceptional in this regard. Between rugged corners and sandy coves, this piece of land in the Dodecanese offers equipped and easily accessible beaches and other magnificent, wilder places where you can only dock by sea.
Among the best we cannot fail to mention the Agios Nikolaos Beach which is composed of sand and fine gravel. Perfectly equipped, it also offers natural shade thanks to the presence of several trees.
It's also worth dropping by pedi bay where there are several tiny beaches much loved by travelers who come to this suggestive island. In this area, among other things, the remains of the first Christian churches and the church of Agios Gerogios are preserved.
Agia Marina It is a beach that offers water so transparent that it seems like a mirage, an ideal area for lovers of using a mask and snorkel to snorkel.
then again emporios, the second port on the island that offers a beautiful pebble beach. Equally fascinating is the Nanou's bathroom. which makes space between majestic cliffs.
You cannot say that you have visited the island of Symi if you have not gone to discover it Nimborios a large bay with a pebble beach and perfectly connected. Then there are the our beach, so special that it is also known as 'Paradise Beach'; Agios Vasilios, isolated and without structures that modify the beautiful territory; Agios Georgios Dysalonas, the most exciting due to the presence of a cliff that reaches up to 300 meters high; disalon, accessible only by sea but with crystal clear and spectacular waters.
How to get to Symi Island
Although it does not have an airport, get to Symi island It is not complex. To discover this corner of Greece that looks like a rainbow, just board from the port of Piraeus in Athens: from here the trip takes 11 to 18 hours (including stops) depending on the boat.
Or, even simpler, land at the airport of its wonderful "big brother", theRhodes Island, and hop on one of the boats that leave from Mandraki port and sail to beautiful Symi in about two hours.
Alternatively, you can also take advantage maritime links da e per le isole di Naxos, Astypalea, Mykonos, Leros, Parmos, Santorini, Amorgos, Syros, Kalymnos, Kos, Nissiros and Tilos.
All that remains is to hurry to discover this. very special corner of Greece.
