Symi is an island of the Dodecanese archipelago located between the Turkish peninsula Datça and Bozburun, some 40 km northwest of Rhodes. The island is named after Princess Symi, daughter of King Ialysos, who was abducted by Greek god Glaukos and brought to the island. Symi has an extremely indented and rocky coast, with many isolated bays. Island has about 2,500 inhabitants which, beside the tourism, the main activities are sponge diving and shipbuilding.
Symi has more than 350 churches and chapels, and is especially known for Panormitis monastery dedicated to St. Archangel Michael. The capital and administrative center of the island is town of Symi, located on the north of the island. Town Symi is divided to downtown and the uptown, and is characterized by beautiful coloristic old houses and neoclassical villas. To the uptown leads narrow streets and 375 marble steps, known as Kalistrat. The city port is very beautiful and is well protected from strong etesian. In summer it is often crowded, so if you can’t find a free berth, drop anchor in some of nearby bays.
Symi is adorned with a multitude of gorgeous beaches, and the most popular are Nos, Agios Georgis, Agios Nikolaos and Nanou. Nos is a beautiful sandy beach located near the town of Symi, full of tourist content. Agios Georgis is the most beautiful island beach, located at the foot of high cliffs and is only accessible by boat.
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