While approaching the port of Symi, after travelling 1.5 hours approx. along the northwest coast of Rhodes island, you will have the overwhelming feeling of entering a perfectly painted image of a scenic traditional village. As a rule, people remain agape and cannot take their eyes off the spectacular sight. A galore of two and three stored traditional stone houses, painted in all colors but mostly in indigo, ochre and terracotta, with red tiled roofs and cute little balconies with railings set up the peculiarity of the island.
The island of Symi is adorned with traditional houses and charming neoclassical buildings that feature peaked roofs of red tile and wonderful balconies, authentic fishermen boats, private yachts & sailboats & folk and art shops, stalls with sponges & wooden carvings! During your 3 hours and 30 minutes staying at Symi, you can relax walking along the colorful coastline, swimming at the small beach of Symi which is organized with sunbeds and different of choices of local sea view restaurants, tasting seafood under the sounds of the waves. All these restaurants and cafes surround a beautiful bay filled with small boats and the sparkling blue water of the Aegean sea.
Get your camera out and snap some photos! Symi is more than words or photos can say! Symi is also famous for its sea sponges and there are even a few places that sell them as souvenirs in town and also oils, honey, spices and wild herbs. Stroll the harbor but don’t forget to cut into the backstreets of town to see it all!
For as much as travelers rave about the beaches, Symi has plenty of history and culture to see as well. No place is this better exemplified than at the Panormitis Monastery overlooks the bay. As you approach the Monastery, you will hear church bells ringing, warmly welcoming all the pilgrims, explorers, holidaymakers & curious travelers. It was built in the late of 18th century and this masterpiece is certainly worth to visit! The Holy Monastery is a treasury of the Greek-Orthodox culture. The contemporary church was built in 1783 and hosts the miraculous all silver-plated icon of Archangel Michael. The main architectural feature of the Monastery is the impressive bell tower, a mixture of Baroque and Renaissance styles. The colors alone will wow you and the setting on the water of the Panormitis Port is breathtaking. During your 1 hour staying, don’t miss to visit the museum inside and grab a refreshing drink at the café in front of the sea.