Panormitis Symi ferry

Panormitis Guide

The Greek island of Symi, or Simi, is located in the southern Dodecanese group of islands. It lies to the north of the island of Rhodes and a short distance from the south west coast of Turkey. It is a relatively small island, measuring 13 km in length and 8 km wide, with a land area of approximately 68 sq. km. The island can be characterised as being comprised of a number of distinct areas. The main harbour, Yialos, and the top town of Chorio, which means village. In the valley below Chorio is the Pedi Bay area of the island which is south of Yialos. Finally there is Nimborios which is a bay and settlement located to the north of Yialos. In addition there is a monastery at Panormitis and a small village at Marathounda.

The picture perfect sight that greets visitors to the island when arriving by ferry is one of a perfectly painted image of a traditional Greek village. The vista is truly spectacular. The island's beaches are small and clean, some are organised and some are secluded. However, they all enable visitors to relax and to soak up the Greek atmosphere. The monastery at Panormitis, located in the south of the island, is a great place to visit.

From the island's port, ferry services operate to Rhodes, where day trips are popular, and to many other Greek islands.

Symi Guide

The Greek island of Symi is one of the Southern Dodecanese and is located to the north of the island of Rhodes and is close to the coast of south west Turkey. The island is around 13 km in length, north to south, and about 8 km east to west and has a total land area of around 70 sq. km. The four main areas on the island are Yialos, which is where the island's main harbour is located, Chorio is the top town, Pedi Bay is the valley that is located below Chorio and Nimborios is the bay and settlement that lies to the north of Yialos. Also on the island is the small village of Marathounda and the Monastery at Panormitis.

There are a number of popular sites across the island and includes a number of old churches and monasteries with one worth visiting being the Church of Constantinos and Eleni on the southern slopes of the Vigla which has lovely gardens and terraces. Also on the island, and built by the Knights of St. John in the 14th century, is the Monastery of the Archangel Michael at Roukouniotis which was built on the site of a 5th century monastery, which itself was built on the site of a pre-Christian temple.