Symi
Symi, the island between Rhodes and Kos, is far from the tourist spots. The island can only be reached by ferry and the port offers a magnificent sight with the pastel-colored houses on the hillside. Tiny bays, secluded beaches, sandy shores and the clearest turquoise water. There are plenty of cosy tavernas where you can try gastronomic specialties with the locals. There is no need to rush, just get into the rhythm of life.
The easiest way to get here is to fly to Kos or Rhodes first, then take the ferry from there. The journey from Kos takes an hour and a half and from Rhodes about an hour. It's also possible to get here from Athens: an overnight ferry takes 13 hours.
Symi is the perfect choice for those who are looking for tranquillity and an authentic Greek experience, as well as hiking and trekking. One of the most famous local dishes is the 'popcorn prawn', which is crips fried shrimp served with lemon, but you should also try the grilled squid and octopus, vegetarians can choose the rice stuffed grape leaves, known in Greek as Yiaprakiá. After dinner, you can wander in the cobbled alleys and admire the local houses.
You can make friends with the cats of the island, and it's interesting to note that while cats in the northern regions of Europe are expected to belong to someone, in Greece there are surprisingly many stray cats and the locals don't seem to mind. Here, cats are treated as a kind of community companion, fed regularly by the locals and the Mediterranean climate helps them to get through the winters more easily.
Symi is also famous for the natural sponges brought to the surface by divers from deep under the sea, which can be used by those with sensitive skin:
Tips:
-Hiring a small boat makes it easier to explore the hidden bays
-Hiring a scooter makes it easier to explore the island
-If you want a tourist-free holiday, and you don't like the heat, the ideal months to visit are September-October or spring
Comments