Symi Things to Do

http://www.symitop5.gr

A website set up by Manos (not the travel company, but a Symi restaurant owner/business man)

Manos owns a well known harbourside seafood restaurant, that has been host to many celebrities/dignitaries visiting the island, (Please see my restaurant tips) he also has his fingers in a few other pies!

This website shows a few views and info re Symi, plus adverts for his businesses. He also has special offers on accom.

Timings of ferry boats, or bad weather conditions might lead to a few hours or an overnight stay in Rhodes. For some, this might be seen as an inconvenience, delaying their arrival on Symi, or in catching their flight home.

However, Rhodes Town has much to offer. Historical buildings and architecture, The busy port area, shops and markets, restaurants and tavernas.

The modern town has some interesting shops, with a chance to buy modern Greek fashions, or add to your Greek music collection from one of the cd shops.
The old town is more atmospheric, especially in the evening/night time. Where there is a wide variety of tavernas and restaurants, to enjoy a meal, or a drink and people watching.

The liquor stores around The Plaka offer bargains in spirits, (cheaper and more variety than on Symi), to enjoy during your holiday, or to take home as gifts.

However, you can't always rely on having a few hours on Rhodes prior to catching the ferry.

Both my trips have resulted in a lengthy stay in the airport coach park, with a frantic dash to catch the evening ferry!

Ok, you'll only have a few hours to spend here, so although the harbour area is nice, it can become a bit crowded..so off the ferry boat, walk in a horseshoe pattern til you're opposite the ferry, look for the taxi rank or the Symi bus, and head for Pedi (a beach resort, with a few tavernas) or Chorio (The Village) and spend your time either sunbathing in Pedi, with a wander to a taverna for lunch, where you'll get served quicker than in Yialos. (Check times of returning bus!) or wandering around the village (Chorio) then walking back DOWN the Kali Strata, easier than walking up..again, there are tavernas/bars, where you'll probably get served quicker, and you'll have seen a bit more of the island, and experienced more of Symi.

Some of the trips from Rhodes include a boat trip to Panormitis (see my tips)

By The Way, a lot of the Symilovers call the day trippers Rhodeants (Rodents)!!!

Most of the people I've met who've seen Symi as day trippers have loved the place, some have booked hols here because of their day trip experience.

It's possible to reach the monastery by road, but I prefer to combine it with a boat trip.

The Monastery of Archangel Michael, is well worth a visit. The original church was built on the site of an ancient temple, believed to have been dedicated to Apollo, around 450 AD.
St Michael is the patron Saint of Sailors

Panormitis is a major centre of pilgrimage. Various festivals are celebrated here through the year.

The brightly coloured and decorated bell tower stands out in this small port. An intricate mosaicced court yard is surrounded by rooms housing a couple of museums and the small church. The dimly lit church contains good examples of icons, including a famous one of St Michael. The Byzantine frescoes and artefacts are interesting too.

It is possible to stay overnight at the monastery.

Panormitis offers a few small cafes, and a bakery, which provides excellent pastries and bread.

Ok, I'm biased, my 1st stay on Symi, was in Pedi, and I loved it. My accom was great, and I met some great people during my 1 week stay. My visit co incided with Greek Easter, and I got to join in the celebrations.

My 2nd visit I stayed for 1 week, before moving to Chorio.

I liked Pedi because it was away from the 'bustle' of Yialos, and there was a community feeling. Some would say theres nothing much here, but it suited me fine! Theres a couple, maybe more, tavernas, (They open and close all the time!!) a kiosk, and the church, as well as a couple of beaches, and a jetty where you can catch the water taxis.

Pre departure, I hadn't had time to get my hair cut/coloured, so asked around and found Minas Salon De Coiffure in Yialos. Its a classy joint!! and she made a good job of cutting my hair, but didn't have time to colour it. (it is quite expensive too)

Jean (of Jean & Tonic bar - Who recently retired, so I don't know if she's still on the island) recommended Yianna, a local girl, and made an appointment for me to go to her house.

Sitting at her table in her kitchen, surrounded by photos of her family and friends, and carved religious icons I had a great view through the open door down onto the harbour, as she set about bleaching my hair. Yianna doesn't speak much english, and my greek is practically non existant, at least she didn't have to ask the usual hairdressers question of "where are you going for your hols"? ;-)

Her mother even brought me a slice of delicious Baklava that she'd made.

I'd had a really pleasant few hours, and I was very pleased with my hair.

Strangely enough, I usually find it quite stressful having my hair cut and coloured back home, especially if it's a new hairdresser, as I can never seem to get the style I'm looking for- so I find it quite amusing that I happily went along with a complete stranger, when we didn't speak each others language!
This was definitely a great experience, just wish I'd had my camera, for the view.

Free monthly paper, available from tour offices, bars, restaurants shops etc, or from the Symi Visitor office.

Lots of useful information re. the island, things to do, places to see as well as opening hours/emergency numbers for doctor/ dentist etc and a map of the island.

Lots of local info too, such as forthcoming festivals, local news about changes to the island, and recipes etc.

Before you travel, check out this web site

symivisitor

This website provides a wealth of information about the island.
Ferry timetables and upto date info if there are changes; accom details, with the chance to book through the SV office, lots of photos of the island and recent events, recipes and regular bulletins about day to day life. Messageboards and a chat page, where Symiphiles can get their daily fix, until they return to Symi!!

2 more images

Datca is 1 hour by boat from Symi.

A chance to experience another country, and Shop! There's more variety and cheaper goods than on Symi.

Tho' not the prettiest of towns, for me it has a certain charm, being a working harbour/town rather than a resort, with little if any hassle.

www.datcainfo.com for info.

It's easy to get around, with 1 main road that runs for about 1km. With a few off shots.

Along the road are many shops, selling clothes, jewellery, honey, spices etc.
Also teahouses, ice cream/pastry shops, restaurants and lokantas (tavernas)

Things to try

Turkish breakfast bread butter honey/jam, cucumber, tomato, egg and olives.
pide or lamacan (turkish pizzas)
kebabs (sis or doner)
salads
mezze a selection of small dishes

Although secular, Turkey is a Muslim country, so you may not find bacon or pork.

Turkish coffee, cay (black tea), Efes beer, rakki (like ouzo) or fruit juices my fave is visne (bitter cherry juice)

Shopping

For bargains head to the market. Turkey has no copyright law, so you can buy "genuine fake" designer gear Gucci/ Swatch etc watches for GBP5, Levi jeans GBP8. Sports brand t shirts, CD's, bedding, belts, bags, footwear etc as well as handcrafted goods, even a belly dancing outfit!

For local life head to the food market, where ladies from the nearby villages sit behind stalls stacked with fresh good quality fruit , herbs and veg, along with bottles/jars of home pickled veg and garlic. Good photo opportunities too!

Spices, dried herbs, cheeses and cooked meats scent the air. Nuts, dried fruit and lokkum (Turkish delight) are offered as you pass by.

Gold and silver is very cheap (1/3 of Uk price) buy from one of the shops. Price is based on cost of the metal, and each item is weighed, and the days price checked in the newspaper.

Carpets, Leather and antiques are also good buys. Haggle for a good price!

Theres also a Hammam (Turkish Bath) a real experience as you're soaped, scrubbed and massaged for GBP10, well worth it for feeling so clean and relaxed.