Symi Island

Symi is a small Dodecanese island about 40 km north of Rhodes Town by sea, in Greece, and it is among the most photographed harbour towns in the Aegean. The catamaran from Mandraki and the Commercial Port takes roughly 50 minutes to 1 hour 40 minutes depending on the vessel, which makes a same-day return practical between May and October. Ferries dock at Gialos, the main harbour, where neoclassical mansions in ochre, pink and pale blue rise in tiers up two hills. Many visitors also join a day-trip boat from Mandraki that adds a stop at the Panormitis monastery before or after Gialos. A workable itinerary starts with an early sailing so that the group arrives by mid-morning. The first hours suit a walk along the Gialos waterfront, then a climb of the Kali Strata, the long stone stairway of roughly 500 steps linking the harbour with the upper district of Chorio. The climb takes 20 to 30 minutes at a relaxed pace and rewards visitors with views over the rooftops and the bay. Chorio holds the small Nautical Museum and the ruins of the Knights of St John castle at the top. Symi has a long tradition of shipbuilding and sponge diving, and the waterfront shops sell natural sponges and the local dried shrimp known as Symi shrimps. Lunch is best taken at one of the tavernas along the harbour or in the quieter Pedi bay, where fish and small plates are served at the water's edge. A bus or water taxi reaches Pedi and Nimborio, which have small pebble beaches suitable for an afternoon swim. Bakeries near the clock tower sell cheese pies and pastries suitable for a light stop before the return sailing. Late May to early July and September are the most comfortable periods, as midsummer can be hot on the stairs and day-trip groups cluster around midday. Return sailings leave in the late afternoon, so visitors should confirm the last departure when buying a ticket and allow time to reach the quay. The evening light on the harbour is the best of the day, which is a reason to take the later boat where the schedule allows.