Symi Island Cruises
Symi is a small but quite hilly island just eight miles by six, with a mountain called 'Vigla' (2020ft) in the centre. It nestles inside Turkey's rugged coastline. It is easily reached by ferry from Rhodes or Kos.
The main town of Symi is divided into the upper and lower town. The lower town is also called Yialos, the upper town known as Chorio (pronounced Horio). The two districts are linked by a lane so steep it has steps (the Kalistrata – Good Street). It is flanked by charming neoclassical houses, some of them painted in warm pastel colours, with balconies and peaked, red tiled roofs. Many of them are also embellished with neoclassical features on the doors and windows. Their interiors are decorated with wood carvings, the locals having been adept at the craft for generations.
Most people spend their days either walking, lazing on a beach or taking boat trips around the island, visiting many coves and beaches for swimming. Many of the organised walks meet up with a boat for a beach-barbecue lunch and then the boat returns the weary (but well fed and watered!) walkers to the harbour, with plenty of time for another drink at one of the many harbourside tavernas.
