|
Symi |
||
|
|
Symi is very barren with little green. Although it is mainly a rock the island attracts a rather wealthy clientele, package holiday makers and sailors. Accommodations and food are relatively dear; at least the rooms are accordingly good. As you can imagine backpacker is a rather rare sight on Symi.
Symi town: The capital is built on a slope and surprisingly big. To get to the old city centre one has to climb about 500 steps. The reward is a magnificent view. Symi most certainly is one of the most beautiful spots in the Dodecanese. Many of the old houses bear witness to the former wealth and glory of the place. Once around 15000 people lived in Symi but many have left. Thanks to tourism the numbers are no longer declining. Finally the place has something to offer for the youngsters. Around the port you'll find classy restaurants where you can enjoy your seafood while watching the fishermen fixing their nets. It is beautiful. Should you travel on budget it might not be a good idea to eat out in the area around the port. Prices are a lot higher and that’s not only the restaurants. Hotels and rooms in the area are range from medium to high price. While it is difficult in low season it is literally impossible to get a reasonably cheap place to stay during high season. So be prepared. Pedi: Pedi is a small village about two kilometers away from Symi town. There are a few tavernas but the beach – like pretty much all the beaches on the island – is average. Monastery Panormitis: If you look from Symi town the monastery is on the opposite side of the island. Panormitis monastery is THE tourist attraction on the island. Particularly famous is the monasteries church with its fine woodcarvings and frescos. Go and check it out. There also is a small museum that worth's visiting. Near the monastery is a pretty decent beach especially by Symi standards and the best thing of it all: Panormitis monastery offers very basic but also very cheap accommodations. There is two ways to get there: by boat (quite expensive) or you rent a bike and drive the approximately 20 kilometers. The road is not particularly good but since you will most like have a rented vehicle you don't need to worry too much about the suspension. Keep in mind: There is no petrol station at the monastery. Believe or not there are busses on Symi but the only go from Symi town to Pedi. Why they need a bus service for a village that's easily within walking distance remains their secret.
Ferries to Symi: There is a daily connection to and from Rhodes by ferry, but also speed boats and organized daytrips. You also get to Kos and other islands but not on a daily basis. Informtion about Ireland: |
|
