 Symi Island is one of the smaller Dodecanese group if islands just 9 kilometers off the Turkish coast north of Rhodes. "Sizzling Symi" as the island is often referred to, is one of the hottest of the Greek Island with temperatures often rising well over 100 in the summer months. The island is probably one of the most picturesque islands I have had the pleasure of visiting. As the ferry glides into the marina pastel painted neoclassical houses climb up the hillsides. The island was once home to a thriving shipbuilding and sponge diving industry. Symi relies now almost entirely on tourism, mostly day trippers from Rhodes. We took such a day trip and it turned out to be one of my favorite days in Greece.  Soaking up the sun in Symi.............................Do it because....................  The seafood is amazing......... but be sure to look around don't just stop at the best looking seafood restaurant like we did. There are so many wonderful places to eat and NOT all are over priced like the one we stopped at.  Go for the photo opportunities ......................................they are everywhere!!!! At every turn you make your eyes will be feasting on spectacular views of the marina, the fishing village and the blue,blue sea.   And More Photo Op's.... Although we only visited this stunning Island for a day I would gladly return to explore all that Symi has to offer. I checked and there are plenty of AirBnB and hotels to stay during the summer months and the prices are more than reasonable .There is an excellent ferry service so the options for travel are endless. The island itself boasts some good beaches accessible by boat. Stay in the town and take a day trip around the island to visit all the beaches with snorkeling and lunch along the way. Rarely do I revisit a place as there are so many travel destinations on my list but I could be talked into returning to this beautiful island to climb the 500 steps to the town center and stay at the Pedi Beach Hotel.www.pedibeachhotel.gr/ Visit Panormitis One of the islands most iconic landmarks is the monastery of Panormitis. This is located on the southwest coast so a short ride on a boat will deposit you at this amazing site. There is one monk that lives here year round and the cells can be rented for a token charge. The church is quite stunning but as with most churches in Greece there is a strict rule of no pictures so sadly I cannot share the beauty of the inside of the church. The monastery was built in the 18th century and it well worth visiting.   One of my favorite pictures was this view from the bathroom window......................yes, the bathroom was a hole in the ground but the view from the window was stunning !!!  One of my favorite memories from that day watching a fisherman quietly mending his net. Another Reason to Visit............SpongesSymi was once the sponge capital of the world. In 1379 Symi was conquered by The Knights of St. John . This marked the beginning of a prosperous shipping and commerce industry. The 19th century marked the height of the sponge industry in Symi as Europe went sponge crazy. Obviously once there was the invention of synthetic sponges this had a major impact but the real sponges can still be bought all over the island. Dinos is the oldest sponge shop on the island .Nikolaos Psarros st Symi’s Sponge Center is a trained marine biologist and gives lectures outside his shop twice a day. Be sure to find out all about the sponges because they are not all the same. Be sure to buy one of these precious sponges and every shower will remind you of the stunning island of Symi.   Finally Go To Symi and Taste Some Symi Pie I loved our day trip to Symi Island and longed to stay longer and explore more. This truly is a stunningly beautiful island which offers so much. If you are ever in Rhodes take the trip you wont regret it.  Bernie PrestaExploring our world one trip at a time...............................................
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