Symi: Virtually Untouched by Modern

Symi: Virtually untouched by modern developments commonly found on other islands, Symi's Neo-Classical facade hides many tourist attractions. There are many ways of getting to and around on Symi including travel by ferry, catamaran, hydrofoil, or you can jump on a bus to get around the many sites of Symi. There are daily boats traveling from Symi to Rhodes and up to four ferries that provide access to other Dodecanese Islands.

Symi is located 25 miles northwest of Rhodes and with its highly mountainous terrain, Symi is dotted with small valleys and its coastline alternates between rocky cliffs and beaches that hide many of Symi's beautiful isolated coves. Symi is divided into several areas including Yialos, the island's main harbor; Chorio is found north of Yialos; Pedi Bay is located along the coast south of both Yialos and Chorio; and Nimboros, a picturesque fishing village located north of Yialos.

While Yialos may at times become crowded and noisy, visitors may find that Chorio remains relatively quiet and peaceful due to its location at the top of a steep climb along the Kali Strata. Symi is often cited as having the most beautiful harbor in Greece and there are many attractions that welcome visitors to the island. While on Symi, visitors are encouraged to explore the Lindos Ship War Memorial, Nautical Museum, Chatziagapitos House, Archeological and Folklore Museum, and the Old Pharmacy in Chorio.

Though little is known about Symi prior to the 14th century, archeological excursions and excavations have uncovered evidence that Symi has constantly been inhabited, and the ruins of citadels and fortresses indicate that Symi was a major and important port before and during its rule under the Roman and Byzantine Empire until its ultimate conquest by the Knights of St. John in 1373. A tumultuous and rich history makes Symi an ideal place to uncover many of Greece's hidden treasures.

Symi's beautiful beaches are a popular tourist attraction, many of which are only accessible by boat. Many beaches on Symi are a mixture of sand, pebble, and shingle. As sea urchins may pose a hazard to the inhabitants and visitors of Symi's wondrous beaches, tourists are strongly encouraged to wear water shoes that are available for purchase at many local stores on Symi. Symi's major beaches include Nanou, Agia Marina, Agios Georgias, and Agios Emilianos.

In addition to these secluded beaches, there are also many secluded coves to be explored on Symi. There are also many archeological and religious points of interest to visit while on Symi. Visitors are encouraged to visit the Port at Yialos and take in sites such as the stone bridge and clock tower. Visitors are also welcomed to explore the stone grape presses and windmills that were once a valuable asset to the production of wine and wheat production on Symi. Within walking distance of the windmills at Yialos.

Looking to find your prince charming or court a damsel? Take a tour of Symi's castles at Pontikokastro and the Castle of the Knights of St. John in Chorio. Symi is home to more than 465 chapels and churches. The town of Symi houses 13 churches and dozens of chapels, some of which date back to Symi's Byzantine eraf. One of the most frequented attractions on Symi is the monastery located at Panormitis. This monastery draws thousands of tourists to the island each year.

Popular monasteries on Symi include Roukeuniotis, Megalos Sotiris, St. Michael, and the Church of the Virgin. Churches usually remain locked unless there is a name day celebration or other festivity in progress. One of the oldest churches on Symi is the paleo-Christian Church, Aghia Irini. Nisyros: Nisyros, also part of the Docadanese Islands in Greece, is situated between the islands of Kos and Tilos, is comparatively smaller than Symi and has an approximate population of 1000 inhabitants.

The two main villages located on Nisyros are Mandraki and Nikea; these two villages are located a half day's hike along Nisyros' volcanic caldera. Nisyros' most distinguishing feature is its "active" volcano, which has formed over the past 150,000 years and has endured at least three separate eruptive stages. Though the volcano is considered to be active, it is currently not erupting, and several fumaroles can be found along the volcano's craters. The most recent volcanic eruptions occurred in 1888 (steam explosion), and a series of ash explosions in 1871 and 1873.

There was seismic activity detected on the island in 1996 and 1997 that led an international team of scientists to form the Geowarn project in order to monitor volcanic unrest in the European Union. Nisyro's volcano has five craters and is accessible to tourists by bus tours. Nisyros' volcano has contributed to industry through the export and sale of perlite and pumice. Nisyros is also well-known for the production of soumada -- an.