Symi's main town is also called Symi, which can make travelling to this small Greek island a tiny bit more confusing, not for the large numbers of pilgrims who come every year around Easter to visit the monastery in Panormitis, but for the visitors coming in from their island hopping looking for a nice place to visit for some sun and sand and land.

The island shares the attractive physical traits of its big brother Rhodes: the rocky mountains and lush volcanic valleys and the coastlines that alternate between rocks and cliffs, smooth pebbles and clear waters and sandy bays; and has attracted visitors for hundreds of years, something that hasn't changed despite the fact that the island has been owned by a several different countries – including the British Empire until 1948.  The pale painted neo-classical style mansions popular with the inhabitants are another attractive draw for visitors, creating a historic looking backdrop for a holiday here.  This used to be one of Greece's wealthiest islands, and it's been the fashion to repair these lovely houses rather than to replace them with concrete and less personality. 

Written by  Emilie Stokes.

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