Symi, Dodecanese Islands

In brief
Symi (or Simi) has the most beautiful harbour in Greece. On either side of a steep-sided fjord rise tier upon tier of houses, some white, some pastel yellow, but virtually all with Neo-Classical pediments - a reminder that 100 years ago this was one of Greece's most prosperous islands. There has been virtually no modern concrete construction here and now these fine old houses are being resurrected for visitors. The spirit of the island remains intact.
 

General Information
A lovely, mountainous island, Symi (or Simi) was reputed to be the birthplace of the Three Graces.
While its interior is punctuated with small valleys, its coastline alternates between being steep and rocky or sandy and indented with little coves.
In antiquity it bore the names Aigli and Metapontis. It took its present name from the nymph Syme, who was Poseidon’s wife.
 

After its conquest by the Knights of St. John in 1373, commerce and shipping flourished until steam replaced sail. The stately mansions in the main town date from this period, which reached its peak in the 19th century.
The capital in the north of the island bears the same name and is divided into the upper and lower town, Ano Simi and Kato Poli. The lower town is also called Yialos. The two districts are linked by a lane so steep it has steps. Charming neoclassical houses flank it; some of them painted in warm pastel colours, with balconies and peaked, red tile roofs. Many of them also are embellished with neoclassical features on the doors and windows. Their interiors are decorated with woodcarvings, the locals having been adept at the craft for generations.
 

The highest point in Ano Simi is capped by the usual castle of the Knights of St. John, whose emblem can be seen above the main portal.
The traditional village of Emborios is Simi’s second port. The ancient town of Metapontis was situated close by.
One of the island’s most famous landmarks is the monastery of the Archangel Michael Panormitis on the southwest coast. Built in the early 18th century, it overlooks the bay bearing its name in a setting combining mountain and sea. 
 

Sightseeing 
The monastery of the archangel Michael (Taxiarchou Michael) is the most important sight on the island. It was originally built in the 6th century, but what you see today is the result of restoration and new buildings from the 18th century. It contains marvellous Byzantine frescoes and an intricately carved iconostasis. Here, there are two museums, a folkloric and a religious, as well as a tavern.
In Ano Symi ("Upper Symi") you can see the old Castle of the Knights and visit the archeological museum.
There are also many churches all over the island, dating back to the Turkish rule.
 

Beaches

There is no lack of wonderful beaches on Simi. You’ll find good swimming at Yialos, Pedio, Emborios, Marathounda, Nanou as well as on the nearby islets of Agia Marina and Nimos.

Useful Information

How to get there
By sea from Rhodes
Rhodes port authority: +30 22410 22220,28888 

Useful telephone numbers
Area Code: +30 22410 Municipality: 70110 

Police: 71111

Port Authority: 71205
Health Center: 71290, 71316

http://www.symi.gr

Leros, Dodecanese Islands

In brief
Leros, the island of Artemis, the goddess of nature and the hunt, is a paradise in the blue waters of the Aegean. It’s still an unspoiled island, retaining its strong Greek character and friendly, hospitable inhabitants always happy to assist their visitors.
Leros is a lovely verdant island with a variety of natural settings. Green valleys interchange with dry hills and sandy beaches with spectacular rocky cliffs over the sea. The numerous bays and little coves offer an excellent selection of beaches.
 

General Information
Situated between Patmos and Kalymnos, Leros is an island of small fertile valleys sandwiched between rolling green hills, deep coves and pretty beaches.
Leros’ topography has given rise to many villages. The most important is the capital, Agia Marina – united with two other villages, Platanos and Panteli, on the back side of the hill – a collection of little white houses, neoclassical buildings and narrow alleyways. It starts at the seaside and gradually climbs up the sides of the hill, whose summit is dominated by the sombre remains of a Byzantine castle. Of special significance during Byzantine times, its shape is that given it by the Knights of St. John, who arrived in Leros in the 14th century. Still standing today are the circuit wall and the church of Our Lady within it.
 
Laki, 3 kilometres south of Agia Marina, is the island’s port, also one of the best examples of Art Deco Architecture. Mussolini’s architects designed it in 1923, though in defiance of the dictator, the capital was moved above to the village of Platanos.
It is built at the back of a deep, practically enclosed bay, whose mouth is only 500 metres wide. This is one of the largest and best natural harbours in the Mediterranean.
 

Sightseeing 
One of the most striking features of Leros is the Kastro of the Virgin Mary (Panagia Kastrou) that towers above the island's capital Platanos. It dates back to the 11th century, and was a stronghold for the Knights of St. John.
Here, there is also a museum with findings from various time periods, as well as an old church.
In Platanos stands the old cathedral Agia Paraskevi. The town itself is nice for strolling around in, and most of the houses were built in the 1800's.
 
In Alinda you can visit the church of Agios Isidoros that was built on top of an ancient temple. There is also a castle here, which is open to the public, and holds some interesting finds from the island, including parts of the warship Queen Olga that was sunk here by the Germans in 1943. The island's first printer can also be seen here.
Just outside Partheni there are the remains of a temple to Artemis.
In Xerokambos you can visit the church of Panagia Kavouradina ("The Virgin Mary of Crabs"). Legend has it that a fisherman found it here, and was immediately cured from a crab bite on his hand. In a dream he was told by a woman dressed in black to return the icon to where it was found, and so the church was built.
 

Beaches
Alinda, Xirokambos, and Partheni are charming seaside villages, while you’ll find wonderful swimming at the beaches of Agia Marina, Panteli, Vromolitho, Alinda, Laki, Merikia, and Xerokambos, to name a few.

Useful Information
How to get there
By air from AthensOlympic Airways: +30 2103550500
By sea from Piraeus

Piraeus Port Authority: +30 2104226000-4, +30 2104114005
 

Useful telephone numbers
Area Code: +30 22470 Municipal Offices: 60200

Police: 22222

Port Authority: 22224, 23256

Olympic Airways: 22777 (airport)
Health Center: 23978

http://www.leros.gr