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

Nisyros (Nissiros), Dodecanese Islands

In brief
Nisyros according to the mythology, is the stone that sea god Poseidon (Neptune) picked up from Kos Island and throw it to Titan Polyvotis. Apart of all that it is small volcanic island, a mere 41 square km in area, situated between Kos and Tilos. Untouched by tourism but popular with day-trippers from Kos, it has very few beaches but its distinct wild beauty offers stunning views and remarkable walks.
 

General Information
In antiquity it was known as Porphyris. Mythology holds that once it was united with Kos and that when Poseidon was chasing the giant Polyvotis, he split the two islands asunder.
The capital and port of Nisyros is Mandraki, set in the northwest at the foot of a steep hill. The whiteness of its houses forms a striking contrast to the dark, volcanic earth. Yet another castle erected by the Knights of St. John looms above the small town, while a chapel nearby dedicated to the Panagia tis Spilianis (Our Lady of the Cave), the patroness of the island, clings to the tip of the rock. Built in 1600, it is linked with many traditions and has a lovely 18th century iconostasis.
 

As a volcanic island, Nisyros has hot sulphurous springs, well known for healing properties for arthritis and rheumatism.
The island’s hot springs, fabled since antiquity and still in use today, are to be found at Loutra just 1.5 kilometres from Mandraki. East of Loutra is the picturesque fishing village of Pali.
Another village, Emborios, lies to the southeast of Mandraki, in the interior of the island, in a lush area with mineral springs and planted with olive trees, fruit trees, fig trees and grapevines.
 

You have to go almost to the middle of Nisyros to the Lakki plateau, to see the crater of the extinct volcano, Polybates. It is 260 metres in diameter and 30 metres deep with steps leading down to its Center. The reek of sulphur fills the surrounding air, while the scenery could belong to the moon.
In the south of the island, the charming village of Nikia perches on the crest of a hill 400 metres above sea level. Its white houses with their brightly coloured doors and windows and tile roofs are an attractive complement to the greenery that abounds in the district.
 

Sightseeing
The capital, Mandraki, is a very pretty village by the sea in typical Greek style. Here there is a folklore museum with various things displayed from the island's history. Above the capital is the 15th century monastery dedicated to Panagia Spilianis (Virgin Mary of the Cave), which is also Nisyros' patron saint. It is open for visitors, but as always when visiting churches and monasteries in Greece, you should dress appropriately: covered shoulders and long skirts for women, long trousers for men. On the 14th and 15th of August the Virgin is celebrated here with a great feast.
 

There is also a fortification nearby, Paleokastro, which dates back to the 4th century BC, which might have been the ancient capital of Nisyros.
Yet another castle is the Kastro of the Knights of St. John.
The volcano Polyvotis lies on the Lakka plateau, and has a diameter of 260m and is 30m deep.
At Loutra there are hot, supposedly healing, wells.
There are also some wonderful villages here: Nikea and Emboria are definitely must-sees.
 

Beaches

Nisyros has many lovely beaches: at Mandraki, Hochlaki, Agia lrini, Avlaki and on Giali, the islet directly opposite.

Useful Information  
How to get there  
By sea from Piraeus 

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

Useful telephone numbers
Area Code: +30 22420  
Municipal Offices: 31204

Police: 31201

Port Authority: 31222
Health Center: 31217

http://www.nisyros.gr

Kasos (Kassos), Dodecanese Islands

In brief
Kasos (or Kassos) is a small island, very close to both Crete and Karpathos. In the summer, the northeastern winds blow from Crete, while rain rarely falls in the winter. Due to the dry climate and the rocky terrain there are not a lot of cultivated areas, yet there are many sheep and goats producing top quality dairy products. The island has a growing tourist business, and the people are always willing to be hospitable and helpful to anybody who decides to visit the island.

General Information
Kasos, the most southern of the Dodecanese, is only 27 nautical miles northeast of Crete. Its first inhabitants are thought to have been the Phoenicians. Homer mentions it in his catalogue of the Greek cities that took part in the Trojan War. Kasos is a mountainous island with a steep, rocky coastline and few beaches. In the 18th century, Kasos established its own merchant fleet and grew rich from trade. It played an active role in the Greek War of Independence of 1821, earning the revenge of the Turkish-Egyptian armada, which set fire to the island in May 1824 and subsequently slaughtered its inhabitants. Only a few survived.

The capital of the island is Fri, built on picturesque Bouka Bay. Its old stone houses – many of them constructed by sea captains – extend on both sides down to the sea.
To the east and very near Fri is Emborios, the island’s other coastal village. It boasts a beautiful church dedicated to the Nativity of the Virgin.
Other villages include Agia Marina, set on a hill just one kilometre southwest of Fri, and Arvanitohori, southeast of Agia Marina, nestled in the island’s only valley.
Two kilometres from Agia Marina there is a cave called Sellai, 30 metres deep and 8 metres wide, with impressive stalactites.

Sightseeing
Fri is the capital of the island and is very picturesque with its stone houses. There is a church worth visiting here called Agios Spyridonas.
Emborios is another pretty village, with a church dedicated to the Virgin Mary.
In Ellinokamara there are caves where archeologists have found traces of Neolithic settlements. Sellai is a stalactite cave you can visit.
In Poli, the old capital, there are some remains of the Venetian Kastro, and a beautiful church, Agia Triada.

Beaches

Swimmers will find pleasant beaches at Fri, Emborios, Ammouda, Antiperatos  and on the nearby islet of Armathia. 

Useful Information
How to get there
By air from Athens
Olympic Airways: +30 2103550500
By sea from Piraeus
Piraeus Port Authority: +30 2104226000-4, +30 2104114005

Useful telephone numbers
Area Code: +30 22450
Municipal Office: 41277
Police: 41222
Port Authority: 41288
Health Center: 41333

http://www.kasos.gr