Symi Island

13 August 2022 – 17 August 2022

Leaving Giali we had a nice downwind sail towards Symi Island with some of the time sailing in Turkish waters. Every yachtie seems to do it as the Turkish coast is so close and with the wind conditions it made sense for us to keep on a direct course rather than tack backwards and forwards to try and stay in Greek waters.

Arriving in the anchorage of Pedi Bay at around 5.50pm it was getting late and the anchorage was pretty well full. We managed to find a reasonable space to drop the anchor which was close to the shore of the small colourful fishing township and restaurants. Being a lovely and protected anchorage we were in a good spot.

The houses lining the shores of the anchorage were quite different from the other islands we had previously visited. Here the houses were in various shades of pastels, and was such a lovely refreshing change to look at compared to the stark white of the Cyclades.

With a road running around the edge of the bay, these houses were built level with the road and not much clearance from the water. Occasionally if a boat came in too fast there would be a ripple or two spilling over the edge.

The hillsides were rather baren of much vegetation and dry from the lack of rain over the summer months.

We caught a local bus from our anchorage and took the journey around to the main harbour where we wandered around Symi township.

We climbed up a white staircase which we thought was leading to the Church up on the hill but the pathway ended with a gate and was padlocked closed.

However the views down over the harbour were beautiful.

We walked around to the far side of the harbour. The water was very clear and the colour of the sea was a vibrant aqua blue.

All around the waterfront were numerous restaurants and pleasure craft tied up.

The beach below was pebbles and quite a few people were swimming in the lovely water. The beach dropped off quite quickly into deep blue water.

Eventually we came across the Church on top of the hill. It was a surprise to see it painted in pastel colours rather than the usual white walls and blue domes that we had become accustomed to on other islands.

The view from the Church grounds was stunning looking back down over the harbour and waterfront.

One evening, from our anchorage we dingied a short distance ashore with our friends to the restaurant “Katsaras” and had a enjobable fish dinner.

In the morning once the sun was over the hill, the township and hills was bathed in a golden hue.

I enjoyed a few swims in the anchorage.

After a few days, we departed from our anchorage in Pedi and motored down to the southern end of the island and around to Panormitis Bay arriving at mid-day. The entrance into the bay was very narrow and the current pushed us in while under motor giving us some momentum.

The Monastery of Panormitis was built in the early 18th century and is dedicated to the Archangel Michael and patron of Symi Island.

The monastery attracts visitors from all over Greece and the World. There are several ferry services that come to the monastery.

Panormitis is a holly monastery visited daily by many Greeks and non Greeks who prey here for their health, protection and fertility, and is renowed for many miracles.

The popular Feast Day of November 8 draws huge crowds each year. Most of the people coming here on this day stay overnight in the guest houses provided. The guest houses are open all year round and can accommodate up to 500 people.

The interior of the building is covered in frescoes and elaborate chandeliers.

We came ashore in the evening and walked the pathway which went around the edge of the anchorage up to the windmill and gun embattlement, situated on the hill at the entrance into the bay.