Symi: Where colorful harbors meet breathtaking landscapes
Symi is a small island that boasts immense beauty, a rich history, and a genuine Greek charm. Its image might seem too perfect to be real, but it is indeed real, and even more breathtaking in person. Forget the busy, party-focused islands. Symi is a unique destination, offering the chance to enjoy long, leisurely lunches, swim in crystal-clear waters, and feel like you’ve traveled back in time. This is not just another beautiful Greek island—it’s an unforgettable experience. This guide is your key to understanding why. A glimpse into Symi’s rich and surprising past To truly appreciate Symi today, you need to understand its past. As you stroll through the main harbor, Gialos, it’s hard to imagine that this was once one of the wealthiest islands in the Aegean. In the 19th and early 20th centuries, Symi was a global center for sponge diving and shipbuilding. The magnificent mansions you see today were built by wealthy sponge merchants, each vying to create the most impressive home. The decline of the sponge trade had a significant impact on the island, and many of its inhabitants left in search of new opportunities. This history gives Symi a unique, almost melancholic elegance. It’s not a museum—it’s a living, breathing community, where history is visibly worn on […]