Sými
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==Sými (Port of Entry)== | ==Sými (Port of Entry)== | ||
- | {| | + | {| class="infobox bordered" style="width: 33em; text-align: left; font-size: 85%;" |
|- | |- | ||
- | | | + | | colspan="2" style="text-align:center; font-size: smaller;" | {{Small info}} (''Click links for more information'') |
- | + | |- | |
+ | ! <center>[[image:World_icon.png]]</center> | ||
+ | | {{Coord|36|36.99|N|27|50.3|E|}} | ||
+ | |- | ||
+ | ! <center>[[image:Photo_icon.png]]</center> | ||
+ | | [http://www.panoramio.com/map/#lt=36.597889&ln=27.829056&z=5&k=0&a=1&tab=2 Photo gallery] | ||
+ | |- | ||
+ | ! <center>[[image:Chart_icon.png]]</center> | ||
+ | | [http://mapserver.mytopo.com/homepage/index.cfm?lat=36.59785441952558&lon=27.842200631292258&scale=750000&zoom=100&type=0&icon=0&width=498&height=498&searchscope=dom&CFID=17583484&CFTOKEN=79232580&scriptfile=http://mapserver.mytopo.com/homepage/index.cfm&latlontype=DMS Local chartlet] | ||
|} | |} | ||
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[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Symi Sými] or Sími or Syme (Σύμη) used to be off the beaten track and its harbor Yialos, is a jewel of a town with colorful houses built up the steep slopes. Unfortunately this lovely island has been "discovered." Now it is an "in" place and in the summer it is crowded and the lovely harbor now sports the usual bars with their loud music. On the other hand, many of the abandoned houses have been restored. In the last few years, however, the level of tourism has been upgraded, featuring some upscale restaurants and less loud bars, along with more restorations. | [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Symi Sými] or Sími or Syme (Σύμη) used to be off the beaten track and its harbor Yialos, is a jewel of a town with colorful houses built up the steep slopes. Unfortunately this lovely island has been "discovered." Now it is an "in" place and in the summer it is crowded and the lovely harbor now sports the usual bars with their loud music. On the other hand, many of the abandoned houses have been restored. In the last few years, however, the level of tourism has been upgraded, featuring some upscale restaurants and less loud bars, along with more restorations. | ||
Symi along with [[Kalymnos]] and [[Chalki|Chálki]] is famous for its sponge divers and at the height of the sponge trace in the early 20th century was very wealthy. Sponge diving in Symi has been going on since ancient times. | Symi along with [[Kalymnos]] and [[Chalki|Chálki]] is famous for its sponge divers and at the height of the sponge trace in the early 20th century was very wealthy. Sponge diving in Symi has been going on since ancient times. | ||
+ | [[Image:Symi_harb2.jpg|250px|thumb|right|Entering Yialós, Sými's Harbor<br/>''Click for larger view'']] | ||
According to the mythology the island was named after princess Symi, the daughter of the king of Rhodes Ialysos. She was abducted by Glaukos the famous builder of [http://www.maicar.com/GML/Jason.html Jason's] [http://www.greece.org/poseidon/work/argonautika/argo.html Argo] who brought her to the island. Her descendants were renowned ship builders. According to another myth, the Titan [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prometheus Prometheus] modeled a man from clay from the island. This angered [http://www.maicar.com/GML/Zeus.html Zeus] so much, that he turned Prometheus into a monkey. Since then the word "simian" is connected with monkeys. | According to the mythology the island was named after princess Symi, the daughter of the king of Rhodes Ialysos. She was abducted by Glaukos the famous builder of [http://www.maicar.com/GML/Jason.html Jason's] [http://www.greece.org/poseidon/work/argonautika/argo.html Argo] who brought her to the island. Her descendants were renowned ship builders. According to another myth, the Titan [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prometheus Prometheus] modeled a man from clay from the island. This angered [http://www.maicar.com/GML/Zeus.html Zeus] so much, that he turned Prometheus into a monkey. Since then the word "simian" is connected with monkeys. | ||
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[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pelasgian Pelasgian] walls found in Chorio attest to the long history of the island. In the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iliad Iliad], Homer tells how Symi mastered three ships which were led by king [Nireus Nireus]. In later times the island was part of the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dorian_Hexapolis Dorian Hexapolis] (six cities) and dominated by Rhodes. The Romans fortified the acropolis at Chorio and the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Byzantines Byzantines] converted it into a fort. Later this fort was renovated by the Grand Master of the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Knights_Hospitaller Knights of St. John], [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Foulques_de_Villaret Foulques de Villaret]. During the knight period the island prospered. | [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pelasgian Pelasgian] walls found in Chorio attest to the long history of the island. In the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iliad Iliad], Homer tells how Symi mastered three ships which were led by king [Nireus Nireus]. In later times the island was part of the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dorian_Hexapolis Dorian Hexapolis] (six cities) and dominated by Rhodes. The Romans fortified the acropolis at Chorio and the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Byzantines Byzantines] converted it into a fort. Later this fort was renovated by the Grand Master of the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Knights_Hospitaller Knights of St. John], [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Foulques_de_Villaret Foulques de Villaret]. During the knight period the island prospered. | ||
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On May 8 1945 the treaty granting all of the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dodecanese Dodecanese] to Greece was signed in Symi, and the island became part of Greece in 1948. [http://www.hri.org/infoxenios/english/dodecanese/simi/simi.html Today], with tourism and with wealthy Athenians and Rhodians buying and reconstructing it old houses, the island is regaining its former wealth. | On May 8 1945 the treaty granting all of the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dodecanese Dodecanese] to Greece was signed in Symi, and the island became part of Greece in 1948. [http://www.hri.org/infoxenios/english/dodecanese/simi/simi.html Today], with tourism and with wealthy Athenians and Rhodians buying and reconstructing it old houses, the island is regaining its former wealth. | ||
- | + | ==Charts== | |
+ | [[Image:Greece_Symi_S.jpg|400px|thumb|right|Satellite image of Sými <br/>''Click for larger view'']] | ||
+ | |||
;BA | ;BA | ||
:1055 Rhodes Channel and Gökova Körfezi | :1055 Rhodes Channel and Gökova Körfezi | ||
Line 34: | Line 41: | ||
:451 Leros to Rhodos | :451 Leros to Rhodos | ||
- | + | ==Radio Nets== | |
''Also see [[HF_Radio|Cruiser's Nets]]'' | ''Also see [[HF_Radio|Cruiser's Nets]]'' | ||
* Coast Guard - VHF channel 12 | * Coast Guard - VHF channel 12 | ||
* Olympia Radio - no signal | * Olympia Radio - no signal | ||
- | ===Approach and Navigation | + | ==Weather== |
+ | ''See [[Aegean_Sea#Weather_and_Winds|Aegean Sea]]''. | ||
+ | |||
+ | ==Approach and Navigation== | ||
All approaches to Sými are without danger. | All approaches to Sými are without danger. | ||
- | + | ==Check-in facilities== | |
Sými has one good harbor, Yialos, and several very attractive anchorages. | Sými has one good harbor, Yialos, and several very attractive anchorages. | ||
- | + | ==Ports and Popular Stops== | |
+ | ===Ports=== | ||
====Yialós==== | ====Yialós==== | ||
[[Image:Greece_Symi_Yialos_h.jpg|300px|thumb|right|Chart of Yialós - [http://mapserver.maptech.com/homepage/index.cfm?lat=36.6165&lon=27.838333&scale=24000&zoom=50&type=1 Chartlet]<br/>''Click for larger view'']] | [[Image:Greece_Symi_Yialos_h.jpg|300px|thumb|right|Chart of Yialós - [http://mapserver.maptech.com/homepage/index.cfm?lat=36.6165&lon=27.838333&scale=24000&zoom=50&type=1 Chartlet]<br/>''Click for larger view'']] | ||
- | + | [[image:World_icon.png]] {{Coord|36|36.99|N|27|50.3|E|}}<br/> | |
Yialós (Γιαλός) or sometimes just Symi, is a beautiful harbor. While it is well protected from the meltemi, it can become problematic with strong S winds. It is also a busy harbor and subject to considerable ferry wash. It is not an easy harbor for yachts because it is deep and its bottom of mud and rock does not always provide good holding. | Yialós (Γιαλός) or sometimes just Symi, is a beautiful harbor. While it is well protected from the meltemi, it can become problematic with strong S winds. It is also a busy harbor and subject to considerable ferry wash. It is not an easy harbor for yachts because it is deep and its bottom of mud and rock does not always provide good holding. | ||
Line 61: | Line 72: | ||
[[Image:Symi_harb.jpg|250px|thumb|center|The Harbor of Yialós<br/>''Click for larger view'']] | [[Image:Symi_harb.jpg|250px|thumb|center|The Harbor of Yialós<br/>''Click for larger view'']] | ||
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===Anchorages=== | ===Anchorages=== | ||
====Ayia Marina==== | ====Ayia Marina==== | ||
{| | {| | ||
- | |valign="top"| | + | |valign="top"|[[image:World_icon.png]] {{Coord|36|37.43|N|27|52.3|E|}} |
There is an attractive anchorage behind the islet of Ayia Marina just S from the Cape Ayia Marina. Anchor in 4-5 m over sand. There is only a taverna here with umbrellas and beach chairs, otherwise it is very quiet. Very clear green water. | There is an attractive anchorage behind the islet of Ayia Marina just S from the Cape Ayia Marina. Anchor in 4-5 m over sand. There is only a taverna here with umbrellas and beach chairs, otherwise it is very quiet. Very clear green water. | ||
Line 81: | Line 89: | ||
====Pédi==== | ====Pédi==== | ||
{| | {| | ||
- | |valign="top"| | + | |valign="top"|[[image:World_icon.png]] {{Coord|36|36.8|N|27|51.5|E|}} |
Pédi or Péthi or Pédhi (Πέδη) is a deep inlet S of Ayia Marina and Yialos. It affords good shelter from the meltemi although it can be gusty. You can either dock at the pier or anchor off in 6-10 m. The bottom is sand and weed, good holding once through the weed. | Pédi or Péthi or Pédhi (Πέδη) is a deep inlet S of Ayia Marina and Yialos. It affords good shelter from the meltemi although it can be gusty. You can either dock at the pier or anchor off in 6-10 m. The bottom is sand and weed, good holding once through the weed. | ||
Line 95: | Line 103: | ||
====Thessalona==== | ====Thessalona==== | ||
- | + | [[image:World_icon.png]] {{Coord|36|35.8|N|27|52.5|E|}} - [http://mapserver.maptech.com/homepage/index.cfm?lat=36.596667&lon=27.875&scale=100000&zoom=100&type=0&icon=0&searchscope=dom&CFID=1509264&CFTOKEN=22608242&scriptfile=http://mapserver.maptech.com/homepage/index.cfm&latlontype=DMS Chartlet]<br/> | |
This is a very beautiful cove with dramatic cliffs. It is well protected from the meltemi but it is very gusty. Anchor, in the middle of the cove, if possible, to allow for swinging, in 7-10 m over sand, avoid the patches of weed. Good holding. | This is a very beautiful cove with dramatic cliffs. It is well protected from the meltemi but it is very gusty. Anchor, in the middle of the cove, if possible, to allow for swinging, in 7-10 m over sand, avoid the patches of weed. Good holding. | ||
Line 104: | Line 112: | ||
====Nanou-Maria==== | ====Nanou-Maria==== | ||
- | + | [[image:World_icon.png]] {{Coord|36|34.9|N|27|51.6|E|}} - [http://mapserver.maptech.com/homepage/index.cfm?lat=36.581667&lon=27.86&scale=100000&zoom=100&type=0&icon=0&searchscope=dom&CFID=1509264&CFTOKEN=22608242&scriptfile=http://mapserver.maptech.com/homepage/index.cfm&latlontype=DMS Chartlet]<br/> | |
This is also a lovely and large sandy cove. Despite what many pilot books say, it is a good and well protected anchorage. Anchor in 10-12 m near the shore over sand. Good holding. | This is also a lovely and large sandy cove. Despite what many pilot books say, it is a good and well protected anchorage. Anchor in 10-12 m near the shore over sand. Good holding. | ||
Line 113: | Line 121: | ||
====Marathouda Bay==== | ====Marathouda Bay==== | ||
- | [[ | + | [[image:World_icon.png]] {{Coord|36|34|N|27|51.8|E|}} - [http://mapserver.maptech.com/homepage/index.cfm?lat=36.566667&lon=27.863333&scale=100000&zoom=100&type=0&icon=0&searchscope=dom&CFID=1509264&CFTOKEN=22608242&scriptfile=http://mapserver.maptech.com/homepage/index.cfm&latlontype=DMS Chartlet]<br/> |
- | + | ||
Marathouda Bay is about 3 nM S of Pédi. It is subject to gusts from the hills, but it is very attractive with just a small hamlet with bar. Anchor in 4-5 m on patchy sand and weed. | Marathouda Bay is about 3 nM S of Pédi. It is subject to gusts from the hills, but it is very attractive with just a small hamlet with bar. Anchor in 4-5 m on patchy sand and weed. | ||
- | --[[User:Summercruise|Summercruise]] 08:53, 22 July 2009 (UTC) | + | |
+ | =====Last Visited & Details Checked (and updated here)===== | ||
+ | ''Date of member's visit to this Port/Stop & this page's details validated'': | ||
+ | * --[[User:Summercruise|Summercruise]] 08:53, 22 July 2009 (UTC) | ||
+ | * | ||
+ | |||
+ | [[Image:marathouda_bay.jpg|200px|thumb|center|Beowulf at anchor for night]] | ||
====Faneromeni Bay==== | ====Faneromeni Bay==== | ||
- | + | [[image:World_icon.png]] {{Coord|36|33.1|N|27|52.4|E|}} - [http://mapserver.maptech.com/homepage/index.cfm?lat=36.551920750103115&lon=27.87423969960779&scale=100000&zoom=100&type=0&icon=0&width=498&height=498&searchscope=dom&CFID=1509264&CFTOKEN=22608242&scriptfile=http://mapserver.maptech.com/homepage/index.cfm&latlontype=DMS Chartlet]<br/> | |
Faneromeni Bay or Phaneromeni (Φανερωμένη) is a deep and narrow inlet 1 nM S of Marathouda Bay. No people. It too, is subject to strong gusts. Anchor at the head of the bay in 16 m. It is best to take 2 lines ashore to keep the boat in the middle of the inlet. | Faneromeni Bay or Phaneromeni (Φανερωμένη) is a deep and narrow inlet 1 nM S of Marathouda Bay. No people. It too, is subject to strong gusts. Anchor at the head of the bay in 16 m. It is best to take 2 lines ashore to keep the boat in the middle of the inlet. | ||
====Panormitis==== | ====Panormitis==== | ||
{| | {| | ||
- | |valign="top"| | + | |valign="top"|[[image:World_icon.png]] {{Coord|36|32.9|N|27|50.6|E|}} |
Panormitis (Πανορμήτης) is a bay on the SW of the island. It is completely enclosed and it is an excellent all around shelter in a very pleasant environment. Anchor 3-7 m, the bottom is sand and weed and once the anchor has penetrated it provides good holding. It is also possible to take a line to the N shore. Beware of bees. | Panormitis (Πανορμήτης) is a bay on the SW of the island. It is completely enclosed and it is an excellent all around shelter in a very pleasant environment. Anchor 3-7 m, the bottom is sand and weed and once the anchor has penetrated it provides good holding. It is also possible to take a line to the N shore. Beware of bees. | ||
Line 145: | Line 158: | ||
====Ayios Emilianos==== | ====Ayios Emilianos==== | ||
[[Image:Greece_Symi_AyEmil_h.jpg|300px|thumb|right|Chart of Ayios Emilianos<br/>''Click for larger view'']] | [[Image:Greece_Symi_AyEmil_h.jpg|300px|thumb|right|Chart of Ayios Emilianos<br/>''Click for larger view'']] | ||
- | + | [[image:World_icon.png]] {{Coord|36|36.4|N|27|46.6|E|}}<br/> | |
Ayios Emilianos is lovely cove on the W coast of the island. It is deserted save for the monastery. The cove provides some shelter from the ''meltemi''. Anchor in 8-10 m S of the headland. | Ayios Emilianos is lovely cove on the W coast of the island. It is deserted save for the monastery. The cove provides some shelter from the ''meltemi''. Anchor in 8-10 m S of the headland. | ||
====Nimborios==== | ====Nimborios==== | ||
- | + | [[image:World_icon.png]] {{Coord|36|37.4|N|27|49.2|E|}}<br/> | |
Nimborios is a cove just N of Yialós. | Nimborios is a cove just N of Yialós. | ||
- | ===Offshore Islands | + | ==Marinas & Yacht Clubs== |
+ | None. | ||
+ | |||
+ | ==Yacht Services and Repairs== | ||
+ | ====Marine Stores==== | ||
+ | None, except a fishing supply store. | ||
+ | |||
+ | ====Yacht Services/Repairs/Yards==== | ||
+ | None. | ||
+ | |||
+ | ====Fuel, Water, & Electricity==== | ||
+ | ; Fuel | ||
+ | : N/A (Not Available) | ||
+ | ; Water | ||
+ | : N/A | ||
+ | ; Electricity | ||
+ | : N/A | ||
+ | |||
+ | ==Offshore Islands== | ||
====Seskli Island==== | ====Seskli Island==== | ||
- | + | [[image:World_icon.png]] {{Coord|36|31.3|N|27|52.2|E|}} - [http://mapserver.maptech.com/homepage/index.cfm?lat=36.521667&lon=27.87&scale=100000&zoom=100&type=0&icon=0&searchscope=dom&CFID=1509264&CFTOKEN=22608242&scriptfile=http://mapserver.maptech.com/homepage/index.cfm&latlontype=DMS Chartlet]<br/> | |
Seskli Island is S of Sými. On the S side of the island there is an attractive deserted anchorage with good protection from the ''meltemi''. Anchor in 5-6 m over sand, good holding. | Seskli Island is S of Sými. On the S side of the island there is an attractive deserted anchorage with good protection from the ''meltemi''. Anchor in 5-6 m over sand, good holding. | ||
- | == | + | ==Tourism and Things to do Ashore== |
- | + | ===Tourism=== | |
- | + | {| class="wikitable" align=right | |
- | ===Tourism | + | |- |
+ | |[[Image:Symi_twn.jpg|200px]]<br/><small>Chora in Sými<br/>''Click for larger view''</small> | ||
+ | |- | ||
+ | |[[Image:Greece_Symi_Pan4.jpg|200px]]<br/><small>The Panormites Monastery<br/>''Click for larger view''</small> | ||
+ | |- | ||
+ | |[[Image:Greece_Symi_Pan5.jpg|200px]]<br/><small>To the Bakery in Panormites<br/>''Click for larger view''</small> | ||
+ | |} | ||
====Yialós and Chorio==== | ====Yialós and Chorio==== | ||
- | |||
Yialós is a very picturesque town with many colorful neoclassical buildings. There is a [http://www.symi.gr/en/main.php?id=nautiko Nautical Museum] (open Mon-Sat, 10-3). | Yialós is a very picturesque town with many colorful neoclassical buildings. There is a [http://www.symi.gr/en/main.php?id=nautiko Nautical Museum] (open Mon-Sat, 10-3). | ||
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The Monastery of the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Archangel_Michael Archangel (Taxiarchis) Michael] at [http://odysseus.culture.gr/h/2/gh251.jsp?obj_id=5026 Panormites] is famous throughout the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dodecanese Dodecanese]. It is believed that when a seaman is in danger, wherever that may be, all he has to do is pray to Michael put some money in a bottle and toss it into the sea. Michael will protect the seaman and his boat while the bottle will eventually wash ashore here at Panormites. There thousands of bottles on display that have come from all over the world to attest this. | The Monastery of the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Archangel_Michael Archangel (Taxiarchis) Michael] at [http://odysseus.culture.gr/h/2/gh251.jsp?obj_id=5026 Panormites] is famous throughout the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dodecanese Dodecanese]. It is believed that when a seaman is in danger, wherever that may be, all he has to do is pray to Michael put some money in a bottle and toss it into the sea. Michael will protect the seaman and his boat while the bottle will eventually wash ashore here at Panormites. There thousands of bottles on display that have come from all over the world to attest this. | ||
- | + | ===Grocery & Supply Stores=== | |
- | + | There are several stores in [[#Yialós|Yialós]]. | |
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- | There | + | |
===Eateries=== | ===Eateries=== | ||
Line 191: | Line 216: | ||
* ''Les Katerinettes'' | * ''Les Katerinettes'' | ||
* and the ''Neraida'', all in [[#Yialós|Yialós]], are recommended | * and the ''Neraida'', all in [[#Yialós|Yialós]], are recommended | ||
+ | |||
+ | ===Internet/WiFi=== | ||
+ | In Internet cafés. | ||
+ | |||
+ | ===Laundry=== | ||
+ | * | ||
+ | * | ||
===Motorbike & Car Rentals=== | ===Motorbike & Car Rentals=== | ||
Motorbikes can be rented at [[#Yialós|Yialós]]. | Motorbikes can be rented at [[#Yialós|Yialós]]. | ||
- | === | + | ===Garbage Disposal=== |
- | + | There are bins around the harbors and in several anchorages. | |
- | + | ||
- | + | ||
- | + | ||
===Transportation=== | ===Transportation=== | ||
There are twice a week ferries to Athens and daily hydrofoils to [[Kos]] and [[Rhodes]]. | There are twice a week ferries to Athens and daily hydrofoils to [[Kos]] and [[Rhodes]]. | ||
- | + | ==Cruiser's Friends== | |
- | + | ||
- | + | ||
- | + | ||
Contact details of "Cruiser's Friends" that can be contacted for local information or assistance. | Contact details of "Cruiser's Friends" that can be contacted for local information or assistance. | ||
- | + | ==Forum Discussions== | |
List links to discussion threads on the Cruiser Log Forum | List links to discussion threads on the Cruiser Log Forum | ||
* | * | ||
Line 216: | Line 242: | ||
* | * | ||
- | + | ==External Links== | |
* [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Symi Sými] (Wikipedia) | * [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Symi Sými] (Wikipedia) | ||
* [http://www.hri.org/infoxenios/english/dodecanese/simi/simi.html Simi] | * [http://www.hri.org/infoxenios/english/dodecanese/simi/simi.html Simi] | ||
* | * | ||
- | == | + | ==References & Publications== |
- | + | See [[Greece#References_&_Publications|Greece]]. | |
- | + | ==Last Visited & Details Checked (and updated here)== | |
See individual ports in this page. | See individual ports in this page. | ||
+ | |||
+ | ==Personal Notes== | ||
+ | Personal experiences? | ||
+ | * | ||
Revision as of 15:09, 9 November 2009
Sými (Port of Entry)
(Click links for more information) | |
| 36°36.99′N, 27°50.3′E |
---|---|
| Photo gallery |
| Local chartlet |
Sými or Sími or Syme (Σύμη) used to be off the beaten track and its harbor Yialos, is a jewel of a town with colorful houses built up the steep slopes. Unfortunately this lovely island has been "discovered." Now it is an "in" place and in the summer it is crowded and the lovely harbor now sports the usual bars with their loud music. On the other hand, many of the abandoned houses have been restored. In the last few years, however, the level of tourism has been upgraded, featuring some upscale restaurants and less loud bars, along with more restorations.
Symi along with Kalymnos and Chálki is famous for its sponge divers and at the height of the sponge trace in the early 20th century was very wealthy. Sponge diving in Symi has been going on since ancient times.
According to the mythology the island was named after princess Symi, the daughter of the king of Rhodes Ialysos. She was abducted by Glaukos the famous builder of Jason's Argo who brought her to the island. Her descendants were renowned ship builders. According to another myth, the Titan Prometheus modeled a man from clay from the island. This angered Zeus so much, that he turned Prometheus into a monkey. Since then the word "simian" is connected with monkeys.
Pelasgian walls found in Chorio attest to the long history of the island. In the Iliad, Homer tells how Symi mastered three ships which were led by king [Nireus Nireus]. In later times the island was part of the Dorian Hexapolis (six cities) and dominated by Rhodes. The Romans fortified the acropolis at Chorio and the Byzantines converted it into a fort. Later this fort was renovated by the Grand Master of the Knights of St. John, Foulques de Villaret. During the knight period the island prospered.
When the Ottoman sultan, Suleiman the Magnificent, attacked Rhodes, the Symiotes avoided the attack by offering their most precious sponges for his harem. He granted the island some independence and made it into a free port. The island continued to prosper under the Ottomans and the islanders in turn sent to Istanbul sponges every year. After the Greek revolution, some of the privileges were withdrawn but the island still remained prosperous.
The island was occupied by the Italians from 1912 until the second World War. During this period because the Italians closed the island to the Asia Minor markets and because of the competition from steam ships, the fortunes of Symi declined. Its population dropped from 23,000 to 600.
On May 8 1945 the treaty granting all of the Dodecanese to Greece was signed in Symi, and the island became part of Greece in 1948. Today, with tourism and with wealthy Athenians and Rhodians buying and reconstructing it old houses, the island is regaining its former wealth.
Charts
- BA
- 1055 Rhodes Channel and Gökova Körfezi
- Imray-Tetra
- G35 Dodecanese and Coast of Turkey
- NIMA
- 54400 Samos to Rodhos
- Greek
- 451 Leros to Rhodos
Radio Nets
Also see Cruiser's Nets
- Coast Guard - VHF channel 12
- Olympia Radio - no signal
Weather
See Aegean Sea.
All approaches to Sými are without danger.
Check-in facilities
Sými has one good harbor, Yialos, and several very attractive anchorages.
Ports and Popular Stops
Ports
Yialós
36°36.99′N, 27°50.3′E
Yialós (Γιαλός) or sometimes just Symi, is a beautiful harbor. While it is well protected from the meltemi, it can become problematic with strong S winds. It is also a busy harbor and subject to considerable ferry wash. It is not an easy harbor for yachts because it is deep and its bottom of mud and rock does not always provide good holding.
It is best to moor side-to, if there is room, although this is unlikely in busy periods. Otherwise drop the anchor in around 15-20 m and after testing its holding come stern-to. Stay clear of the ferry and hydrofoil area. Often, there is an attendant who will direct you, catch your stern lines, and collect 2€ for his trouble.
There are several good restaurants and good provision shopping.
Last Visited & Details Checked (and updated here)
Date of member's visit to this Port/Stop & this page's details validated:
- September 2002 --Istioploos 15:16, 6 June 2008 (MDT)
- June 2008 -- Athene of Lymington
- July 2009 --Summercruise 08:08, 14 July 2009 (UTC)
Anchorages
Ayia Marina
36°37.43′N, 27°52.3′E
There is an attractive anchorage behind the islet of Ayia Marina just S from the Cape Ayia Marina. Anchor in 4-5 m over sand. There is only a taverna here with umbrellas and beach chairs, otherwise it is very quiet. Very clear green water. Last Visited & Details Checked (and updated here)Date of member's visit to this Port/Stop & this page's details validated:
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Pédi
36°36.8′N, 27°51.5′E
Pédi or Péthi or Pédhi (Πέδη) is a deep inlet S of Ayia Marina and Yialos. It affords good shelter from the meltemi although it can be gusty. You can either dock at the pier or anchor off in 6-10 m. The bottom is sand and weed, good holding once through the weed. There is a bus to to Yialós where one can get provisions. Last Visited & Details Checked (and updated here)Date of member's visit to this Port/Stop & this page's details validated:
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Thessalona
36°35.8′N, 27°52.5′E - Chartlet
This is a very beautiful cove with dramatic cliffs. It is well protected from the meltemi but it is very gusty. Anchor, in the middle of the cove, if possible, to allow for swinging, in 7-10 m over sand, avoid the patches of weed. Good holding.
Last Visited & Details Checked (and updated here)
Date of member's visit to this Port/Stop & this page's details validated:
- September 2002 --Istioploos 15:16, 6 June 2008 (MDT)
Nanou-Maria
36°34.9′N, 27°51.6′E - Chartlet
This is also a lovely and large sandy cove. Despite what many pilot books say, it is a good and well protected anchorage. Anchor in 10-12 m near the shore over sand. Good holding.
Last Visited & Details Checked (and updated here)
Date of member's visit to this Port/Stop & this page's details validated:
- September 2002 --Istioploos 15:16, 6 June 2008 (MDT)
Marathouda Bay
36°34′N, 27°51.8′E - Chartlet
Marathouda Bay is about 3 nM S of Pédi. It is subject to gusts from the hills, but it is very attractive with just a small hamlet with bar. Anchor in 4-5 m on patchy sand and weed.
Last Visited & Details Checked (and updated here)
Date of member's visit to this Port/Stop & this page's details validated:
- --Summercruise 08:53, 22 July 2009 (UTC)
Faneromeni Bay
36°33.1′N, 27°52.4′E - Chartlet
Faneromeni Bay or Phaneromeni (Φανερωμένη) is a deep and narrow inlet 1 nM S of Marathouda Bay. No people. It too, is subject to strong gusts. Anchor at the head of the bay in 16 m. It is best to take 2 lines ashore to keep the boat in the middle of the inlet.
Panormitis
36°32.9′N, 27°50.6′E
Panormitis (Πανορμήτης) is a bay on the SW of the island. It is completely enclosed and it is an excellent all around shelter in a very pleasant environment. Anchor 3-7 m, the bottom is sand and weed and once the anchor has penetrated it provides good holding. It is also possible to take a line to the N shore. Beware of bees. The monastery is very famous but its buildings are not very attractive. There is bad taverna ashore, a small market, and a good bakery. Last Visited & Details Checked (and updated here)Date of member's visit to this Port/Stop & this page's details validated:
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Ayios Emilianos
36°36.4′N, 27°46.6′E
Ayios Emilianos is lovely cove on the W coast of the island. It is deserted save for the monastery. The cove provides some shelter from the meltemi. Anchor in 8-10 m S of the headland.
Nimborios
36°37.4′N, 27°49.2′E
Nimborios is a cove just N of Yialós.
Marinas & Yacht Clubs
None.
Yacht Services and Repairs
Marine Stores
None, except a fishing supply store.
Yacht Services/Repairs/Yards
None.
Fuel, Water, & Electricity
- Fuel
- N/A (Not Available)
- Water
- N/A
- Electricity
- N/A
Offshore Islands
Seskli Island
36°31.3′N, 27°52.2′E - Chartlet
Seskli Island is S of Sými. On the S side of the island there is an attractive deserted anchorage with good protection from the meltemi. Anchor in 5-6 m over sand, good holding.
Tourism and Things to do Ashore
Tourism
Chora in Sými Click for larger view |
The Panormites Monastery Click for larger view |
To the Bakery in Panormites Click for larger view |
Yialós and Chorio
Yialós is a very picturesque town with many colorful neoclassical buildings. There is a Nautical Museum (open Mon-Sat, 10-3).
Nearby Chorio has many older houses. It can be reached from Yialós by climbing the 375 steps. At Chorio there is a Museum (open Tues -Sun, 10-2).
On top of Chorio is the Kastro, the site of the ancient and Byzantine acropolis. Within the Kastro there is a post-Byzantine church with some icons and frescoes.
The Monastery of Taxiarchis Michael Panormites
The Monastery of the Archangel (Taxiarchis) Michael at Panormites is famous throughout the Dodecanese. It is believed that when a seaman is in danger, wherever that may be, all he has to do is pray to Michael put some money in a bottle and toss it into the sea. Michael will protect the seaman and his boat while the bottle will eventually wash ashore here at Panormites. There thousands of bottles on display that have come from all over the world to attest this.
Grocery & Supply Stores
There are several stores in Yialós.
Eateries
- The Ellinikon
- Manos (expensive) - Total ripoff --Summercruise 10 July 2009 (UTC)
- Les Katerinettes
- and the Neraida, all in Yialós, are recommended
Internet/WiFi
In Internet cafés.
Laundry
Motorbike & Car Rentals
Motorbikes can be rented at Yialós.
Garbage Disposal
There are bins around the harbors and in several anchorages.
Transportation
There are twice a week ferries to Athens and daily hydrofoils to Kos and Rhodes.
Cruiser's Friends
Contact details of "Cruiser's Friends" that can be contacted for local information or assistance.
Forum Discussions
List links to discussion threads on the Cruiser Log Forum
External Links
References & Publications
See Greece.
Last Visited & Details Checked (and updated here)
See individual ports in this page.
Personal Notes
Personal experiences?
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