Wednesday 8 February 2012

SYMI ISLAND, GREECE

Symi also transliterated Syme or Simi (Greek: Σύμη) is a Greek island and municipality. It is mountainous and includes the harbour town of Symi and its adjacent upper town Ano Symi, as well as several smaller localities, beaches, and areas of significance in history and mythology. Symi is part of the Rhodes regional unit. The shipbuilding and sponge industries were substantial on the island and, while at their peak near the end of the 19th century, the population reached 22,500. Symi's main industry is now tourism and the permanent population has declined to 2,500, although numbers swell in the summer months.


This post is part of the Watery Wednesday meme and
also the Outdoor Wednesday meme.


The majority of buildings on the island's main town date from the 19th century, although older houses also exist

During the summer months a constant influx of visitors floods Symi

As the town is built on hills around the harbour, flights of steps connect the lower town of Symi to Upper Symi above it

A delightful sign above a tourist shop, it reads "En Plo", meaning "On a sea voyage"

A May Day wreath, which is made on May 1st and then hung up to dry. It is traditionally taken down and burnt on St John's Eve, June 23rd, a tradition linked to pagan Midsummer rituals

Upper Symi

View of the harbour from Upper Symi

Sailing is very popular on all Greek islands

14 comments:

  1. Wow, these are lovely photos. The view is gorgeous. I would love to visit Greece some day.

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  2. You would certainly get your exercise climbing those steps every day!

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  3. How beautiful! I hope to be able to visit Greece one day.

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  4. Awesome captures, Nick, of such a beautiful place! I'm fortunate to have been able to visit Greece and spend time traveling around the country and the Greek Islands. It's one of my favorite places! Thanks for sharing these!!

    Sylvia

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  5. Looks like paradise to me...jeepers I would love to visit here on our 50th Anniversary but with the economy the way it is we probably won't get too. Oh well, a lot can happen in a couple of years. I'll put this place on my bucket list.
    Joyce M

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  6. Such an enchanting place nestled into the folds of the terrain! So cute! And love how the homes encircle the harbour!

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  7. I'm missing sailing, beautiful photos

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  8. Now you're making me regret that I still haven't visited Greece yet, Nick. It's hard to choose a favorite from your selections today but, if forced, would vote for the hill views above the harbor. You've captured what we imagine that Greece would look like--magical!

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  9. Gorgeous! I want to travel to see Greece someday. Thanks for sharing. Mumzie

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  10. This is what most people think of when they hear of the Greek islands and I understand why everyone wants to visit there….

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