Where other Greek islands have accepted the hordes of visitors with varying degrees of ability, Symi has taken control of its destiny. Are we going to be crowded in the summer? Very well, let's take this opportunity to make sure some of the crowds get to see the very best in Greek cultural entertainment - while the local Symiots get to enjoy it too, all for free. Past guests have included Nana Mouskouri and Yannis Markopoulos.
This wise embrace of opportunity isn't limited to the Festival. Sensing a willingness for visitors to seek out another Greek cultural experience, restaurateur Lefteris Kyriakakis dresses in traditional costume to serve customers coming to enjoy a few of the 140 Greek wines he stocks at his restaurant, Hellenikon, in Symi Town.
Symi Town offers an exceptionally beautiful harbor in a nation of beautiful and charming harbors. The harbor brought wealth to Symi, and the fine captains' houses and clock tower contribute to an elegant, even opulent feeling. Symi made its fortunes on construction of lightning-fast ships and the now-declined sponge fishing industry, and was the capital island of the Dodecanese. Back then, a population of 30,000 filled the charming villages.
But synthetics and overfishing took their toll, and the resulting decline in fortune sent many Symiots away. They are returning now, either physically or financially with their expatriate support for the internationally celebrated Festival.
Let's join them. See you on Symi!
Traveling to Symi:
Symi has no airport, which helps keep its charm intact. During tourist season, Symi can be reached by hydrofoil from Rhodes, and by boats from Rhodes, Tilos, and other nearby islands. Rhodes does have an airport receiving flights from Athens and from Crete. Symi is also a popular yacht stop.Official Symi Information
The Municipality of Symi operates an excellent website: [link url=http://www.symisland.com/en/main.php]Symi Municipality[/link} with information on the Festival.
