Traveling instagrammers have fallen head over heels for Symi, and it’s not hard to see why. The colorful neoclassical buildings built amphitheatrically around the port, where traditional caiques are tied, makes a beautiful backdrop in photos, resembling, if you will, a less-busy Positano.
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Located near the coast of Turkey in the eastern Aegean, this little island is at once serene and charming, and spectacularly grand. This breathtaking elegance, thanks in large to the colorful neoclassical buildings in the port, is paired with great beaches, stunning monasteries and divine food.
Read about the island’s graceful architecture here.
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The charming esplanade is quite long, and continues beyond the clock tower, which has graced the island since 1881.
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The Kali Strata, once the main commercial thoroughfare, consists of five hundred-odd steps which connect the village Ano Symi with Yialos (the port). Take them in either direction (up if you’re looking for a workout) and you’ll be amazed by the view of Yialos, full of all manner of yachts, stylish sailboats and small fishing craft.
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And as if the incredibly picturesque port wasn’t enough to please instagrammers – always on the hunt for the perfect backdrops, there are also idyllic places to swim, complete with the sparkling turquoise waters everyone knows will guarantee above average numbers of likes.
Two of the best places to swim are Ai-Giorgis Dysalonas, surrounded by vertical cliffs on the island’s eastern shore – unaccessible by land (wake up early and catch the first excursion boat from Gialos to avoid the crowds, and get the best shots), and Aghios Emilianos, at the island’s westernmost point.
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The island was traditionally home to expert sponge divers and keen merchants, and back in the 19th century they made fabulous fortunes by selling their hauls to the Italians, English and French. While the Italian occupation of the Dodecanese, which began in 1912, signaled the decline of the sponge trade in Symi, traces of the trading tradition still remains in form of souvenir shops in Yialos, selling kapadiko (honeycomb), fino (natural sea silk) and lagofito (elephant ear, or coral) sponges from the Aegean, as well as imported items, such as the grass sponge, brought over from US waters.
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At sunset, the yellow houses turn a bright, burning orange. This is the perfect time to walk up or down the Kali Strata. When night falls, the shimmering lights reflect the stars above, setting the tone for romantic evenings.
Click here to find all of our articles about Symi.
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