Income from shipyards, and another local speciality, sponge diving, made Symi fabulously wealthy in the 18th and 19th centuries, as shown by the splendid neo-classical mansions (many now rather dilapidated) which surround the U-shaped natural harbour of Gialos.
Houses scramble up the hillside (accompanied by a winding track and hundreds of steps) to Symi Town's other half, Chorio, where there's an old ruined fortress with spectacular views.
Beaches here are small, many accessible only by boat. A short bus ride east of town is Pedi Bay, the island's only fertile spot, with some sandy stretches, and the tiny village of Emporio to the north has a dark sand beach. Beautiful Symi Town attracts boatloads of day-trippers from Rhodes and Kos, who stop en route at circular Panormos Bay in the south, with a fine beach and the impressive monastery of Archangel Michael, patron saint of sailors, containing wonderful Byzantine frescoes and artefacts.
Nightlife is limited to a few restaurants and tavernas, a handful of bars, and two discos. Symi's not for the 'party crowd' - but for those in search of the real Greece, it's an island to savour!
