It is the smallest island of Greece, which is part of the 12 Islands located between the Aegean and the Mediterranean. It was called Sömbeki when it was under the protection of the Ottoman Empire. It took its current name from the wife of the sea god Poseidon.
After being under the protection of many states, it was annexed to Greece in 1948. This island, known for its colorful pastel colors, is only 6.5 km away from our shores.
List of Places to Visit in Simi Island
Simi Venetian Castle / Knights' Castle
This castle is one of the symbols of Simi Island. It was built in the 14th century by the Knights of St. John on the site of the Byzantine Castle. Therefore, it is also known as the Knights' Castle. Since it is located at the highest point of the island, you will encounter a very beautiful view when you climb to the castle. There is also an emblem of the Knights of St. John at the main entrance of the castle.
Simi Sponge Market
Simi's sponge market is located in the island's main port and is open daily from 9 am to 7 pm. In the market you can find various products made from natural sponges. , washcloths and soaps. You can also visit some of the divers at the marketplace to learn about sponge fishing and see how sponges are harvested and processed.
Symi Maritime Museum
It was founded in Gialos in 1983 and moved to a neoclassical house in 1990. The museum contains many things related to the sea, such as ships, marine vessels, sponge collection, and many other things that we cannot count. In addition, there are many works that point to the sponge fishing tradition and paintings by the craftsman Antonis Polias.
Kali Strada – The True Path
It is a staircase consisting of exactly 500 steps, located between the villages of Gialos and Chorio. No matter how long and arduous it is to climb these stairs, you will be with a beautiful view that will constantly follow you along the way and when you finish it. Be sure that your tiredness will disappear.
The purpose of building the stairs is entirely for the rich. These stairs were built to enable rich merchants to go home with a beautiful view and to meet their needs. If you want to climb this staircase, you must choose the right clothes and the right shoes.
Emporio Gialos Beach
Emporio Gialos beach is located next to Gialos Port, the largest port on the island. It is one of the very popular places for tourists. It is famous for its volcanic ruins. It is quite larger than other beaches and has deep waters. This beach, also known as Kamari, is one of the places preferred by those who want to have a peaceful holiday.
Agios Georgios Dysalonas
Agios Georgios Dysalonas, one of the largest beaches on the island, is an ideal place for swimming and sunbathing with its sea and sandy beaches.
Simi Archeology and Folklore Museum
It is a museum located in the city center. It was first a mansion belonging to the Hatziagapiditis family, and this mansion was restored and turned into a museum. It contains 3 collections. These are the Archaeological, Byzantine and Folklore Collection.
The archaeological collection includes findings obtained as a result of excavations on the island. Byzantine collection; It contains coins, icons and musical manuscripts from the Byzantine and post-Byzantine period. The folklore collection includes items that bear traces of daily life, such as traditional clothes and hand-wovens. There are also photographs showing past lives in this collection.