Life on Symi in July 2016

A flotilla of cruising yachts sailing out of Yialos early this morning.  It was nice to see so many sailing boats, many of them obvious live-aboards, all rafted up in the harbour while their crews enjoyed breakfast ashore in the many waterfront cafes and bakeries.

A water taxi loaded up and ready to head for the beaches.  Most of Symi's beaches are not really accessible by any other means as they are surrounded by steep cliffs and hillsides.  Apart from the stretch from Harani to Nimborio, there is no coastal road on Symi due to the sheer nature of the coastline and the road that connects Yialos and Chorio with Panormitis monastery at the south-western end of the island, goes along Symi's spine.  If you ever get the chance, it is well worth going up on the Panormitis bus or hiring a car or scooter for the day as the views from the top are quite spectacular.

The state of the art new Hellenic coastguard cutter rounding the bows of the Panagia Skiadeni while a tourist gulet from Turkey waits patiently to depart. There is always something to watch in Yialos and Pedi and anyone who spends their time in the water front cafes peering at cat memes on a device instead of watching the passing parade is missing one of the many reasons for coming to Symi on holiday.

A very unusual high speed motor craft, all the way from the Ukraine and painted in the Ukrainian national colours.

Symi harbour is not all hustle and bustle and glamour yachts.  Sometimes Symi harbour is peaceful fishing boats and sparkling reflections.

Look up as you walk around and you may be surprised at what you see.

Fishing nets below the Symi Visitor Accommodation office this morning.  

Steps to no where on the Kali Strata.  Many of the ruins have had their doors and windows blocked up with stones to discourage people from wandering about and possibly having an accident.