Symi is a small Greek island 12 kilometers from Rhodes. The island is one of the most picturesque parts of Greece. The city of Symi is located in the north of the island and is divided into two parts: in Ano Symi (the higher part that is also called ‘the village’) and Gialos (the city on the harbor).
In Gialos, it is very cozy, and there are many nice restaurants, tavernas, cafes, and shops here. In the interior of Symi, there are several valleys, and the rocky slopes on the coastline are often very steep. In ancient times, Symi was named Aegli; the current name was given to the island by the nymph Symi, the wife of Poseidon.
According to Homer, Symi participated in the Trojan War with three ships. In the period after 1373, the island was very prosperous, partly due to the Johannieters, who then occupied the island.
