The picturesque and mountainous Island of Symi, belonging to the Dodecanese, is a real gem among Greek islands. Located only 41 km (25 miles) from the Rhodes coast is an often visited island among tourists. It is famous for the seafood, small shrimps consumed entirely with the shell and natural sponges.

Chalki island is often in her shade, but it also has a lot to offer. It is a hidden pearl by the island of Rhodes with magnificent beaches, colorful buildings and spectacular views. In this article, we will contrast the characteristic attractions of both islands including beaches and an excellent Greek cuisine.

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Colourful houses – Symi Island vs Chalki Island

Symi Island

Pastel houses of the Symi island set on the rocky cliffs are breathtaking. You can get to this beautiful bay from several Greek islands such as Rhodes, Kos, Tilos, Kastellorizo, as well as from Bodrum in Turkey. A cruise from Rhodes to the island is about 2 hours and it is really worth choosing it.

In the past, the island was inhabited by about 30,000 people. However, the lack of schools meant that young people began to leave the island, and its population decreased to less than 3,000. There are no hospitals or landing pads for helicopters on the island. It means that in the case of illness the only way out is sea transport.

During the high season, the number of people on the island increases to up to 6,000. Numerous tours visit the island of Symi to admire pastel houses and visit the beautiful Monastery in Panormitis, located on the other side of the island.

The best tours to Symi Island from Rhodes:

Speedboat Trip from the city of Rhodes to Symi Island
Panormitis Monastery & Symi Island by boat

Chalki Island

More than twice as small as the Symi Islands ( 58 km²), Chalki Island has a surface area of only 28 km². The island’s less extensive afforestation and the lower tourism growth are further differences. Despite the fact that both islands are mountainous, the buildings on Chalki are not on such a steep terrain as they are on Symi.

By coming to both harbours, Symi island is definitely more impressive. Chalki, on the other hand, has a barren, rocky, mountainous terrain where you can truly fall in love. You can get to Chalki among others, from Rhodes, Tilos and Crete (Heraklion).

The best tours to Chalki from Rhodes:

Butterfly Valley & Chalki Island

Attractions – Symi vs Chalki

Natural sponges from Symi Island

Extraction of sponges from the bottom of the sea continues to this day However, in the past it was a very dangerous activity. In order to find natural sponges, men and boys dropped a flat stone into the water with a thick rope attached to their bodies.

Women expected them in the harbour of the islands with a black ribbon. They never knew if their loved ones would return from the trip. Over time, a special equipment was invented. However, it was very heavy, and men that were used to go to the bottom of the sea without unnecessary ballast were not initially convinced of it.

During a visit to Symi it is worth visiting Panormitis Sponge Shop. You will find here various types of natural sponges. When buying a sponge, it should be soaked first. If there is no bucket with water in the store, probably sponges in shop are fakes.

The extracted sponges from the bottom of the sea have a dark color, only after it is cleaned we get a store product. In many stores on the island you will see very bright sponges that have nothing to do with natural sea sponges.

The prices of sponges depend on their size and depth from which they were extracted. Going to high depths is a risk of diseases associated with changing pressure. Some of the inhabitants of the island were able to go up to 80 meters under water. Sponges from the deepest rocks can be used throughout your life, unlike synthetic sponges, which are a habitat of bacteria.

Natural sponges

The amount of sponges available is constantly decreasing due to high pollution. It is really worth buying this unique souvenir on the island, which will serve you for many years.

You can distinguish soft sponges, suitable for everyday use and harder for peeling once a week. A rare type and interesting sponge is also the elephant ear or decorative sponges, which will give your interior coastal vibe.

Symi Island – Monastery Of Archangel Michael In Panormitis

A beautiful Monastery Of Archangel Michael In Panormitis is a must-see attraction on the island of Symi. It is worth going on a full-day expedition by ferry Nikolaos X to see both the northern and southern part of the island. The monastery appears to be completely cut off from the outside world due to its location near the port and the surrounding mountains’ lush green surroundings.

However, thousands of tourists come to the monastery in Symi, especially on November 8, when there is a Feast Day Of Monastery Of Archangel Michael In Panormitis. The entrance to the monastery is free, although when visiting sacred buildings in Greece you should have the appropriate outfit that covers the arms and knees.

Baroque tower

The eighteenth-century monastery with the highest baroque tower in the world is by far the most beautiful building on the island of Symi. The white-yellow facade along with the red and blue accents of the Baroque tower make an amazing impression among tourists coming to the port.

However, the first building that you will see in front of the bay is a small white windmill set on the rocks. The ferries flow next to it through a narrow inlet to an isolated bay on the island of Symi. The location of the Monastery Of Archangel Michael is a noteworthy place.

The monastery is inhabited by about 30 monks who host pilgrims every year on the Sailor’s and Fishermen’s Day. When crossing the monastery door, it is worth paying attention to the colorful vault and a beautiful view from the entrance gate to the mountainous landscape of the islands.

You can easily not see these details when the courtyard appears immediately  with geometric patterns of “Hokhlakia”. Small black and white stones, lots of plants and a white and yellow facade create a magical scenery in this unique place on the Symi Island.

Icon of the Archangel Michael

However, the most important element of the monastery is the famous Icon of the Archangel Michael. Silver bas-reliefs are hung by the icon, known as gifts for God, often depicting women, men or children, as well as body parts, e.g. shoulders. Sometimes by the icons you can also see expensive jewelry, e.g. watches or earrings.

Additionally, it is not difficult to don’t spot the broom that is connected to the culture of those who live on the islands of the Dodecanese. Believers sweep the floor of the monastery to clean their souls. In turn, if Archangel Michael visits them while dreaming, he will probably ask for a broom, and an unfulfilled promise may end badly.

Archangel Michael holding a child in his hand is a symbolic meaning of his power and the fact that he can take the soul. Despite this, many believers come to Symi to ask him for health. One of the miracles was the healing of the girl who was struck directly by lightning, and the doctors did not give her a chance of life.

When asking Archangel Michael for a favor, you should offer something in return, e.g. a broom. Another miracle is the often inability to leave the bay. Often, the captains of the boat inform passengers of an unfulfilled promise, and boat engines begin to work only when Archangel Michael is satisfied and the promise fulfilled.

The interior of the Monastery Of Archangel Michael In Panormitis is filled with beautiful paintings made in 1792 by monks Neofytos and Kyriakos Karakostis. Attention is also caught by the carved iconostasis, giant chandeliers and other elements of the decor.

Museum

You can also see the museum located in the monastery, and in it an amazing collection of ships that flow from Greece, as well as further corners of the world to the Monastery Of Archangel Michael In Panormitis. They are offered to Archangel Michael, who can fulfill many requests. However, he is also known as a thief, because if you forget about him, he can takes away what he gave you.

The museum also has many other interesting exhibits such as a collection of icons depicting art from the 17th to the 19th century or items made of ivory. Silver jewellers (pins) of traditional costumes for women from the 19th century, hand-woven materials or a holy bread holder, decorated with mother-of pearl are just a few examples of impressive objects in the museum.

Saint Nicholas Church – Chalki Island

Unlike the Monastery Of Archangel Michael In Panormitis, the Orthodox Church of Saint Nicholas on the island of Chalki is a little known sacred building. You will not see crowds of tourists there, and yet it is one of the most beautiful churches in Greece.

An impressive courtyard with various designs made of black and white sea pebbles is an artistic work that can be admired without any other tourists. There is also a beautiful view of the pastel Houses of the Chalki Island from the church’s courtyard.

The Orthodox church of Saint Nicholas is located just a few minutes walk from the port, so it’s really worth going there before heading to the beach. We have seen the courtyards covered with a stone mosaic on the island of Rhodes and Symi many times, but in this respect the island of Chalki captivated us the most. The double-headed eagle of the Russian Empire and other geometric patterns made of small pebbles are an interesting attraction of the small island of the Dodecanez.

Town Hall – Chalki Island

Our next discovery on the island of Chalki was the white Town Hall, located next to the clock tower. Representative stairs and neoclassical elements really stand out from the architectural background of the island. This building was built in 1933 by one of the best craftsmen.

Beaches – Symi vs Chalki

Symi – Saint George Bay

Access to the beaches on the island is quite difficult. You can get there just from the water, and the only possibility is to come there with an organized tour. You can opt for a cruise that offers visiting the island and a stop in one of the most beautiful bays in Symi – Saint George Bay.

The best trip to the island:

Cruise to Symi and St George's Bay

Chalki Island – Pondamos Beach 

The Chalki Island is not only pastel houses, but above all paradise beaches that are easily accessible to tourists. If you love to sunbathe and admire the natural views, the Chalki Island should be on your travel list. The small population of the island, reaching less than 500 people and a small number of tourists visiting it makes it a magical place to relax.

Due to the small number of buildings, moving around the island is very easy, and to Pondamos beach leads a straight road from the port. We got there in 10 minutes by foot without using any navigation on our phones. Going along the coast, you can also see a beautifully situated small church and reach to another beach located on the other side of the island.

Chalki Island – Ftenagia Beach

A walk from the Pondamos beach to Ftenagia is about 15 minutes, and the views offered by the Chalki island during this stroll are unearthly. A short distance from the coast are other small Greek islands such as Krevatia and Vrachonisis Nisaki, which are breathtaking against the background of turquoise water.

Restaurants – Symi vs Chalki

Taverna Neraida – Symi Island

Fans of Greek cuisine will certainly not be disappointed with a visit to the island of Symi. There are plenty of restaurants where you can try local seafood. One of such places is Taverna Neraida with a beautiful mural on the facade of the building, showing the life of the island.

Taverna Babis – Chalki Island

However, our best culinary discovery was Taverna Babis on the island of Chalki. Freshly caught fish and good spices are a guarantee of delicious Greek food. When visiting Taverna Babis, it is worth asking a waiter to help you choose the order. Thanks to this, you will be able to enjoy delicious fish. Also, do not forget to order one of the most popular beers in Greece – Vergina (ΒΕΡΓΙΝΑ).

Summary – Symi & Chalki

If you have such an opportunity, be sure to see two islands, because both of them offer cool attractions. In terms of picturesque buildings, monuments and history related to the island, Symi definitely wins. However, visiting the island may require a good fitness level, especially if you plan to climb steep stairs to one of the viewpoints.

Moving around the island of Chalki offers a pleasant walk, but you will not find there such a number of souvenir shops as on the island of Symi. In our opinion, Chalki definitely wins in terms of beaches and great Greek cuisine. To sum up, we are not able to choose our favorite island, because both offer a completely different travel experience.

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The post Symi first appeared on Travel Blog Ukeveryday .

The post Symi appeared first on Travel Blog Ukeveryday .