Simi Island was named after Nymph Syme, the wife of Poseidon, the god of the sea in Greek mythology. Some of the old names of the island are Aigli, Metapontis and Kariki. This island, which was ruled by the Ottoman State for 400 years, was called Sümbek because the boats called Sümbek were produced during the Ottoman period. While the population was over 20,000 at that time, the rate of population decreased with the decrease in sponge and sea trade. Today’s population is about 3,000 people. In 1905, with Simi, Izmir was declared a sister city.
City center, where two sheep meet. Harbor is intertwined with the city. There is a clock tower built in 1884 in the center. After entering the police station behind the clock tower, we left ourselves to Simi Island. When you turn left at the checkpoint, the bazaar starts. There is a small but very cute bazaar. Next to the bridge in the square, we took a break to drink Greek Coffee, a type of coffee that is the same as Turkish coffee. Coffee was more enjoyable with the friendly staff of the place. Every street that opens to the bazaar is narrow and like a postcard. Fine tunes accompanied the Greek melodies. We wandered the streets back in time.
Pedi Town is a complete resting place. Only 5 kilometers from the Symi. Here are the most beautiful beaches to swim. You can reach this lovely town in half an hour by bus or taxi from the center of Simi Island. We rented a car. The restaurants in Pedi town are a bit more expensive than the center. Be sure to stop by Chorio on your way back from Pedi and enjoy the stunning view. You can also walk up to the Chorio neighborhood (up the 375 steps).
Symi Island offers accommodation in Symi. Best of them are Astradeni, Nikolitsi Studios, Royal Villa Pedi. If you prefer to stay close to the city center, you can choose from the hotel Blue Wave Egli Villa, Villa Pitini, Villa Ioanna or more economical alternatives.
Our guide; built in the 15th century on the highest hill on the ancient acropolis to the west of the center Simi, well preserved until World War II, and used as an ammunition depot during the war. He explained that the Castle of the Knights of St. John was destroyed with the Church of the Virgin Mary in it after an explosion.
The castle has walls and ceramics from the Mycenaean period. The second time we went to visit the church in the castle we rented the car next to the primary school in Chorio. This is the Ioannidio School! The remaining road continues with the stairs. I didn’t want to go out again because I’ve been around before. My friends came out and a friend came back. The stairs grew in the eyes…
I waited on a tiny street with narrow, yellow, blue painted and stone houses. There was silence on the street. In the silence, I said to myself, “Kalimera, there is no one to say.. That’s when a door opened. Aunt Maria came out. “Kalimera,” he said, and took my hand. Maria was like someone I knew before. Warm and intimate like a mother, like a brother…
At that time, there were no concepts such as gender, race, language, color or status. There was only the language of love, the language of humanity. He took me by the hand and let me in. He made a sugar-free coffee for forty years. We ordered after serving coffee. I was surprised how and what to offer. He was so ample, his heart was so beautiful that I can’t tell… When it came time to return, Maria again put bread, breadcrumbs and sesame buns in my bag in my kitchen. Take him to Bodrum. “We hugged with love. Tears of happiness shed from our hearts. We had a burst of emotion.
In Simi, a rocky and mountainous island, the bearded goats who love the steep, hillside places, even eat the rope to which they are tied are everywhere. Providing a livelihood with centuries of sponge trade and ship production, the island has gained vitality with its unique tourism by preserving its historical and cultural heritage and adding smiling face. Tourism has become a wealth that improves the quality of life of the local people.
Colorfully painted old buildings built on the mountains are truly admirable. It has a wonderful atmosphere. Like flowers. This island, famous for its sponge, has created a magnificent naive panorama with its colorful facades. It is a cute island where day trip is enough. Tiny streets, pastel-colored houses, harbor, has a unique elegance. On the back of the island, you can see Rhodes Island, which is dazzling with all its majesty.
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