Symi

Area of island: 64 sq. km/25 sq. mi

Altitude: 616m/2,021ft

Population: 2,500

Chief place: Symi (Yialós)

The island of Symi (Italian Simi, Turkish Sömbeki), in the Dodecanese, lies 44 km/27 mi northwest of Rhodes at the mouth of Symi Bay (Sömbeki Körfesi), which is bounded on the north by the Resadiye (Knidos) peninsula and on the east by the Daraçya peninsula. It has a much indented coast, and according to Homer it possessed eight harbors. The inhabitants live, as they have lived since ancient times, by sponge-fishing and boatbuilding. There is an experimental plant for the desalination of sea-water. Off the southern tip of the island lies the islet of Sesklia, with a lighthouse.

From ancient times the fortunes of Symi were closely linked with those of Rhodes. The island was occupied by the Turks in 1523, and after the Balkan War (1912) was held by Italy. It was reunited with Greece in 1947.

Regular service from and to Athens (Piraeus), twice weekly (27 hours). Local connections with Rhodes and Tílos.