The Island of Symi

Our day began with the sight of the Virgin cruise ship Scarlet Lady gliding gracefully past our bedroom window.

After breakfast, we strolled down to the harbour and boarded the Doll boat for our trip to the island of Symi. We sailed out of the harbour at 10:00am and were soon out at sea, enjoying wonderful views of the east coast of Rhodes along the way.

Our first stop was St George’s Bay, famous for its crystal-clear turquoise waters and towering 300-metre cliffs. The dramatic scenery made for a truly unforgettable sight.

From there, we sailed around to the town of Symi, where breathtaking views of colourful hillside buildings greeted us as we entered the harbour. The pastel-coloured houses cascading down the slopes against the deep blue sea created a striking and picture-perfect scene.

We wandered along the harbour front, browsing the many taverns and shops, until we came across a restaurant that had been recommended to us. ΤΟ ΟΥΖΕΡΊ ΤΗΣ ΠΑΡΕΑΣ FISH & CHIPS turned out to be a real hidden gem. 

The new owners had taken over only 50 days earlier and could not have been more welcoming.

Set slightly away from the busy harbour area, the small restaurant served delicious food. Rob enjoyed fresh sardines, while Mandy chose the breaded salmon, accompanied by quince potatoes along with several dishes of salads and dips.

After lunch, we continued strolling along the quay, browsing the many shops and admiring the beautiful architecture of the village and the stunning harbour. All too soon, it was time to reboard our vessel for the journey back to the main island of Rhodes.