Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Nos
is the closest beach to Gialos. It's a 500m walk north of the clock tower at Panor-
mitis Bay. There's a taverna, bar and sun beds.
Nimborios
is a long, pebbled beach 3km
west of Gialos - take the road by the east side of the central square and go straight ahead
bearing left after the church and following the stone trail. Here you can stay at
Niriides
yards from the beach.
Moni Taxiarhou Mihail Panormiti
MONASTERY
(
Μονή Ταξιαρχού Μιχαήλ Πανορμίτη
| Monastery of Archangel Michael of Panormitis;
dawn-sunset)
A winding road leads through scented pine forests, before dipping
spectacularly down to Panormitis Bay, and Symi's biggest attraction.
A monastery was first built here in the 5th or 6th century, however, the present build-
ing dates from the 18th century. The principal church contains an intricately carved
wooden iconostasis, frescoes, and an icon of St Michael that supposedly appeared mira-
culously where the monastery now stands. St Michael is the patron saint of Symi and
protector of sailors. When pilgrims and worshippers ask the saint for a favour, it's tradi-
tion to leave an offering; you'll see piles of these, plus prayers in bottles, that have been
dropped off boats and found their own way into the harbour.
The large monastery complex comprises a
Byzantine museum
and
folkloric mu-
seum
, a bakery with excellent bread and a basic restaurant-cafe to the north side. Ac-
commodation is available at the fairly basic
guesthouse
(
22460 72414; s/d €20/32)
,
where bookings in July and August are mandatory. The monastery is a magnet for day-
trippers, who commonly arrive at around 10.30am on excursion boats; it's a good idea to
visit early or after they have left. Some ferries call in to the monastery and there is a
minibus from Gialos. A taxi here from Gialos costs €45. Dress modestly to enter the
monastery.
TILOS ΤΗΛΟΣ
POP 530
If you're looking for a green adventure on a lost island, Tilos is the place, with moun-
tains turning russet gold in the afternoon, and fishing boats bobbing in Livadia's pretty
harbour. Unlike some of its barren neighbours, the island is abloom with a variety of
vivid wildflowers and home to a beguiling biodiversity, which draws birdwatchers and
wildlife buffs from across the globe. If you're a nature lover, there are miles of trails
through meadows, mountains and green valleys to work up a sweat before flopping onto
one of many deserted beaches. The azure waters here also play host to monk seals and
sea turtles. Check out the blog at
http://octopus-in-my-ouzo.blogspot.com
.
