ISLAND

Simi, the eighth largest island in the Dodecanese, is mountainous and rocky.  It is surrounded by islands and islets and the formation of the coast presents a multitude of headlands, bays and harbors.

History of Simi

Simi was originally inhabited during the prehistoric period, and despite its small size, has a rich mythical tradition.
The inhabitants became known as shipbuilders, fishermen and sponge divers and brought wealth and fame on the island, which obtained important privileges against the Turks.
On March 7, 1948 the Protocol of the Dodecanese Integration with mother Greece was signed on Simi.

Traditional Villages

Simi: Simi, a beautiful traditional settlement, consists of Ano Simi and Yialos.  Its houses, painted ocher with vivid touches on doors and windows, the neoclassical buildings with gables and vaulted cellars and the courtyards of the church which are littered with black pebble and impressive temples, can only lead to the admiration of every visitor.

There is the famous castle of the Knights with the banner at the entrance, and the church of the Virgin Mary stands on a hilltop and offers panoramic views of the city and harbor.  In Gialos stands the tower with the clock, while in Ano Simi do not miss a visit to the Archeological - Cultural and Maritime Museum.

The beautiful beach which is located in Simi Yacht Club, and St. George, the most spectacular beach of Simi because of the vertical rock "hanging" behind her, are waiting for you to swim in their clear water.
With boats ranging from the shore you will be taken to remote islands, beautiful beaches with crystal waters, such as St. Marina.  Do not miss the sandy beach at Nanou and at Marathounta, the narrow bay with clear waters.
Visit Saint Aimilianos, a small island with picturesque scenery, which connects to the mainland by a stone corridor, and the Holy Kingdom, one of the most beautiful beaches, inside a large and deep bay, surrounded by hills with sparse juniper.

At Simi, throughout the summer, large festivals are held. Mainly in the summer, but also in winter, the Municipal Cultural Center organizes art exhibitions, with paintings and books, as well as traditional dances, songs and various sporting events.

Pedi: Pedi is a fishing village at the bottom of the homonymous picturesque bay, with sandy beach in the natural bay around which it is built, where you can swim.
For your entertainment, you will find taverns, cafes and bars, while at the 15th of August the a large festival is organized in Alethini.  Also, there is the Church of St. George and the remains of early Christian basilicas.

Emporio or Nimborio: At Emporio, the second port of Simi, are the "Twelve Caves," as called by the locals.  These are remnants of the damaged Byzantine mosaic with caves used as a painting workshop.  In this small village, there is a beach where you can swim or if you have a boat, you can make a trip across the island Nimos.

Panormitis: Panormitis is located in an enclosed bay with a wonderful beach.  It is the largest monastery of the island and the second largest of all the Dodecanese, which is dedicated to the Commander Michael.  In the monastery there are wall paintings and a silver image of the Commander, which is said to be miraculous! In fact, the locals say that if you don’t attribute the vow to the Saint, he will come get it and so they have given him the nickname "Thief."

From Panormitis you can cross over to the island Seskli or on foot you can reach the amazing and overgrown with cypress and pine trees area of Faneromeni, with the homonymous monastery.  There is a big festival on August 6, while on the 8th of November and the Pentecost there are the two major festivals of the island, lasting two days and gathering besides locals and many people from all the Dodecanese.

Local Products

The best products of the island are fodder, honey and figs, while during your stay on the island you will enjoy fresh fish.  You can also buy beautiful decorative stone walls.

Stay

In Simi and Pedi there are hotels and apartments, many of them in traditional houses, but in Emporio there are few rooms to let.
In Parnormiti, you can stay in the guesthouse of the monastery, which can accommodate around 500 people.

How to get there

Anyone who wants to visit Simi can take the ferry from Piraeus all year and reach the island in 16 hours.

Internal Transport

You can move around the island by bus, boats or rental cars.  The bus runs daily from Yialos to Ano Simi and Pedi.

Connecting to the surrounding areas

Simi is connected all year long by ferry from Piraeus to Rhodes, Kalymnos, Kos, Leros, Kastelorizo, Nisyros, Patmos, Syros, Tilos and Mykonos, and by dolphin to Rhodes, Kos, Kalymnos and Astypalea.

Useful phones

City Hall: 22460 70110
Clinic of Yialos: 22460 71290
Police: 22460 71111
Simi Port Authority: 22460 71205
Port of Piraeus: 210 4511310 / 4226000
Office: 22460 71249
Post: 22460 71315
OTE  : 22460 71212
Telephone: 22460 71338
Maritime Museum: 22460 72363
Archaeological Museum: 22460 71114
Cooperative Bank of Dodecanese: 22460 71332

Επιμέλεια: Ναυσικά Μαυρομούστακου