Understand
Symi often also spelled Simi is a small island 22 sq. miles, pop. about 2,500 with perhaps the most beautiful harbour in Greece. It's one of the friendliest places in Greece.
In the nineteenth century Symi grew wealthy from the sponge trade: boats sailed as far afield as the coast of North Africa and the sponge fisherman were away from home for months on end. Sponges are still sold in local shops, but are now all imported. The harbour is a protected site, since most of the buildings are Neo-classical in design and date from the 19th C.
