Symi
Symi, also transliterated as Syme or Simi (Greek: Σύμη), is a Greek island and municipality. It is mountainous and includes the harbor town of Symi and its adjacent upper town Ano Symi, as well as several smaller localities, beaches, and areas of significance in history and mythology. Symi is part of the Rhodes regional unit.
Symi
Σύμη | |
|---|---|
Clockwise from top: View of Ano Symi, Gyalou Square, Monastery of the Archangel Michael Panormitis, Annunciation Church, stairs of Ano Symi, Port of Symi, sample of a traditional Neoclassical house | |
Symi Location within the region | |
| Coordinates: 36°35′N 27°50′E | |
| Country | Greece |
| Administrative region | South Aegean |
| Regional unit | Rhodes |
| Government | |
| • Mayor | Eleftherios Papakalodoukas |
| Area | |
| • Municipality | 65.754 km2 (25.388 sq mi) |
| Highest elevation | 617 m (2,024 ft) |
| Lowest elevation | 0 m (0 ft) |
| Population (2021) | |
| • Total | 2,603 |
| • Municipality | 2,590 |
| • Municipality density | 39/km2 (100/sq mi) |
| Time zone | UTC+2 (EET) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC+3 (EEST) |
| Postal code | 856 00 |
| Area code(s) | 22460 |
| Vehicle registration | ΚΧ, ΡΟ, ΡΚ |
| Website | symi.gr |
The economy of Symi was traditionally based on the shipbuilding and sponge industries. The population reached 22,500 at its peak during that period. Symi's main industry is now tourism, and its permanent population has declined to 2,495 with a larger population during the summer.
The island is known for its unique shrimps. Named "Symi's shrimps", these are small shrimps that are pan fried and eaten whole (with the shell).