Planning a Trip

Getting There

Many (if not most) visitors to Simi arrive by boat from Rhodes. Several excursion boats arrive daily from Rhodes; round-trip fares run from 8€ to 30€ ($10-$39) depending on the type (and speed!) of the ship. The schedules and itineraries for the boats vary, but all leave in the morning from Mandraki Harbor and stop at the main port of Simi, Yialos, often with an additional stop at Panormitis Monastery or the beach at Pedi, before returning to Rhodes later in the day. Currently, there are daily car ferries from Piraeus, and two local ferries weekly via Tilos, Nissiros, Kos, and Kalimnos. From late spring to summer, hydrofoils and a catamaran skim the waters daily from Rhodes to Simi, usually making both morning and afternoon runs. Most travel agencies could make arrangements; in Rhodes Town, use Triton Holidays (tel. 22410/21-690; www.tritondmc.gr).

Visitor Information

Check out the wonderfully helpful website operated by Simi's delightful and informative independent monthly, The Symi Visitor (www.symivisitor.com). Through the site's e-mail option, you can request information on accommodations, buses, weather, and more. Or you can address your queries to The Symi Visitor, P.O. Box 64, Simi, 85600 Dodecanese. Don't ask them, however, to recommend one hotel over another; explain exactly what you're looking for and they'll provide suggestions. Once you're on Simi, you'll find free copies of the latest Symi Visitor at tourist spots.

The resourceful George Kalodoukas of Kalodoukas Holidays (tel. 22410/71-077; www.kalodoukas.gr), just off the harbor up the steps from the Cafe Helena, can help with everything from booking accommodations (often at reduced rates) to chartering a boat. Once you've arrived on Simi, drop by the office (Mon-Sat 9am-1pm and 5-9pm). In summer, George plans a special outing for every day of the week, from cruises to explorations of the island. Most involve a swim and a healthy meal.

A tourist information kiosk on the harbor keeps hours that remain a mystery. Information and a free pamphlet may also be obtained at the town hall, located on the town square behind the bridge.

Getting Around

Ferries and excursion boats dock first at hilly Yialos on the barren, rocky, northern half of the island. Yialos is the liveliest village on the island and the venue for most overnighters. The clock tower, on the right as you enter the port, is used as a landmark when negotiating the maze of car-free lanes and stairs. Another landmark used in giving directions is the bridge in the center of the harbor.

Simi's main road leads to Pedi, a developing beach resort one cove east of Yialos, and a new road rises to Horio, the old capital and now overshadowed by Yialos. (You can also climb the 375 or so stone steps, known as the Kali Strata, from Yialos up to Horio.) The island's 4,000 daily visitors most often take an excursion boat that stops at Panormitis Monastery or at Pedi beach. Buses leave every hour from 8am until 11pm for Pedi via Horio (1€/$1.30). There are only about six taxis on the island -- leaving from the taxi stand at the center of the harbor and charging a set fee of 3€ ($3.90) to Horio and 4€ ($5.20) to Pedi. Mopeds are also available, but due to the limited network of roads, you'll do better relying on public transportation and your own two feet. Caiques (converted fishing boats) shuttle people to various beaches: Nimborios, Ayia Marina, Ayios Nikolaos, and Nanou; prices range from 8€ to 12€ ($10-$16), depending on distance; you can rent sunbeds at these beaches.

Fast Facts

For a doctor, call tel. 22410/71-316; for a dentist, call tel. 22410/71-272; for the police, tel. 22410/71-11. The post office (tel. 22410/71-315) and telephone office (OTE; tel. 22410/71-212) are located about 100m (330 ft.) behind the waterfront; both open Monday through Friday from 7:30am to 3pm. For Internet access, try Vapori Bar (vapori@otenet.gr), just in from the harbor at the taxi stand and next to Bella Napoli Restaurant, open most evenings.