July Postcards from Symi

Looking across the Pedi valley towards the windmills on the ridge of hill that divides Pedi from Yialos. That is the top of the island of Nimos in the background.

Boats lying off Harani earlier this week.

A glimpse of the harbour between the buildings on the Kali Strata.

When a hen goes 'off piste' there is no knowing where she will decide to nest. This biddy was spotted near the bottom of the Kali Strata, just up from the Old Markets hotel.

Kokkimides, one of the oldest churches on the island. Built on the second highest peak on the island during the Byzantine era, the monastery was rebuilt in 1760.  In recent years an access road has been built up to the monastery and it is no longer necessary to climb up.  There is usually someone there and I have never known it to be closed. The church is through the small entrance on the right and has many Byzantine frescoes.

One of the oldest trees on the island, up on the top of Kokkimides.  It is propped up with stones to prevent it from collapsing.

Sunset over Panormitis monastery bay, looking down from the view point at the top, before one starts the steep descent of hairpin bends down to sea level.  There is a mini bus service connecting Yialos and Chorio with Panormitis 2-3 times a day and also excursion buses.

Looking beyond Panormitis to the island of Sesklia.

The interior of Symi is rugged rocks and conifer forests with occasional small fertile valleys and ancient terraces planted with olives, figs and vines.  

Toli Bay on the west side of the island, is a beautiful place to watch the sun set and enjoy a delicious meal at the Dafnes beach taverna, so named after all the oleanders that grow wild nearby. 

If I stay very still, maybe no one will notice me.

A Greek Orthodox priest popping into the clinic in Chorio. Unlike many parts of Britain where several parishes often have to share one priest, Greece has no such pastoral problems and Symi's priests are always in evidence to lend a hand and provide support when needed.

The view from the Symi Visitor Accommodation office this morning.