Panormitis Kalymnos Ferry

Panormitis Guide

The Greek island of Symi, or Simi, is located in the southern Dodecanese group of islands. It lies to the north of the island of Rhodes and a short distance from the south west coast of Turkey. It is a relatively small island, measuring 13 km in length and 8 km wide, with a land area of approximately 68 sq. km. The island can be characterised as being comprised of a number of distinct areas. The main harbour, Yialos, and the top town of Chorio, which means village. In the valley below Chorio is the Pedi Bay area of the island which is south of Yialos. Finally there is Nimborios which is a bay and settlement located to the north of Yialos. In addition there is a monastery at Panormitis and a small village at Marathounda.

The picture perfect sight that greets visitors to the island when arriving by ferry is one of a perfectly painted image of a traditional Greek village. The vista is truly spectacular. The island's beaches are small and clean, some are organised and some are secluded. However, they all enable visitors to relax and to soak up the Greek atmosphere. The monastery at Panormitis, located in the south of the island, is a great place to visit.

From the island's port, ferry services operate to Rhodes, where day trips are popular, and to many other Greek islands.

Kalymnos Guide

The Greek island of Kalymnos lies in the south east Aegean Sea and is located between the islands of Kos and Leros, and is one of the Dodecanese group of islands. The island is quite small with a land area of just over 100 sq. km but despite this it is the fourth largest of all the Dodecanese islands. The island's name has changed over its history. It was first named Kalynda, then Kalymna and then finally, Kalymnos. The island's capital is Pothis, although the most of the island's residents live in Chora, and is the island's second largest town.

Kalymnos is known for its sponge divers and sponge fisheries and it's inland terrain is steep and rocky and is popular with climbers. There are over 1,300 different climbing routes on the island that range in difficulty and terrain. Some routes are on slabs, some on big walls or on overhangs. The landscape used to be a curse for the island's residents but as it attracts visitors to the island it is now a blessing, certainly in terms of tourism.

There is a frequent ferry service to Piraeus, Rhodes and to the other Dodecanese islands. There are also ferry routes operating to the Cyclades islands, Samos and, during the summer season, to Chios, Mytilini, and Thessaloniki.