Symi
Symi
Σύμη | |
|---|---|
Clockwise from top: A view of Ano Symi, Gyalou Square, the Monastery of the Archangel Michael Panormitis, Annunciation Church, stairs in Ano Symi, the Port of Symi, a traditional Neoclassical house | |
| Coordinates: 36°35′N 27°50′E / 36.583°N 27.833°E | |
| Country | Greece |
| Administrative region | South Aegean |
| Regional unit | Rhodes |
| Government | |
| • Mayor | Eleftherios Papakalodoukas (since 2003) |
| Area | |
• Municipality | 65.754 km2 (25.388 sq mi) |
| Highest elevation | 617 m (2,024 ft) |
| Lowest elevation | 0 m (0 ft) |
| Population (2021) | |
• Municipality | 2,603 |
| • Density | 40/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 |
Symi, also transliterated as Syme or Simi (Greek: Σύμη), is a Greek island and municipality. It is mountainous and has the harbour town of Symi and its adjacent upper town Ano Symi, as well as several smaller population centres, beaches and areas of significance in history and mythology. Symi is part of the Rhodes regional unit.
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 in 2021 its permanent population had declined to 2,603 with a larger population during the summer.
Symi is known for its unique shrimps. Named "Symi's shrimps", these are small and are pan fried and eaten whole, shell and all.