Rhodes Town
A more comfortable night than expected after we found the air conditioning and now appreciate that the B&B is close to everything, even with its own special charm.
After a quick breakfast we headed to the port for a pre-booked cruise to Symi Island, recommended by several friends.
Leaving Rhodes Town at 9am
At about 10.30 we arrived in Panormotis on the southern tip of Symi Island.
Panormitis is a small port and the site of the Monastery of the archangel, Michael, patron saint of the island.
It is still a functioning monastery with a spectacular all-silver icon Archangel Michael in the chapel. It also has two museums that showcase a collection of ecclesiastical art, icons, ship model offerings for safe sailing and objects of folk culture, particularly about the sponge diving industry.
There was quite a collection of ancient and medieval clay pots that sponge divers had retrieved from shipwrecks on their extensive tours of duty.
With our boat of 400 and another ferry-load of passengers it was a popular destination today so we enjoyed the monastery grounds and museums but didn’t queue for the church, although from the photos the interior is full of rich decoration.
A little idea of the monastery decoration through a internet search
Iconic windmill on the entry to the little port.
Along the coast lots of little bays and sailing craft.
Gialos (or Symi Town) the main port on Symi Island. The houses are very colourful and attractive. It is said that the sponge divers, who travelled far and for many months diving for sponges, painted their houses brightly so that when they were far off sailing back to port, could recognise their own houses.
A busy little port dependent on tourist cruises like ours today. Stalls still selling sponges is a reminder of the sponge industry, with early diving suits developed in the mid-1800s.
The record of a dive of 88m in 3.5 minutes in 1913.
We found a traditional cafe for lunch. The waiter brought out a tray of their specialities so you could select quickly rather than rummaging through the long menu.
After a wander and shop we opted for the swimming section on the pier to compensate for the heat - definitely 35o.
We left Gialos (or Symi Town) about 4.20pm - an hour and a half back to Rhodes Town.
Some impressive craft sailing past our boat
Two happy people - great day trip, Mark’s bag has been delivered by the airline (yay!) and a delicious traditional Greek meal of gyros near our B&B.
An evening stroll in the Old Town
M&M
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