The Island Behind the Names: Mythological Beauties and Master Sailors
Simi's names, each telling a different story, are inspired by the two fundamental elements that make up the island's character: beauty and seafaring.Simi (Σύμη): The most well-known name of the island is based on mythological roots. According to legend, the island was named after Syme , a beautiful water nymph. The Sea God Glaukos fell in love with Syme, who was dazzling him with her beauty, and they took her to this island and united here. The fact that the island was considered the birthplace of the goddesses known as the "Three Graces" (Charites), who symbolized beauty, grace and joy in ancient times, is also a mythological reference to the island's natural charm.
Sömbeki: The Turkish name of the island, "Sömbeki", is a testament to the island's mastery in seafaring. It is thought to be derived from the name of the boats called "sumbek", known for their fast and agile structures, built on the island in the past. This name emphasizes that Simi is not only a settlement, but also the land of the most skilled shipbuilders in the Aegean.
Reflection of History: The Golden Age of Ship and Sponge Trade
The history of Simi is shaped around the two great riches offered by the sea: shipbuilding and sponge diving .Antiquity and Knights: The island's maritime fame dates back to ancient times. Homer writes in his epic poem Iliad that King Nireus of Simi participated in the Trojan War with three ships and that he was the most handsome man in the war after Achilles. This shows that the island was known for both its ships and its people even at that time. The island was later ruled by the Knights of St. John and the Kastro (castle) built on the hill above the harbor became a strategic base watching over the sea route between Rhodes and Anatolia.
Ottoman Period and the "Golden Age": Simi experienced its true glory in the 18th and 19th centuries under Ottoman rule. The island was rewarded with special trade privileges and tax exemptions by the Ottoman government for its unique expertise in shipbuilding and sponge diving. This strategic partnership brought enormous prosperity and wealth to the island. Simi captains and sponge traders brought the neoclassical architecture they saw in Europe to their islands with the wealth they acquired from trading in the Mediterranean and Black Seas. The magnificent mansions with pediments, tiled roofs, iron balconies and courtyards decorated with pebble mosaics called "chochlaki" that adorn Gialos and Chorio today are the most tangible legacy of this "golden age". During this period, the island developed not only economically but also culturally, and schools and churches were built.
20th Century and Destruction: Simi's golden age was shaken by the loss of maritime dominance with the spread of steamships in the early 20th century, and by diseases in the sponge beds. The island came under cultural pressure with the Italian occupation, and was hit hardest in World War II. During the conflicts between the Allies and the Germans, especially in September 1943, the island's port and hundreds of houses were destroyed in the bombardment. This devastation triggered a great wave of emigration, overshadowing the island's population and its former glory.
Pearls of Simi: A Step-by-Step Exploration from Port to Monastery
Simi, which has healed the wounds of the war with great care, has become one of the most popular and elegant destinations in the Aegean by preserving its unique architectural heritage.Gialos (Yialos - Harbour): The heart and soul of the island, Gialos welcomes its visitors with warm colours such as terracotta, ochre, salmon pink and light blue. Sitting in the cafes and restaurants along the harbour and drinking a coffee with this unique view will make you forget how time passes. The clock tower and the fisherman statue at the entrance of the harbour are iconic details that complete this picturesque view.
Chorio (Upper Town) and Kali Strata: To escape the lively atmosphere of Gialos and see the more authentic and peaceful side of the island, you have to climb the famous stone staircase Kali Strata , which consists of about 400 steps. These stairs take you to Chorio, where you will find older and more traditional houses, narrow streets and hidden courtyards. The view of Gialos becomes more beautiful at every turn along the way. The small Archaeological and Folklore Museum in Chorio offers interesting information about the island's past.
Panormitis Monastery: Located in a quiet bay in the south of the island, this monastery is one of the most important pilgrimage centers not only in Simi but in the entire Aegean. It is dedicated to Archangel Michael, who is believed to be the protector of sailors and sponge divers. According to legend, it was built here after the Archangel Michael icon, which was thrown into the sea, repeatedly came ashore in the same spot. With its magnificent pebble mosaic courtyard, impressive Baroque style bell tower, Byzantine frescoes and countless small boat models (tamata) left as offerings by sailors, the monastery has a deep spiritual atmosphere.
Beaches and Bays: The geography of Simi invites visitors to untouched bays to be discovered by boat tours. Nos , within walking distance of the port, is the most easily accessible beach. Agia Marina can be reached by boats departing from Pedi Bay , a quiet holiday village. The most popular stops of daily boat tours are Marathounda Bay , where goats will accompany you, and Agios Georgios Dysalonas Bay, which fascinates with its turquoise waters at the bottom of a 300-meter steep cliff.
Live this unique experience for yourself by planning a Simi trip to anchor in the most elegant port of the Aegean, follow the traces of history and elegance on the steps of Kali Strata and find peace in the shadow of neoclassical mansions!