Simi (or Symi) is situated in the Aegean sea, 3 SM away from the Turkish coast and 20 SM from Rhodes island. Its population, just over the 2.500, is primary occupied in fishing, trade and tourism. According to the myths, Simi was the birthplace of the Three Graces. While its interior is punctuated with small valleys, its coastline alternates between being steep and rocky or sandy and indented with little coves. In antiquity it bore the names Aigli and Metapontis. It took its present name from the nymph Syme, who was Poseidon's wife. The capital in the north of the island bears the same name and is divided into the upper and lower town, Ano Symi and Kato Poli. The lower town is also called Yialos. The highest point in Ano Symi is capped by the usual castle of the Knights of St. John, whose emblem can be seen above the main portal. The traditional village of Emborios is Symi's second port. The ancient town of Metapontis was situated close by. One of the island's most famous landmarks is the monastery of the Archangel Michael Panormitis on the southwest coast. Built in the early 18th century, it overlooks the bay bearing its name in a setting combining mountain and sea. It contains marvellous Byzantine frescoes and an intricately carved iconostasis. Beaches: Yialos, Pedio, Emborios, Marathounda, Nanou as well as on the nearby islets of Agia Marina and Nimos.
Simi (or Symi) is situated in the Aegean sea, 3 SM away from the Turkish coast and 20 SM from Rhodes island. Its population, just over the 2.500, is primary occupied in fishing, trade and tourism. According to the myths, Simi was the birthplace of the Three Graces. While its interior is punctuated with small valleys, its coastline alternates between being steep and rocky or sandy and indented with little coves. 
