Blog - Read More About Your Favourite Islands

This week's article is focused on the rugged but naturally beautiful island of Folegandros. Part of the Cyclades Island Group, Folegandros is located in the south of the island's circular shape. Only 8 miles long and 3 miles wide, it is one of the smaller islands yet it is known as an island of peace, for it’s tranquil way of life those who live on the island experience. So here at The Greek Specialist we’ve put together some of the best places to go and things to do on the island so that you make the most of your trip or think of putting it on your holiday list.

Patmos is most well known for being the place where the vision came to, and the Book of Revelations was written by St John the Divine. This means it is popular with Christian tourists but we’re here to make the case for it to be on more people’s radar. Throughout this article we’re going to show you what Patmos has to offer and more information about it to help you see why you should visit. 

​Chora is the most immediately recognisable place on the island. High on a hill overlooking Skala, the Monastery of St John dominates the rest of Chora and draws all eyes to it. Looking more like a fortress than a monastery, the interior does look more religious. It is built on the site of an ancient temple. This is the most visited site on the island. Sticking with the religious sites, the Cave of Apocalypse, also in Chora is the site where St John the Divine penned the Book of Revelations. A monastery has been built around it. 

​Outside of the religious sites, Chora is an excellently preserved medieval town, looking more Cycladic in style with whitewashed houses and narrow streets. Within these streets you’ll find some wonderful restaurants, flower filled courtyards and shops. It is a lovely place to walk around and, due to its elevated position will offer excellent views of the whole island. 

​Symi is an island in the Dodecanese just 24 miles from Rhodes. This makes it a popular destination for day trippers from the island, but Symi has a lot more to offer for those wanting the stay longer as well and can be a good addition to an island hopping itinerary. We’re also seeing an increase in enquiries for those looking to do the majority of their stay on the island. This is because before and after the day trippers leave, and if you venture further from Symi Town the island takes on a whole new personality. In this blog we’ll take you through why Symi is much more than a day trip island. 

Explore the town
Symi Town is not only the capital and largest settlement on the island, but is also the port of the island. As you are brought in and taken back from Symi Town, many day trippers only visit the town (mostly the Yialos) and depending on how long you are there, you would have to rush to see all of it in one day. The capital has two distinctive sections to it – Chorio (at the top) and Yialos (the bottom). They are linked by 400 steps called Kali Strata. They each have their own tavernas, shops and cafes as well as their own atmosphere. When you enter on the ferry you are immediately taken aback by the beauty of the port area, it looks like something only possible in your imagination. The many beautiful houses and buildings lining the port hint at the islands past as a commercial centre. Another reminder of its past is the Venetian castle which sits overlooking the town. The history of the island can be learned about in the Nautical and Archaeological museums in Symi Town.