A beautiful walk on the island.
Kali Strata: Higher and higher
No fewer than 500 steps guide you from Gialos to Horio, in Ano (Upper) Symi. It was once the only way to get from one town to the other. Now, as you make your way up, imagine the old days when you’d pass well-dressed ladies in crinolines and gentlemen in tails. This is Kali Strata, boasting lavish homes and boutiques in what is the wealthiest and most beautiful part of town. At the top, outdoor cafes and restaurants awaits like an oasis. From here, watch the setting sun bathe Gialos in its technicolour glory.
Horio: Glamour and nobility
You’ve arrived at Horio (meaning village) and now, with the locals as your guide, a fascinating journey through local history is about to begin. It includes Spetsaria, the old community pharmacy with its glass containers and late 19th-century architectural splendour; the impressive Hatziagapitou - Hatzioanou mansion; and the Farmaki mansion, which houses the Archaeological & Folklore museum. After you’ve stocked up on culture, stroll through the cobblestone streets to the Kastro and take in the view of the Aegean.
