Some special places you want to return to again and again. Magical places also whisper secrets to you and reveal their magic in small doses. And there is Symi—my Symi.
Symi is always where I want to be. The path that starts from Gialos goes up Kali Strata, then through Chorio, and ends in Peiraiotissa and Agia Trias dominates my childhood memories. It smells of oregano and thyme and has the beauty, emotions, and sweet anticipation for the next visit.
My summers are here, but so are the other seasons. During Easter, there is the procession of Epitaphs in the narrow streets of Chora and the Resurrection in the church of the Agia Trias. There is also the custom of lit lanterns on the eve of the Annunciation.
Music and concerts: with Lavrentis and Miltos in Kampos Gialos, with Agapitos in Avgerinos Square.
The festival of Panagia in Nimos, with boats coming and going, draws many people to the island. My friends and I have a habit of walking the 22-kilometre road from Chorio to Panormitis in August, from midnight to dawn.
"My summers are here, but so are the other seasons."
For thirty years, Symi remained what it always was: my island of wonders. And the miracles are many. First and foremost, the amphitheatric image of the colourful neoclassical settlement unfolds every time the ship enters the port and always takes your breath away.
Then there are the beaches with crystal clear waters, Marathousta, Nanou, Niborio and the dreamy beach of Agios Georgios Disalonas.
The monastery of Panormitis on the southwest side of the island is also a wonder.
It is one of the nine monasteries dedicated to the Archangel Michael.
Other churches exist, such as Panagia tou Kastro at the village's highest point and the beautiful church of Agios Emilianos.
"Symi remains for me what it always was, my island of wonders."
As I write these lines, I am packing and making plans to avoid missing a minute of my next trip.
I'll definitely make a quick stop for some cakes at Akoumi, shop at Aloustina Boutique, and board Takis and Eva's TAXIARCHIS boat for a tour of the island.
The program has four stops for swimming in crystal clear waters, but I will ask the captain for an extra stop at "Gyali", the small cove known only to the locals before we end up for a final swim at the stunning beach of Agios Giorgos.
In the evenings, among many excellent options in Gialos, I will stop at "Pandelis" (he always travels with us with his famous lobster pasta), "Tholos" of Haroula, with its excellent food and fantastic view, and the traditional taverna of Lyris, with its beautiful flavours.
On the main coastal road, I will enjoy my drink almost in the sea, at "Ahinos", "Cafe Tis Elpida", and "LOS". Remember to look for Valantis to talk about the routes in the mountains that few people know about.
Mirela Pachou is a songwriter and lawyer. In the summer, he will perform concerts in Greece and Cyprus, and in the winter, he will collaborate with Eleni Radou and participate in the show "The Party of My Life." Translated by Paul Antonopoulos.
READ MORE: Andros: The unknown side of the spectacular island.