Have a look at posts by rpbristol, not much he dosen't know about Symi

Where do I start? Have a look at this site for information on just about everything on Symi, together with a live webcam. The Anastasia, which is often called Anastoula to confuse everybody except Olympic, is two layers up next to the little bunch of trees to the left of the clock tower in the Harbour:


Tavernas and bars are excellent, both in Yialos itself and up in the Chorio so I'll send you a pm to save space here. Symi is not cheap because everything must be brought in by boat but the prices are certainly reasonable by UK standards.

The beaches are mainly pebble and are described on the SV site. Water taxis and day excursion boats leave for the various beaches every day from the Harbour. The excursion boats usually provide a BBQ at lunchtime and free ouzo and retsina on the trip both ways. Don't get confused between the water bottles and the unmarked raki bottles (yes, I have done so).

There are taxis and ... The Bus, which leaves the Harbour every hour on the hour and goes up to the Chorio and then down to Pedi Bay. Fare is €1 for any trip. Sometimes you even get a ticket. There are wonderful walks in all directions, many of them ending at beaches. You mentioned the KaliStrata steps. There are 381 from the Harbour to the Rainbow Bar in the Square in the Chorio and then another 256 right up to the Kastro. Any other questions, let me know.

Now come on RP, no need to put people off!

Leaves more beer for me. Here's the quick roundup of some of the restaurants as requested:

TA dining scene

It was written by a HT member who is also staying at the Anastasia this year. When do you intend to visit?

A few more photos here

A quick thought: there is another Anastasia up in the Chorio. Do I have the correct apartment? I know that Olympic cover the one in the Harbour.

I have stayed in both Anastasias. The one in Chorio has several twin/double rooms with a good sized bathroom and the usual kitchen sink/ho/fridge combo. There is also a larger studio with two seperate bedrooms. It's been some years since I stayed in this one and I did hear a few years ago that they were rather "tired" This may have changed by now though! The Chorio studios had a spendid view over the Pedi valley. There has been some building in front of them but on a lower level so I think you will still have a view. They are a short walk from bus and taxi stops and in a quiet location. The harbour Anastasia is now known as the Anastasoula Mouragio but Olympic don't seem to have noted the name change. Richard has already pointed you towards the review of this and I'm staying again this year, for the 5th year running. I hope you found the dining out item useful. It's only my impression of course but it's useful as a starting point. I'd be surprised if you had a bad meal at any tavernas in Symi.

thankyou so much RP and Kojak, that is all really helpful.

The Anastasia we were looking at I think isthe one near 'Chorio' as the brochure describes 'a view over the pedi Valley'...the brochure also lists the Anastasoula Mouragio seperately, quoted as being close to the harbour, so sounds like Olympic have got their act together now.

As long as theAnastasia has some outside space, balcony or terrace to sit and enjoy the views with an ouzo or two, and the 2 bed apartment is big enough for the 4 of us [2 adults and 2 teenage boys] that'll be fine.

The restaurant review is really helpful, a nice wide choice to choose from.

The Anastasia in Chorio certainly has a long terrace which runs in front of the studios. The two roomed apartment is at the end so you won't have anyone going past. You'll also have a better view than the other studios.

thanks Kojak, the Anastasia sounds like it fits the bill for us.

the brochure description is..
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so just a few more questions for now..how long would it take to walk down to the harbour to tavernas and water taxis? and on arrival and departure, how far do we have to carry our luggage,and is it up steps, this will help with what sort of luggage we pack into.

also, I know water taxis run from the main harbour, do they also run form Pedi beach?
We will be out there the last 2 weeks in July, so know it will be VERY hot, there is no mention of air con or fans, are these available?

Walking down to Yialos, about 10-15 minutes (an awful lot longer walking UP the 370 odd steps) About the same walking to Pedi. Taxi boats from Pedi go mainly to Aghios Nikolaos, Aghia Marina and Aghios Giorgios beaches. You'll have more choice from Yialos, depending on where you want to go. If you are with Olympic your luggage will be taken to the nearest point the truck can get to the studios. I would imagine that would be the Pedi road as the studios overlook it. I haven't paid that much attention to the building in front and below the studios so I'm not sure whether there is access from the Pedi road just there (we took a short cut before they started building) but there are steps up just near there - look for a spindly wrought iron spiral staircase attached to a house and go up there. From the Pedi road there are some steps up to the studios. An easier route is from the Village Hotel (convenient for taxi stops) and walk along from there, it's practically level that way. We were there in August and the air-conditioning was simply leaving the doors and windows open! That was many years ago though and most places now have air conditioning . Olympic should be able to confirm that. The studios are owned by Sammy, a retired taxi driver and named after his wife Anastasia. Their daughter Zoe runs a very good restaurant in Chorio and Anastasia can often be found helping out there. I don't know whether you've been to Symi before but it's a tiny island so if you stay in one place for an hour or so most people will walk past!

thanks for all your help...I have now booked the Anastasia, and we will be in Symi for 2 weeks from 16th July...cant wait!!

Hope you enjoy it Claire. Do let me know as it's always useful for other to have an up to date review.