Recommendations

[thisisforcarl]

Hi all, This Thursday my family and I arrive in Symi for the first time.

We have refused to be put off by negative press, hoping that we don't regret it later, but have taken on board about bringing enough cash.

I guess what I would like to know is how much is enough. There are three of us and wondered how much dinner and drinks are likely to cost. I'm not looking for breakdown but just rough ballpark for your average meal with wine.

Also any recommendations for restaurants would be good if you can help.

Many thanks

Carl

[Allan]

Hi Carl welcome to the forum.

I'm pleased you haven't been put off by the bad press and are going ahead with your visit. You certainly won't regret it. As of today the banks on the island are functioning fine and there's no sign of them running out of cash.

Can I suggest you read through some of the threads on this forum for ideas about costs and suggestions about where to eat?
Try the one entitled "Silverfox on Symi" http://symiforum.com/viewtopic.php?f=7&t=2708
or, further down the page, "If it's May ....." http://symiforum.com/viewtopic.php?f=7&t=2702
and back on page two "Symi trip report - September 2014" http://symiforum.com/viewtopic.php?f=7&t=2591

As you would expect, prices vary but all three of these trip reports give a very good idea of how much you will be likely to pay and include lots of recommendations for places to eat and drink.

[thisisforcarl]

Thank you Allan, I have started to read through some of the posts since posting, and thanks for the info on the banks.

[silverfox]

Please don't be put off by the bad press.....Symi is a wonderful place with great food....just had a great meal at the Windmill paying a little more than normal 58 euro but what a meal we have had...more in the blog when I can catch up.

The people, despite a little worried, carrying on as normal, there is nothing else to do. They will look after you and share what they have!

Greece is a great place and long may it continue!

Ps...it's getting hot!

[thisisforcarl]

Thanks silverfox. Arriving on Thursday and can't wait. I have been reading you blog entries and finding them very useful. It's been about 20 years since I was last in Greece, and will be my 14 year old daughter's first time. Loving your photos! Keep up the good work.

Carl

[Gemma1]

I travel solo and budget 20 euros a day for dinner and 10 for lunch - though often spend less as only have a snack with a bottle of water at lunch time. I find that 50 euros a day is plenty for me, that leaves enough for breakfast supplies from the supermarket and a few glasses of wine at the Sunrise at night In the past I've taken euros and topped up from the ATMs but will take all euros with me when I go back in September.

[lapochka1961]

Hello.Thanks for accepting me .
Could anybody give me some tips about the Island?
I am going to be there for some hours late afternoon with a cruise ship.There is no any excursion organised from the ship.So,what could be possible to see?Where to go?Is there any travel agency to contact with?Where to get taxi from?Are they expensive?Maybe somebody could do a private tour.
Any advices please?
Thanks in advance

[Allan]

Hello and welcome

The cruise ship visits the island for only a few hours so your options are quite limited.
Since virtually all of the island's population live in the main town where your ship docks or in the village above there are few things to visit outside that small area. The only significant site you might want to see is the Panormitis monastery which is down at the south of the island. You should easily be able to get there and back in the time you have available and it's certainly worth a visit.

I suggest you contact Symi Tours travel agency on +30 22460 71307 or +30 22460 71689 Their website is http://www.symitours.com They run trips to Panormitis in their mini-bus and if you can get a number of your fellow passengers interested they may put on a special trip for you. Give them a call and explain what you want.

Taxis are based on the harbour front at the opposite side to where your ship docks. Their phone numbers are listed on the SymiBest site http://www.symibest.gr/services/ The prices are reasonable and whilst they don't offer guided tours they will happily drive you to Panormitis and back. The drive is interesting and you will see most of the island as you go.

[lapochka1961]

Thank you so much for your help
Will try the both options
Might be somebody English speaking living on the island would like to do a car ride to monastery and back?

[Allan]

Might be somebody English speaking living on the island would like to do a car ride to monastery and back?

Possibly. Again I suggest you ask at Symi Tours, they sometimes have an English guide on their trips.

[lapochka1961]

Thanks a lot ,but I am traveling alone,so there is a quite small chance to find somebody who will share a private tour.Cause it must be organized in advance.This was the reason why I asked about the car ride.And some bobs could be helpful for somebody.Anyway,thanks a lot for all information and advices giving to me

[sootyandsweep]

And if you get to the monastery - you must have a wood oven pastry afterwards - they are truly scrumptious.

[lapochka1961]

Thanks if I will get there....