After an enjoyable couple of weeks on Symi I thought I should post something about the experience. Not a trip report, I'll leave that to the experts, just a few comments about the current situation.
The first thing to say is that Symi IS open for business and badly needs visitors so if anyone is considering a sneaky last minute trip then I'd strongly recommend it.
I had to complete an online Passenger Locator Form for the Greek government before leaving the UK and I received an email with the all-important QR code at midnight (Greek time) the day before we set off, exactly as promised. The code was checked in the airport in Rhodes and we were waved through. Some people were randomly selected to have a Covid test there and then (I wasn't). Despite being "different" it was all very smooth and worked well.
Covid risk is treated very seriously everywhere and I felt very safe throughout the full two weeks. Masks were worn on the ferry and in shops even on the Symi bus and everyone seemed happy to comply. Taverna waiters mostly wore clever half visors covering their nose and mouth. Tables were placed further apart for social distancing and there were bottles of hand sanitiser everywhere.
The island is very quiet although it got noticeably busier as time went on. There are nowhere near enough tourists about for the businesses to make a good profit and I fear for the survival of many. Time will tell of course but I suspect Symi 2021 will look very different to previous years.
All in all it was a strange experience but I'm glad I went.