Simi Honeymoon, Greece

Simi (or Symi) is a quiet and picturesque island located just an hour by boat from Rhodes; it makes for a pleasant day trip or a longer romantic getaway or honeymoon holiday.

Things to do and see
Explore the picturesque old port area of Yialos, which is surrounded by hills and lined with pastel-coloured neoclassical houses overlooking a wide horseshoe-shaped harbour.

From Yialos climb the ancient chipped marble steps of the Kali Strata to Old Horio for great views over the harbour. Once there, visit the medieval 14th century Knights of Agios Ioannis castle, see Byzantine and medieval artefacts within the small Archaeological Museum and examine colourful frescoes inside the Church of the Panagia. Pass picture-perfect white-washed homes and churches and a row of windmills along the way.

Hire a scooter and ride across green hills to visit the imposing 18th century Monastery of St Michel of Panormitis, which nestles beneath green hills and faces a tranquil harbour. Inside the museum, admire Byzantine paintings, manuscripts, frescoes and folkloric artefacts then unwind on the pretty beach nearby.

Best time to visit Simi?
Any time. For sunny blue skies and warm seawater, the best time to honeymoon in Simi is between May and September when the average temperature is 27°C; the summer crowds of July and August are probably best avoided.

Simi has a warm Mediterranean climate year round. The dry hot days of summer are mainly relieved by sea breezes. The rainy season runs from November to March.

Location – Simi is one of 12 (dodeca) islands lying east of Peloponnese, and is closer to Turkey than to mainland Greece. As well as Simi, the Dodecanese Islands comprise Rhodes, Kos and Patmos, plus a number of smaller islands.

Getting there – By ferry, Simi is one hour from Rhodes and 14 hours from Pireaus (the port of Athens). Time-pressed holidaymakers can fly direct to Rhodes, with daily flights from Athens taking only one hour. How to get to Simi . . .