PANORMITIS MONASTERY

The imposing monastery of St. Michael the Archangel - the island's patron saint - is magnificently situated on the seafront, almost with its feet in the water, in the middle of a pretty bay to the southwest of Symi. Panormitis Bay is about 15 km from the capital. You can get there by road from Gialos: a shuttle bus runs in the mornings during the season (€10 round trip). Boats also call at the bay during the season, sometimes from Rhodes. In this case, it's best to avoid the visit when day cruisers are pouring in from neighboring Rhodes: you'll be able to enjoy the serenity of the site outside of these periods.

This impressive monastery was founded in the ^18th century. According to legend, it was built on the spot where an icon of the archangel miraculously - and repeatedly! - an icon of the archangel. Inside the church, you can admire beautiful Byzantine wall paintings by two local artists, as well as a sumptuously carved wooden iconostasis. Don't miss the famous icon: numerous offerings and ex-votos are dedicated to the saint, including straw brooms, a local tradition. The monastery also boasts an interesting library and rents out cells to pilgrims, particularly on November 8, the date of the site's biggest celebration, which brings together the whole island as well as many special visitors. The following day, the icon is carried in procession.