A Stunning Day in Gialos, Symi Island, Greece

The verdict is in. Our holiday in Rhodes was the best we've ever had, and we loved it so much that we've booked to return next year. And our favourite day of our favourite holiday? That was the day we spent in Symi, a tiny island off the coast of Rhodes and Turkey.

The day began with a 7am pickup at our hotel, where we caught a coach with GetYourGuide to Mandraki Marina in Rhodes Town. From there, we boarded a cruise to Symi. As the boat pulled into Gialos harbour, you can't help but notice the colourful neoclassical buildings climbing the hillsides. The ochre, peach, terracotta, blue and white buildings are something to behold.

Disembarking in the harbour, we crossed the famous stone bridge, walking beneath the oversized Greek and Symi flags, and found a coffee shop opposite the old Customs House. It had already been a long morning, three hours since we'd left the hotel, and we were in desperate need of a Greek coffee and a toilet break.

Feeling refreshed and rejuvenated, we headed out in search the famous blue stairs of Gialos. We were not disappointed. How gorgeous are they? I soon became popular as I offered to take photographs of couples on the steps. We finally walked up the stairs and carried on up the hill.

We had firmly promised ourselves that we weren't going to climb the whole Kali Strata (the “good path”), the famous 500-step path from Gialos harbour to Ano Symi and the village of Chorio. Our plan was to climb just high enough to see the harbour, but Symi had other plans for us.

We went higher and higher, winding our way through Gialos's alleyways and narrow streets, up stone stairs and along pathways.

When we finally rose above the rooftops, the views were spectacular. Can you see the famous clock tower in the harbour in the photo above?

We could see straight down into the harbour, with spectacular views of the boats and architecture. Every time we thought we'd walked far enough, we decided to go just a little bit further.

This is where you'd expect another photograph of the Kali Strata. We'd been warned that it was a proper uphill walk rather than a sightseeing staircase, but we didn't listen, and boy, is that last section tough!

Just when you think you can't possibly go any further, you catch sight of the façade of the Church of Panagia of the Citadel and know you've made it. We didn't realise it at the time, but the church stands at the highest point of Chorio, crowning the ruins of the medieval Castle of Symi, which was built directly over the island's ancient acropolis.

As you walk around the church, you're rewarded with the most incredible views of the Aegean Sea, the Turkish coastline and the port town of Gialos below.

It's simply stunning.

Having worked up an appetite, we began our descent down the hillside.

Stephen had discovered the Kali Strata restaurant, tucked away at the top of the famous steps and away from the more touristy spots by the harbour. There, we enjoyed a long, languid meal of Symi shrimps, marinated octopus, grilled squid and Rhodian salad with aubergine and cream cheese. It was truly delicious.

Can I just say how grateful I am to the guide aboard our cruise for warning us that Symi shrimps should be eaten with the shells on? I'd still be shelling those shrimps otherwise!

After our meal, we took a leisurely walk back to the harbour and continued to be spoiled by the views.

We kept spotting things we'd missed on the way up and knew we'd have to return one day.

Everyone tells you to look out for the statue of Michalakis, the little fisherman, and he was lovely, but I rather like this statue of Evgenia Mastoridis. Her plaque described her as the courageous wife of Captain Fotis Mastoridis and the first woman on Symi to brave a dive in a helmet suit in the harbour, helping local men overcome their fears of this new technique and paving the way for expanded sponge harvesting. Symi is famous to this day for its sponge trade.

With one final look at the enormous flags, we boarded our cruise and headed off to St George's Bay.

Our day cruise to Symi and St George's Bay cost €55 per person and was worth every cent.