Simi Geography

Simi belongs to the Dodecanese group. This small island lies at 24 nautical miles northeast of Rhodes and at 255 miles from Piraeus. Simi has an area of 58 sq km, about 26 miles, and offers a varied topography, full of bays and headlands, mountains and valleys.

As the island is quite arid, this was one of the determining factors for its economy. The local residents used to devote to shipping, fishing, and sponge growth and their eventual collection, rather than to shepherding or farming, which they did as second option production activities. In fact, sponge diving was strongly connected to the history and economy of Simi. However, with the passing of time, the geography of Simi also contributed for the locals to engage in the tour industry, the commerce, and the home manufacture of handicrafts and other crafts such as shipbuilding or carpentry, since the island's weather tends to be dry, mild and healthy essential conditions for tourism and holidays.

And, apart from the weather, its particular topography also attracts tourists from all over the world, as the island offers small interior valleys, picturesque towns laying on the hillsides, steep rocky coastlines, sandy beaches, and interesting coastal coves.

The capital is Simi Town, located in the Northern area of the island, is divided into two different areas: upper Simi (Ano Simi or Chorio), and lower Simi (also called Kato Poli and Gialos). Although both areas look quite different, they are connected by a steep lane. So steep is the lane that the ancient locals built some steps to facilitate the traveler to go up and down the hilly path.

Despite the fact that the local residents are nice hospitable people, the island has a little drawback related to its own geographical feature: its lack of fresh water. Nevertheless, the local authorities have signed for a final solution to Simi's water problems. A desalinization plant, which is intended to be in full operation from July on, will provide continuous water flow to every single house and building on Simi for their first time in history.

Thanks to the fact that the topography of the place suits the construction needs perfectly well, the works will not affect the existing infrastructure and will make a profit from the natural salty water reservoirs that will supply the desalinization plant. No doubt this interesting and very important project will increase the possible profits from tourism and improve the living standard of the local residents.

Discover the Map of Simi
View the map of Simi with the main villages, beaches, and sightseeing. Also, the location of the port and the airport.
View: Map of Simi