Searches for the This Morning star Dr Michael Mosley by the Greek police started this morning, with the fire brigade assisting with the hunt on the island of Symi
This Morning star Dr Michael Mosley has been reported missing on a Greek island of Symi.
He was last seen on the island yesterday when he was on a publicity tour with his wife. Searches for the BBC presenter by the Greek police started this morning, with the fire brigade assisting with the hunt.
The island of Symi is located off the west coast of Turkey and is just over an hour ferry ride away from Rhodes.
It takes 17 hours by boat to reach the vibrant island from Athens. Symi is part of the Dodecanese island complex in the south-eastern Aegean sea, and is known for its sunny weather, colourful towns and crystal-clear waters.
Less than 26 square miles in size, Symi is quieter than many Greek islands and has a lot of local, small village charm. Earlier this year Seasons of Symi referred to the local ferry service when they wrote: “Symi is very quiet at the moment.
“Some days it seems as though it is an island of cats, chickens and sheep rather than people, particularly on a ‘Blue Star’ day when it feels as though the whole population of Symi has gone shopping on Rhodes.”
The island’s port, Gialos, is full of houses painted in purples, yellows and oranges, with tiled roofs and quaint balconies. Small fishing boats and bigger yachts fill the port, with traditional tavernas and shops selling sea sponges lining the streets.
Eateries serve the island’s famous Symian shrimp, a tiny red shrimp that is either served boiled or fried and eaten whole. The town also has the Naval Museum of Symi, which exhibits the fishing history of the island.
On the hillside above Gialos is the old town, Chorio. It’s accessible by a 500 steps stairway, or by bus. Scenic buildings are nestled amongst dark cypress trees, and the town offers beautiful views of the port and surrounding Aegean sea from above.
This town is home to the most beautiful restaurant in the world, according to The Travel. The remnants of a castle built in the 14th century sits at the top of Chorio. From here you can hike to the island’s famous windmills, and even stay in one of them for the night.
The monastery of the Archangel Michael Panormitis is one of the most famous landmarks on the island.
Located on the southwest of the island, the monastery has a stunning baroque bell tower. The building was first built in the 6th century, but it is the 18th century restoration that stands today.
Symi is full of breathtaking beaches, with many of them only accessible by boat. While some are pebbly and some are sandy, they all have beautiful, clear water.
The island has a history of fine winemaking. There are more than 120 presses scattered across Symi, and tourists can travel to the Kourkouniotis forest to see the only restored presses.
There is another striking monastery in the northwest of Symi. Built on the ruins of an ancient temple, the Roukouniotis Monastery looks like a fortress. The patron saint of the monastery is celebrated every year on the 8 November with a Holy Mass and a feast.
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