The Sponges of Symi, Greece
- chebelladonna
- May 19, 2025
- 2 min read
Updated: Mar 1
On our recent trip to Rhodes, we took several days trips in addition to exploring the Old Town. One of those day trips was to a neighbouring island, Symi. With a reputation as being one of the prettiest islands in Greece, we couldn't pass up the opportunity to Island hop for the day.
Symi reached the height of its prosperity in the mid-nineteenth century, under Ottoman rule, mostly for its prevalence, of all things, sea sponge diving. During its hay day, beautiful brightly coloured homes were built up into the hills surrounding the town's harbour. The ferry from Rhodes takes just over an hour and we arrived on a beautiful Mediterranean spring morning with a bright blue sky, and twinkling sea, framing the story book architecture looking like a perfectly baked layer cake.
As strange as it sounds - the sea sponges were a delight. There were everywhere in shops around the harbour. To be honest, I'd never given any thought to sea sponges. They came in a vast variety of shapes, sizes and textures. Some were gritty and course, others were unbelievably soft and gentle to the touch. The shops had buckets of sea water and would allow patrons to test the various textures of the different types of sponges. We all bought a souvenir sponge ... I splurged on two, one for my face and other for my body. Apparently they will last eight years, if taken care of. Every three weeks, they need to be soaked in a baking soda solution to keep them fresh and clear of bacteria. Sea sponges ... who knew?
We savoured a slow, delightful al fresco lunch next to the sea. I enjoyed a grilled white fish with a crisp, nearly clear, glass of white wine. It tasted like summer, after a long cold northern winter. I have no idea what varietal they served me, but it was delightful. Over lunch we were entertained by several cheerful dining companions of the feline variety. Three or four cats found their way to our table and I was more than happy to share.
Full of fish and complete with sponge purchases, we went for a long slow walk, taking time to admire the minutiae - old boats, flowers, fishing nets, and brightly coloured shutters. We stumbled on a back garden that was utterly serene. Flanked by a rock wall in the back, its house, and the neighbouring house ...the fourth side was open to a view of the sea, but for a green fence. There was no real lawn to speak of but but rather it was a meadow brimming with sheer joy. There were old flowering pots in all colours, and a strewn garden hose. Every shade of green popped and in between brightly coloured flowers in all varieties.
As a budding gardener this was both wild and yet impeccably well cared for. THAT doesn't just happen. This was a celebration of life. It gave me hope to return home to my northern garden which had been covered in snow for months and would hopefully be starting to show early signs of life on my return. A chill ran down my spine. Spring was here.
