Last year we found Pethi harbor on Symi's NE "corner" a sleepy yet engaging anchorage. Known to be a bit dodgy for anchoring (deep with squirrely winds) we trusted a light wind forecast and thought it would be a good spot for Sangaris to be secure while we did some island walking and shopping. Pals on "Far Out" recommended a wine store with a knowledgeable owner (Symi's first vintner), grand selection of drinks and groceries and free transportation over the high hill from Symi town ... but first we must go walking.
A Sunday morning stroll through Pethi's village turned into an incredibly challenging 5 hour trek once we found a path leading through the rocky terrain beyond the pastel houses featured in the top left photo. A couple of goat gates (and miles) later we descended the cliff arriving at an oddly green (grassy) beach resort and upscale restaurant that you can see in the bottom right pic. Thinking we'd have just an hour or so hike back, we opted for quenching our thirst and delaying lunch.
Three hours later we completed the other side of the trek (the north route) reaching the windmill ruins high above Gialos (Symi town). The path's end offered a beautiful view of Symi's main harbor and welcome respite - top right. Wobbly legs carried us through the chora's back alleys and steps down to the road to Pethi where we were relieved to take a cool dip and have a well-earned cockpit supper back aboard Sangaris, still happily at anchor in Pethi bay.
Monday morning we bused to town, loaded up the back of a tired pick-up truck for a free delivery from the wine shop as we restocked Sangaris (and a buddy boat) for upcoming guests and coastal Turkish cruising.
Cruiser's notes: Pethi (also called Pedi) does provide some anchoring challenges in gusty winds, but you can get a good hook on the north and south sides of this deep bay. Local fishing and tour boats filled the dock's port side and a large military cargo ship tied to starboard during our stay (last year, in October, it was free for yacht mooring). A new dock with room for 3-4 side-tied yachts has been [mostly] completed on the harbor's north shore ... no bollards or cleats yet! The bus from Pethi to Symi runs every hour on the half hour (until late - 10 or 11pm) for 1.50E pp.