So close is the sea that from your balcony you feel as if you could effortlessly dive into the deep blue depths.

On a far away Aegean island, in a small town with stunning architecture, beside the harbor that many call the most beautiful in the Aegean sits the Hotel Nireus.

 

Symi is a historically preserved town and strict attention is paid to restoring and building in the manner in which Symi was designed in the 19th century.

 

Once a wealthy island of sponge merchants and ship builders, the homes and sponge warehouses lining the harbor attained an elegance that proudly combined Greek with foreign influences.

 

Homes were built of stone and tile, and painted the ochres and soft tones of the Mediterranean. Symi and the Nireus Hotel still retain this elegance and charm.

 

The Nireus, although long a hotel, was completely restored and reconstructed in the recent past and today is a showpiece among island hotels.

Its 36 double rooms have either uninterrupted views of the island of Nimos in the near distance, the Gulf of Doris farther on or the coast of Turkey on the far, shimmering horizon.

 

Those without sea views have private verandahs and views to the town above. All rooms have private baths and direct dial telephone.

Breakfast is served on the large verandah overlooking the sea and the ala carte restaurant prides itself on Greek specialities. Drinks are served all day and late into the night at the terrace/bar.