The Agios Athanassios church lies in the heart of Chorion, Symi’s original settlement, located uphill, far from pirates, around the castle, and used to be the island’s biggest parish in the heyday of Symi’s prosperity in the mid-19th century, when rising revenues from trade and sponge diving led to a construction boom. Mansions, as well as simple peasant and diver houses were erected in neoclassical, traditional or eclectic style to meet the needs of a growing prosperous population.

Apart from a major community centre and seat of the local elders’ administration, the Agios Athanassios Square used to be the departure point for the famous Symiot sponge diver crews embarking upon  their long and dangerous journeys across the Mediterranean. Chorion is replete with traditional houses and churches built in that era, while Symi’s mediaeval Castle, the Symi Museum and the Chorion Square attract lots of visitors who decide to climb from Yialos through the Kali Strata or Katarraktis steps. There are several restaurants and cafes, while one can always walk through the labyrinthine cobble-stoned streets and alleys, and discover gems of traditional architecture among the restored houses and the outstanding ruins. It is also possible to walk downhill to Pedi and enjoy a swim in a crystal-clear sea. In stark contrast with busy and noisy Yialos, Chorion is authentic, quiet and cool, and offers stunning views towards the bays of Yialos and Pedi, Turkey’s Carian coastline and the Symi Castle.