Symi Honors Nektarios Santorinios by Naming the Port After Him
The Municipality of Symi and the South Dodecanese Municipal Port Fund have officially decided to rename the Symi Port (Petalo area) to Passenger and Commercial Port of Symi “Nektarios Santorinios”, in a heartfelt tribute to the late Nektarios Santorinios. This act serves as a tangible recognition of his significant legacy, reflecting his tireless efforts and dedication to the well-being and development of Greece’s island communities.
In challenging times, Santorinios demonstrated that a people-centered policy — grounded in real human needs — was not only necessary, but achievable. His deep love and commitment to the islands left an enduring impact on local and national policy.
The naming ceremony will take place tomorrow, Saturday, August 30, 2025, and will feature a speech by Socratis Famellos, President of SYRIZA-PS. On the same day, the “Nektarios Santorinios” Symposium on Island Policy, under the theme “Sustainable Strategies for the Future of the Islands,” will also be held. Former Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras is expected to deliver a greeting message to the symposium.
In the video below, Nektarios Santorinios addresses the Greek Parliament on the legislation of the Transport Equivalent policy.
MUNICIPALITY OF SYMI
Event Program Honoring Nektarios Santorinios
Organized by the Municipality of Symi and the Municipal Port Fund of South Dodecanese
Symposium on Islandness “Nektarios Santorinios”
“Sustainable policies for the future of the islands”
Municipal Cultural Center of Symi
Saturday, August 30, 2025 | 12:30 – 15:00
Program:
12:30 – Welcome & Greetings
- Lefteris Papakalodoukas, Mayor of Symi
- Alexis Tsipras, Former Prime Minister of Greece (via video message)
- Vasilis Kikilias, Minister of Shipping and Island Policy
- Socratis Famellos, President of SYRIZA-PS
- Alexandros V. Koliadis, President of the South Aegean Regional Union of Municipalities, Mayor of Rhodes
13:00 – Presentations
- Dionysis Theodoratou, President of the Union of Coastal Shipping Enterprises (SEEN), Deputy CEO, Attica Group
“Nektarios Santorinios: A life devoted to his homeland and its people”
- Maria Lekakou, Professor at the Department of Shipping and Business Services, University of the Aegean
“Transport Equivalent: Is there a next step?”
- Kostas Komninos, CEO, DAFNI Network of Sustainable Islands
“Integrated strategies for sustainable island development – From vision to reality”
- Giannis Spilanis, Professor Emeritus, Department of Environment, University of the Aegean; Director of the Aegean Observatory on Sustainable Development
“Islands: From vulnerability to sustainable development and resilience”
14:30 – Discussion / Remarks
Moderator:
Poli Chatzimarkou, Special Advisor on Cultural Administration
Naming Ceremony of Symi Port (Petalo area)
Renaming to:
Passenger and Commercial Port of Symi “Nektarios Santorinios”
Symi Port, Petalo area
Saturday, August 30, 2025 | 17:30
Speakers:
- Lefteris Papakalodoukas, Mayor of Symi
- Vasilis Kikilias, Minister of Shipping and Island Policy
- Socratis Famellos, President of SYRIZA-PS
- Vasilis Vayanakis, President of the Municipal Port Fund of South Dodecanese
Contact: 22463-60422 | ✉ dimosymis@yahoo.gr
