Simi is situated 23 n.m. north west of Rhodes, at a distance of 255 n.m. from Piraeus. The shape of the island is like that of a starfish. The surface area of Simi is 58 sq. km, while the beaches are 85 km long. The island is predominantly mountainous and dry. The highest peaks are Vigla (616 m.), Kokimedes (594 m.), Manos (587 m.), Stavros Polemou (533 m.) and Vardia (515 m.). The western and south eastern part of the island is full of small plains, while, due to the variety and the quality of the boundaries, there are many capes. The population of Simi is 2,000 inhabitants who are occupied mainly with fishing and sponge-fishery. Simi was the first island ever to have a naval industry and this along with the two big sponge factories, the tanneries, the carpenter shops, the tailor shops, and the numerous blacksmith's shops, give testament to the island's economic growth in the past couple of centuries, a progress which is still evident. One of the most significant yet lesser known, sites of Simi is the petrified forest, situated south west of the port, in the area between Horio and Pedi. The forest was the result of several volcanic eruptions on the nearby islands. Ironically it aids in the dating of the petrifaction and the geotectonic phenomena. On this forgotten island, with its mild Aegean climate, there are many pear and almond trees, but few grapevines and olive groves to satisfy local needs. In these waters, the most common and the most rare species exist, which is challenge to every fisherman. The hunt for partridge is very popular, despite the local's annoyance.