I watched the whole series the first time around and have it recorded so I can watch again to cheer me up on dark, cold winter nights. But I agree, there were nowhere near enough views of Symi. And...
Spoiler alert!... It doesn't get any better Sooty.
There are glimpses of Symi during every episode, mixed in with his travels and cookery demonstrations so it's worth persevering even if you don't much like views of Villa Sophia's kitchen. I have to admit that there were times when we were supposed to be watching some intricate cookery skills that I was concentrating on the views through the windows in the background