Travelling to Greece? Be sure to visit the island of Symi, a jewel in the Dodecanese archipelago!
Planning to visit Rhodes on your next vacation? Take the time to spend a day or two on the island of Symi. This small, quiet, mountainous island in the Dodecanese archipelago is one of Greece’s most beautiful landscapes.
In addition to its crystal-clear waters and secluded coves untouched by mass tourism, its main attractions are the lively and colorful Gialos harbor district and the picturesque village of Chorio. The Monastery of Archangel Michael Panormitis, a popular pilgrimage site for local Greeks, is also well worth a visit.
In this article, we present several ways to explore this magical island, rich in history and natural and architectural beauty.
Symi in a nutshell
In the southern Aegean Sea, just a stone’s throw from the Turkish coast, lies the Greek island of Symi. Like all the islands of the Dodecanese archipelago, it is mountainous.
The island takes its current name from the nymph Syme, who, according to Greek mythology, married the sea god Poseidon and gave birth to Hthonios, who became the leader of the island’s first inhabitants.
What to see and do in Symi
Gialos: the port of Symi
As soon as you arrive at the port of Gialos, you’re sure to be enchanted by the pastel-painted houses cascading down the hillside. To visit the Gialos district, take a stroll through the maze of winding streets and admire the listed neoclassical buildings.
If you walk along the shore to the end of Gialos, you’ll come to the magnificent church of Ekklisia Evaggelistria. From here, you’ll have a magnificent view of the entrance to Symi harbor. Below the church is Gialos’ only beach, Nos Beach.
In one of the many taverns in the harbor, you can round off your day with a Greek wine and delicious Mezedes, small appetizers that can be declined endlessly and work a bit like Spanish tapas. You can also rent a quad bike from the port to explore the island.
Chorio: the upper town
After wandering around the port area, you can take the « Kali Strada » up the 500-step staircase, lined with magnificent mansions, to the old town of Chorio. Most of the old traditional villas have been restored and decorated with thick wooden doors and wrought-iron balconies.
During your ascent, take a few breaks to enjoy the splendid views over the town of Symi. If the climb is too difficult in the summer heat, you can also reach Chorio by bus or cab and take the « Kali Strada » back down to the port of Symi.
In Chorio, you’ll find hotels and tavernas away from the hustle and bustle of the port, as well as a few old windmills. Some of these are just ruins, others have been restored and are now used as vacation accommodation. If you’re looking for a quiet area for your vacation in Symi, you’re sure to find it in Chorio.
The beaches
Symi boasts beautiful beaches with crystal-clear waters, most with pebbles and little or no sand. Most of them can only be reached by boat, the famous Symi water cabs, which make several trips a day from Gialos. Boats also organize day trips to more distant beaches.
Beach Nos
This small beach is recommended for those who want to stay in Gialos, as it’s only a few minutes from the port. It’s a long beach of sand and pebbles, equipped with deckchairs, parasols and a café-restaurant.
Nimporio Beach
This small beach in the bay of the same name is accessible by boat or road. There are deckchairs and a tavern.
Pedi
This ancient fishing village lies at the end of a sheltered bay. The beach can be reached by boat, car or bus, 4 km from Gialos. Symi’s largest hotel and numerous accommodations are located on this beach, which also boasts tavernas and cafés.
Agia Marina
Further east, this small sandy beach has sun loungers and a bar-restaurant. It’s a 40-minute walk from Pedi.
Agios Nikolaos
A 20-minute walk from Pedi or by boat, this sand and gravel beach is a favorite with families with young children. Trees provide natural shade. Sun loungers and parasols are also available for hire. Visitors are particularly fond of the tavern.
Agios Georgios Dysalonas
With its pebbles, cliffs and deep blue waters, it’s one of Symi’s most beautiful and spectacular beaches. The beach, just south of Pedi, lies in the shadow of a steep cliff. It takes its name from the chapel of Agios Georgios, which was built on the edge of the rock, and the name « Dysalonas » means inaccessible.
The beach is only accessible from the sea and has no tavernas or facilities. So you’ll need to think ahead and bring your own food and water. While most visitors arrive by water cab, the beach is also popular with sailboats and yachts.
Nanou
This idyllic beach with its large white pebbles and lush green landscape can be reached by water cab or on foot. With its extremely clear water, it’s ideal for diving. It’s a quieter beach than Agios Nikolaos, and the lack of sand makes it less popular with families with children. It has umbrellas, deckchairs and a taverna.
Marathunda
Situated in a small, quiet bay protected from the wind, this beach, which is accessible from the road, is the last of Symi’s beaches to undergo tourist development. The goats that wander among the visitors have become a feature of the beach. It’s an ideal spot for diving. There’s also a taverna and sun loungers and parasols.
Seskli
You can reach this beautiful little island at the southern tip of Symi by boat. There’s a beach, clear water and tall trees along the coast.
Agios Basileios
This is one of the most beautiful beaches on the island, with pebbles and some sand. You won’t find any umbrellas or facilities, so remember to bring what you need. The few trees provide some shade. Agios Basileios beach is not accessible by water cab (except for a few days in high season). The only way to get there is on foot, but the hike takes about two hours.
Toli
This pebble beach on the north side of the island has only been accessible to visitors for a few years. Access is by road or, for the more adventurous, after a long hike. There’s a tavern and deckchairs.
Panormitis Monastery
Nestled in a cove, this impressive monastery was founded in the 18th century and is dedicated to the island’s patron saint, Archangel Michael Panormitis. A place of pilgrimage for the Orthodox, this religious site is a must-see if you’re staying in Symi. You can visit the monastery by boat or bus. The monastery features murals from Byzantine times, a beautiful carved wooden iconostasis, numerous frescoes and offerings made by sailors. There’s also a small bakery-café with fresh produce. On the other side of the monastery is a windmill that can be reached in 15 minutes by foot. From the windmill, you can enjoy a breathtaking view of the monastery.
Château des Chevaliers
The old village of Chorio is crowned by the remains of the Château des Chevaliers, built by the Knights of St. John in the 14th century. It contains an emblem of the Knights of St. John above the main entrance. The castle overlooks the port on one side and a small valley on the other, offering a breathtaking view of the whole town, as well as the Aegean Sea. There is also a small chapel dedicated to the Virgin Mary, which occupies the highest point of the castle and offers spectacular views over the towns of Horio and Gialos.
The museums
Maritime Museum
Located in Gialos, just 2 km from the main town, the Maritime Museum occupies an elegant neoclassical house. It features old maps, ship models, carved sailboats, compasses and works by the craftsman Antonis Polias.
You’ll be able to see many of the instruments and tools used by sailors, and discover many objects that describe the island’s long tradition of sponge fishing. A section is dedicated to sponge diving, including a collection of sponges.
Archaeological museum
Located in Chorio, this museum boasts an archaeological, Byzantine and folklore collection. Archaeology includes Hellenistic and Roman sculptures, tombstones, clay masks from the 5th century BC and ceramics.
The Byzantine collection includes paintings, 15th-century coats of arms and Byzantine music manuscripts. Finally, the folklore collection includes wooden sculptures, costumes, musical instruments, weapons, navigational items and a figurehead.
Symi Festival
If you’re planning to visit Symi in summer, you’ll have the chance to attend one of the country’s most important artistic events: the Symi Festival. Since 1995, this festival has been held every year in July, August and September.
On the program: music, theater, cinema, painting exhibitions, poetry and literature evenings, with the participation of many renowned artists. Add to this the island’s traditional summer festivals, and you have an excellent opportunity to extend your stay in Symi.
Where to eat in Symi
Discovering a country, immersing yourself in its culture and traditions, obviously includes discovering its gastronomy. Greece, with its 4,000-year culinary tradition, is not limited to the famous moussaka, souvlaki or other meatballs. Greek cuisine is a generous and tasty Mediterranean cuisine… to the delight of your taste buds!
Whether on the water’s edge or high up in the mountains, don’t hesitate to take a seat on one of our highly recommended terraces.
The Secret Garden
- 💰 Budget: € (?)
- ⭐ Notice : ****
This little restaurant on the road to Pedi, high above Horio, lives up to its name. If you’re brave enough to climb the steps leading up to this charming address, you’ll be able to enjoy tasty local cuisine in a cosy setting… all at a reasonable price!
Petalo Symi
- 💰 Budget: €€€€
- ⭐ Notice : ****
This refined restaurant, set back from the village, is well worth a visit, with its beautiful waterside terrace and view over the port. On the plates, modern Greek cuisine and a fine wine list.
Taverna Dafnes
- 💰 Budget: €€ €€
- ⭐ Notice : ****
Set in a beautiful cove, this taverna offers traditional Greek cuisine at good value for money.
How to get to Symi
There is no airport on Symi. You can reach the island by boat from the main port of Rhodes. From Rhodes international airport, there are direct flights from Paris and Marseille. Use the Skyscanner flight comparison service to find the best price for your flight.
The island is also accessible from most of the Dodecanese archipelago, such as Rhodes.
Where to stay in Symi?
Would you like to visit Symi and stay a few nights to enjoy its island charm? The island offers visitors a wide range of accommodation options, from hotels to rentals. Looking for a hotel near the picturesque port or in the village of Symi? Visit this hotel comparator. Prefer to rent accommodation? Compare offers on Airbnb.