Symi in Greece is a tiny island in the Dodecanese in the South Aegean, not far from the Turkish coast, with fewer than 3,000 inhabitants. With its colorful neoclassical houses, small coves and wild side, it’s got a real charm all of its own. How do I get there? Getting around, where to stay in Symi? What to see and do in Symi We give you all our tips and good addresses, and our 7 must-dos in Symi.
Where is Symi?
Symi is an island in the Dodecanese, part of the Rhodes regional unit. It is very close to Turkey.
How do I get to Symi island?
The island of Symi is only accessible by boat.
- There are several weekly connections from the port of Piraeus (Athens). The crossing is long, between 12 and 18 hours. We recommend you take a cabin for greater comfort.
- Symi is linked to Rhodes by several daily crossings. Allow 1h-1h30 for the journey.
- There are also ferry connections between Symi and the islands of Kos, Leros, Tilos and Nissiros.
For personal information on ferry schedules and fares, please consult the Ferry Hopper website. A very practical platform in English. And best of all, there are no extra charges: you pay the same price for your boat tickets as you would if you bought them directly at the port.
Getting around Symi
There are several means of transport available in Symi, Greece:
- walking
- the bus. There’s a station in the port of Gialos that links Horio, Pedi Bay and Panormiti.
- cabs: not very practical, as there are few on the island and they are expensive…. Just in case, there’s a station in front of the Orange Lemon café.
- Two-wheelers : the best way to get around Symi
- Car: renting a car is a good option. You can find agencies on the RentalCars comparison site.
Where to stay in Symi?
One day is enough to discover the island of Symi in Greece, especially if you take a day trip from Rhodes. But if you’d like to prolong the pleasure, we can’t help but recommend spending one or two nights on site to enjoy the mild mornings and the calm of the port in the evenings from 5pm, once the day-trippers have left the island.
The best place to stay is in the port of Gialos. If you’re coming in July and August, book well in advance. Be aware that the island is chic and therefore expensive for accommodation. A certain budget is required.
Here are some nice hotels in Symi:
- Hotel Albatros: run by Nicolas, a Frenchman, and his mother Fabienne. Well-located establishment, warm welcome and hearty breakfast
- the luxurious Iapetos Village hotel: set in a beautiful exotic garden, this well-located establishment boasts a swimming pool. It’s like being in a small village.
- Pedi beach Hotel: for those who want to be by the sea
What to see and do in Symi, Greece Our Top 7
1 – Stroll around the port of Symi – Gialos
Stores, taverns and hotels are concentrated here. Lots of charm. Take a stroll through the narrow streets paved with the island’s typical black and white pebbles, browse the boutiques to buy sponges (the island’s specialty) and admire the yachts docked in the harbor.
2 – Wander through Horio, the upper town
With its superb pastel, ochre and orange mansions built into the hillside, it has plenty of character. Access is via a 400-step staircase leading from Gialos. Lose yourself in the maze of little streets and admire the neoclassical houses and old abandoned mansions. And don’t forget to visit the castle at the top of the hill, where a magnificent panorama awaits you.
3 – Soak up the calm of the monasteries
The Monastery of St. Michael of Panormitis : this monastery is famous for housing a miraculous icon of St. Michael, the island’s patron saint. It is a major pilgrimage site. As the feast of Archangel Michael is on November 8, important celebrations take place on this day. If you’re coming on a day trip from Rhodes, your boat will probably stop here.
St Michael’s Monastery in Roukouniotis, small but beautiful
4 – The joys of hiking
The island of Symi in Greece is a true paradise for walkers. Trails (not always signposted) criss-cross between sea and mountains. And you’re sure to come across a few goats along the way, and pass a multitude of remote little chapels. With deserted, well-preserved coves at the finish line. Card available from the Anavasi website. For example, we recommend hiking in the forest of the Kourkouniotis region. Here you’ll see restored wine presses that recall the island’s ancient winemaking tradition.
5 – Discover the small villages on the island of Symi
Nimborios : a village and a magnificent bay where you can swim
Pedi : a small fishing port, lively in summer. A sandy beach for relaxing.
6 – Testing Symi’s different ranges
Symi’s beaches are very different from those of Rhodes. They are wild and often bordered by cliffs. And, above all, very little traffic, even in summer.
Wild coves can be found all over the island. There are few, if any, sandy beaches here. Most of the time, you’ll find pebble beaches.
Taxi-boats moored in the port of Gialos shuttle you to the island’s main beaches.
Here are some nice beaches:
- Nimborio beach, accessible on foot (about a 30-minute walk from Gialos) or by taxi-boat
- Pedi beach, accessible by bus from the port or by taxi-boat
- but also Paradise Beach, near Gialos: a pleasant private beach
- or Agia Marina, a small, chic place with a taverna.
- Agios Georgios beach is one of our favorites, because it’s so wild and spectacular. It is only accessible by boat. Please note: no tavern on site.
- Nanou, a popular beach for travelers, with a tavern.
7 – Take a day trip (or more) to Symi from Rhodes
If you’re spending a few days vacation in Rhodes, we highly recommend a day trip to the island of Symi , as it’s truly adorable and picturesque. Several agencies offer day trips. Some boats make “only” the port of Symi. Others stop off at the Panormitis Monastery.
For example, we’ve spotted this excursion, which we think is interesting and reasonably priced. It has the added advantage of being fully cancelable and refundable.
You can also rent a sailboat or catamaran with Click and boat from Rhodes or Kos. For 1 or 2 weeks, with or without a skipper, discover the islands of the Dodecanese!
Discover the other Dodecanese islands in our Dodecanese Islands section.
Laure M.
Updated April 17, 2024
