Visit Symi: full guide

On a trip to Greece? Don’t miss visiting the island of Symi, a jewel located in the Dodecanese archipelago!

Did you plan to visit Rhodes for your next vacation? Take the time to spend one or two days on Symi Island. This small, quiet and authentic mountainous island in the Dodecanese archipelago is one of the most beautiful landscapes in Greece.

In addition to its crystal clear waters and its isolated and preserved coves of mass tourism, its main attractions are the port district, Gialos , animated and colorful, and the village Chorio with its picturesque atmosphere. The monastery of the Archangel Michel Panormitis, a popular pilgrimage site for the Greeks of the region, is also worth a visit.

We present you in this article several ways to explore this magical island rich in history and natural and architectural beauties.

Nice in a few words

In the south of the Aegean Sea, just a few steps from the Turkish coast, is the Greek island of Symi. Like all the islands of the Dodecanese Archipelago, it is a mountainous island.

The island derives its current name from the Syme nymph, which, according to Greek mythology, married the god of the Posedon Seas and gave life to Hthonios who became the chief of the first inhabitants of the island.

What to see and what to do in Symi?

Gialos: the port of Symi

As soon as you arrive at the port of Gialos, you will certainly be enchanted by the houses painted in pastel shades that spread stuntly on the hillside. To visit the Gialos district, you can walk the maze of the winding streets and admire the neoclassical buildings, all classified.

If you walk along the shore to the end of Gialos, you will reach the magnificent church "Ekklisia Evaggelistria". From there you will have a wonderful view of the entrance to the port of Symi. Below the church is the only beach of Gialos, Nos Beach.

In one of the many taverns of the port, you will be able to finish your day with a Greek wine and delicious Mezedes, small amuse-bouches that are infinity and that work a bit like Spanish tapas. From the port you also have the possibility to rent a quad to explore the island.

Chorio: the high city

After walking around the port area, you can take the "Kali Strada" and climb this 500-way staircase, lined by beautiful houses, which will lead you to the old town of Chorio. Most traditional old villas have been restored and decorated with thick wooden doors and wrought iron balconies.

During your ascent, take a few breaks to enjoy splendid views of the city of Symi. If the climb is too difficult with the summer heat, you can also reach Chorio by bus or taxi and take the "Kali Strada" to descend to the port of Symi.

In Chorio you will find hotels and taverns away from the hustle that sometimes reigns in the harbour, as well as some old windmills. Some of them are only ruins, others have been restored and are now used as vacation homes. If you are looking for a quiet area for your holidays in Symi, you are sure to find it in Chorio.

The beaches

Symi has beautiful beaches with crystal clear waters, most with pebbles and little sand or no sand. The majority of them are only accessible by boat, the famous boats-taxis of Symi, which carry out several trips in the day from Gialos. Boats also organize one day trips to more distant beaches.

Beach Nos

This small beach is recommended to those who want to stay in Gialos because it is only a few minutes from the port. It is a long sand and pebble beach, equipped with sun loungers, parasols and a café-restaurant.

Nimporio Beach

This small beach, in the bay of the same name, is accessible by boat or by road. There are decks and a tavern.

Pedi

This former fishing village is located at the bottom of a sheltered bay. The beach is accessible by boat, by car or by bus, to 4 km from Gialos . The largest hotel in Symi and many accommodations are located on this beach with taverns and cafes.

Agia Marina

More to the east, this small sandy beach has sun chairs and a bar-restaurant. It is accessible on foot, on foot 40 minutes from Pedi .

Agios Nikolaos

To 20 minutes walk from Pedi or by boat , this beach with sand and gravel is the favorite beach of families with young children. Trees provided with natural shadow. We can also rent sun chairs and parasols. Visitors particularly appreciate the tavern.

Agios Georgios Dysalonas

With its pebbles, cliffs and deep blue waters, it is one of the most beautiful beaches of Symi, and also the most spectacular. The beach, located a little south of Pedi, is in the shade of a steep cliff. It derives 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 taverns or facilities. So you'll have to anticipate and forecast water and food . If most visitors arrive by boat-taxi, the beach is also very popular by sailing boats and yachts.

Nanou

This idyllic beach with big white pebbles in a green landscape can be reached by boat-taxi or on foot. With its extremely clear water, it is ideal for diving. It is a quieter beach than Agios Nikolaos and the absence of sand makes it less popular with families with children. It has umbrellas, sun chairs and a tavern.

Marathunda

Located in a quiet and wind-protected bay, this beach accessible from the road, is the last beach of Symi to know the tourist development. Goats that walk among visitors have become a characteristic of the beach. It is an ideal site for diving. There is also a tavern as well as sun chairs and parasols.

Seskli

You can reach by boat this beautiful small island on the southern tip of Symi. There is a beach, a clear water and large trees along the coast.

Agios Basileios

It is one of the most beautiful beaches of the island with pebbles and some sand. You will not find parasols or installations, so think about provide for the necessary . The few trees provide a little shade. The beach of Agios Basileios is not accessible by boat-taxi (except a few days in high season). The only way to get there is on foot but the hike lasts about two hours .

Toli

This pebble beach on the north side of the island is only accessible to visitors for a few years. It is accessed by the road or, for the most expensive, after a long hike. There's a tavern and sun loungers.

Panormitis

Nestled in a cove, this impressive monastery was founded in the 18th century and is dedicated to the patron saint of the island, the archangel Michel Panormitis. A place of pilgrimage to the Orthodox, this religious site is a must-see if you stay in Symi. To visit it, you can take a boat or a bus. The monastery includes mural paintings of the Byzantine era, a very beautiful iconostasis of carved wood, numerous frescoes and offerings made by sailors. There is also a small bakery coffee with fresh products on site. On the other side of the monastery, there is a windmill that you can reach in 15 minutes A way. From the mill you can enjoy a breathtaking view of the monastery.

Château des Chevaliers

The old village of Chorio has the remains of the Knights' Castle, built by the Knights of Saint John in the 14th century. It contains an emblem of the Knights of Saint John above the main entrance. The castle overlooks the port on one side and a small valley on the other side, offering stunning views over the entire city, as well as on the Aegean Sea. There is also a small chapel dedicated to the Virgin Mary that occupies the highest point of the castle and offers spectacular views of the cities of Horio and Gialos.

Museums

Maritime Museum

Located in Gialos, only 2 km from the main city , the Maritime Museum occupies an elegant neoclassical house. It features old maps, ship models, sculpted sailboats, compasses, works by craftsman Antonis Polias.

You can see many instruments and tools of sailors and discover many objects that describe the long tradition of fishing with the sponges of the island. A section is dedicated to sponging with a collection of sponges.

Archaeological Museum

Located in Chorio, this museum has an archaeological, Byzantine and folklore collection. Archaeology includes Hellenistic and Roman sculptures, tombstones, clay masks of the fifth century BC and ceramics.

The Byzantine collection consists of paintings, armories of the 15th century and manuscripts of Byzantine music. Finally, the folklore collection includes wooden sculptures, costumes, musical instruments, weapons, navigation items and a prow figure.

Symi Festival

If you intend to visit Symi in the summer, you will have the chance to attend one of the most important artistic events in the country: the Symi Festival. Since 1995, this festival has been held annually in July, August and September.

The program: music, theatre, cinema, painting exhibitions, poetry evenings and literature, with the participation of many famous artists. If you add the traditional summer festivals on the island, you have an excellent opportunity to extend your stay in Symi.

Where to eat in Symi?

Discovering a country, immersing itself in its culture and traditions, obviously passes through the discovery of gastronomy. Greece, which has a culinary tradition of 4,000 years, is not limited to the famous mussaka, souvlaki or other meatballs. Greek cuisine is a generous and tasty Mediterranean cuisine... for the greatest pleasure of your taste buds!

At the edge of the water or in the heights, feel free to sit at one of these terraces that we particularly recommend.

The Secret Garden

This small restaurant located on the Pedi road, on the heights of Horio, bears its name. If you have the courage to climb the steps that lead to this charming address, you can enjoy a delicious local cuisine in a cozy setting... at a reasonable price!

Petalo Symi

This refined restaurant, quite away from the village, deserves to be moved with its beautiful terrace by the water and its view of the harbour. In the plates, a modernized Greek cuisine and a beautiful wine map.

Taverna Dafnes

This tavern, located in a beautiful cove, offers traditional Greek cuisine with a good value for money.

How to get to Symi?

There is no airport on Symi Island. You can access the island by boat from the main port of Rhodes . From Rhodes International Airport, there are direct flights from Paris and Marseille . Use Flight Compare Skyscanner to find your flight at the best price.

The island is also accessible from most islands 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 its visitors numerous housing solutions, hotels or rentals. Are you looking for a hotel near the picturesque port or in the village of Symi? See you on this. Compare hotels . Do you prefer the rental housing option? Compare the offers on Airbnb .