SymiDodecanese Islands · Greece

All About Symi

Symi (also written as Simi) is a tiny island in the Dodecanese group that will take your breath away when you arrive at its picturesque port. Wedged between Rhodes and the coast of Turkey in the Aegean Sea, Symi is relatively unknown yet surprisingly beautiful. Once a thriving community of sponge divers and shipbuilders, the island now hosts day-trippers mainly from Rhodes who go to catch a glimpse of the untouched Greece we all know and love. Formed by rocky mountains and secret sea coves, Symi is ideal for those seeking a combination of great tourist amenities, hiking trails, interesting culture, and secluded beaches. The main harbor is a picture-postcard settlement built amphitheatrical-style at Gialos and is known for its colorful Italian-inspired mansions, grand public buildings, stylish waterfront cafés, and tempting taverns. Seaside villages, a Medieval castle, ornate churches, and impressive monasteries add to the charm, creating something really unique and timeless.

Symi has its place in Greek mythology, said to be the birthplace of the Charites, or goddesses of beauty. Homer mentioned Symi in The Iliad as the home of King Nireus who fought in the Trojan War, and the island takes its name from the nymph Syme. Part of the Roman and then Byzantine Empires, the island came under the rule of the Knights of Saint John in 1309 and saw a flourishing in trade from then on in. Elegant buildings, restored neo-classical houses, the ruins of a Venetian castle, and a handful of churches and monasteries can be found on the island. Try some of the local honey and wine while there, and taste the famous small shrimps that are caught by the local fishermen. Don’t forget to pick up a few real sea sponges before you leave to remind you of your time on this sublime island.
 

Routes and Ferries to Symi

Travel to Symi by booking your ferry tickets with Ferryscanner and sail from the port of Piraeus with Hellenic Seaways for a 15-hour journey. You can also book your tickets to reach Symi from Santorini (9 hours), Anafi (7.25 hrs), and Kos (2.25 hrs). Sail from Chios with Blue Star Ferries and reach Symi in 9.55 hours or book your ferry tickets to depart from Fourni for the 9.15-hour trip. Ferries are also available from Patmos (6.45 hrs), Lipsi (6 hrs), Kalymnos (3.25 hrs), Nisyros (2.30 hrs), and Tilos (1.25 hrs.) Alternatively, book your ferry tickets to Symi and sail with Dodekanisos Seaways from Agathonisi (4 hrs), and Leros (2.55 hrs), while ferries also run from Anafi, Astypalaia, Chalki, Karpathos, Kasos, and Kastelorizo. You can book your ferry tickets to Symi from Rhodes and sail with a number of lines for a 1. 20-hour journey, such as Anes Ferries, Blue Star Ferries, SAOS Ferries, and Sea Dreams.

Symi has no airport but you can fly to Rhodes International Airport ‘Diagoras’ from Athens International Airport on a 50-minute flight. Flights also operate to Rhodes from several European destinations during the summer months and on arrival, you can take a taxi to the port and enjoy the short trip over to Symi.
 

Ports of Symi

Symi has two ports: Gialos (the main port) and Panormitis. Gialos is in Chora and serves the ferries coming from Piraeus and other islands in the Dodecanese and the North Aegean Sea. Panormitis can be found on the southwestern part of the island and mainly serves crossings to and from Rhodes. Boats leave from both ports for daily trips around the island. Although you will find all the usual amenities at Gialos, such as hotels, car rentals, restaurants, shops, cafés, and restaurants, there are much fewer options at the small port of Panormitis.
 

Capital & Villages

There are only four villages on Symi and the island capital is known as Chora, which includes the harbor of Gialos. Most of the shops, hotels, and restaurants can be found here, although you will also discover some great taverns and small shops in the other settlements.

Symi Town

The town of Symi is made up of the picturesque harbor of Gialo and the settlement of Chorio, which you can reach by the Kali Strata, which are marble stairs that lead to the upper settlement. The port of Gialos is surrounded by hills and colorful houses with red-tiled roofs and at its entrance, you will see the iconic 1890 clock tower. Stroll along the scenic waterfront and visit the Archaeological Museum nearby before going up to the ruins of the Venetian castle where you can enjoy breathtaking views from the top.

Pedi

Pedi can be found in the valley between southern Gialos and Chorio and is a small traditional fishing village in a lovely bay. Enjoy some delicious local dishes at the fish taverns there and take a walk around to explore the almond orchards and orange groves. Visit the village for its laid-back vibes and pretty scenery, all of which will leave you feeling energized and refreshed.

Emporio

Emporio, or Nimborio, is located 3 km northwest of Gialos and it was once a commercial harbor in ancient times. Today, it is a quaint fishing hamlet with a nice beach offering lovely views across the bay. Some interesting sites include the catacombs and Roman mosaics, while the Archaeological Museum located nearby houses some important Byzantine and post-Byzantine artifacts. The Monastery of Panagia Kyra can be found in between Nimborio and the tiny settlement of Nikia, from where you will discover sweeping views of the island.

Panormitis

Panormitis is located 12 km south of Symi town and its main attraction is the impressive 18th-century Monastery of Archangel Micheal Panormitis, which is situated right on the waterfront. The Venetian-style monastery houses many precious religious artifacts and valuable fixtures, with two museums that you can also visit. Many offerings of gold or silver have been left there by pilgrims making requests to the icon of St Michael, which is considered to have miraculous properties, and you will also find examples of folk art related to fishing, shepherding, and local agriculture.
 

Best Beaches

Most of the beaches on Symi are small, picturesque bays and many of them are quite secluded, offering total privacy. Almost all of them have pebbles and little or no sand and many of the beaches can only be reached by boat. You can take one of the daily water taxis that run throughout the day from Gialos, while some boat trips include swimming and dining on an all-day mini-cruise.

Nimporio Beach

Nimporio Beach can be found 3 km northwest of Symi town and is a quiet spot where you can stretch out under the trees and swim in crystalline waters. The surrounding area is truly stunning and from here, you can walk to the small bays of Faneromeni, Marathounta, and Agios Nikolaos.

Gialos Beach

Gialos Beach is the town beach next to the harbor and is very popular, although quite small. This beach offers a nice view of the pretty houses sitting on the hillside and the water is ideal for swimming. There are no sunbeds or umbrellas although a few waterfront taverns are available and make great spots from which to savor delicious meals while enjoying the seafront setting.

Pedi Beach

Pedi is a narrow beach in a small fishing settlement that offers you the chance to unwind in wonderful surroundings. Grab a sunbed, dive into the turquoise waters and taste succulent island flavors at the nearby taverns or sip on an iced coffee and enjoy the views. Sheer summertime delight!

Panormitis Beach

Panormitis is one of the most picturesque areas of Symi, with the Monastery of Panormitis right on the seafront. Due to its close proximity to this religious site, nudism is not allowed although the beautiful beach is perfect for swimming and relaxing all day long.

Small Islets

Take a boat trip to the tiny islets of Agios Emilianos, Agia Marina, Sesklia, and Nimos and discover the beauty of these pearls with their crystal clear waters and interesting landmarks. From picturesque chapels and turquoise waters to verdant landscapes and great beaches, you will enjoy a day out unlike any other.
 

Transportation Around Symi

Although a small island, there is a local bus service, which connects with either Gialos, Chorio, and Pedi, or towards the Panormitis Monastery. Taxis are also available and although car rental can be arranged, a motorbike is more suitable for the narrow island roads. Of course, you can simply hop on one of the many water taxis when you wish to get to the island’s wonderful beaches.