One of these small Greek islands that you don’t hear often about, full of charm and beauty! Symi belongs to the Dodecanese island group and it is quite far from the capital of Greece, but closer to Turkey.
The first thing you see when you arrive is Yialos which is the port and capital of the island as well. Soooo picturesque, literally love at first sight!
IDEAL SEASON TO VISIT:
During summer, mainly from May to September where the weather is great and you can enjoy the beaches as well. Symi is very crowded though, around November 8th which is the largest religious celebration on the island, the Feast day of the Monastery of Archangel Michael in Panormitis, which attracts visitors from all over Greece and around the world. Panormitis is a holy monastery visited not only by many Greeks but also by people from abroad, who pray for good health, protection, fertility and is renowned for many miracles.
DURATION:
Many visit Symi as a day trip from Rhodes island but I totally recommend staying at least 3 days, since Symi is amazing! 3-4 days are enough to feel the vibes, stroll around the port and Ano Symi, swim in great waters, taste delicious Greek food…
I stayed in a beautiful small boutique hotel called LIMANI LIFE
ACCESS:
- by ferry 14-19 hrs from Piraeus port. You can book your tickets here: Ferryscanner.com
- by plane to Rhodes island (45 minutes flight from Athens) & then ferry from Rhodes (just outside the Old Town) to Symi (1-1:30 hour).
Angel’s tip: I paid 30€ from Rhodes port to Rhodes airport by taxi – duration 30 minutes.
VILLAGES
Symi has 4 main areas:
- Chora (Symi) has 2 settlements: Yialos(port) where the ferry arrives & Ano Symi (or Horio). Both soooo incredibly picturesque.
- Emboreios is a small fishing port, quiet with 1-2 beach bars & restaurants .
- Pedi seaside village is located only a couple of kilometers away from Chora. It has a few smaller beaches!
- Panormitis village where the monastery of Panormitis is located, dedicated to the Archangel Michael.
THINGS TO DO:
- Stroll around the port called Yialos which is the first thing you see arriving in Symi and the absolute highlight of the island!
- Get lost in Ano Symi(or Horio). Start walking from the port – Kali Strata is the 500-step stairway linking Yialos and Horio. On your right and left you will see plenty of awesome neoclassical houses, some of them restored. Angel’s tip: The view from the Venetian castle at the top is magnificent but tiring due to the many steps. There is not much of the castle grounds left though.
- Visit Panormitis monastery dedicated to the Archangel Michael, constructed in the 18th century – the bell tower is impressive! Symi has many monasteries fyi and this one the most popular attraction on Symi island. You can reach the Monastery by public bus, a taxi or a boat from the main port of Symi. Angel’s tip: entrance is free and you can find clothes to cover your shoulders and knees if you are not dressed appropriately. Don’t forget to take your time to observe the interior of the church.
- Taste typical local dish: mini crispy-fried Symi shrimps. Absolutely delicious, tiny shrimps that you can find in other places in Greece sometimes as well.
- Rent a car or a scooter to stroll around and visit nearby villages, Emporeios and Pedi. Not something extraordinary but cute seaside villages that you can find a few restaurants and beach bars alog with a crystal clear beach to swim!
Emporeios village
BEACHES
Symi has amazing crystal clear waters and many beaches to visit, some of them only accessible via the sea. Color is incredible and the only negative for me was that I love the sand and these are pebbly and sometimes with stones. Angel’s tip: Sea shoes will be useful to have with you.
Price of the water taxi/boat: between 11 and 14 euros for 2 beaches depending on the distance from Symi main port. But please note that there are some boats departing from Pedi village as well.
- Agios Georgios Disalonas , only by boat and not organized at all.
- Nanou by boat – organized with a restaurant.
- Marathounda accessible by car as well – organized with a beach bar and a restaurant. Angel’s tip: Please note there are many cute goats around that come to you especially when you eat or drink something.
- Agios Nikolaos accessible by car as well – sandy, organized with a beach bar and a restaurant on the beach.
- Agia Marina on foot or by boat from Pedi or Symi port.
- Toli accessible by car as well – organized with a restaurant that locals recommended it to me.
- Agios Vasileios by boat, known for nudism as well.
- Nos on foot from town . Angel’s tip: till 2022 this beach was fully organized with a beach bar and water sports but in 2023 there was nothing as the owner was old and passed away.
- Pedi beach , organized – close to Symi port with restaurants. Angel’s tip: I found a beach bar/restaurant with sunbeds in Pedi called “Katsaras” that you can combine in order to have some seafood as well. Price is 30 euros for a set of sunbeds with fruit salad and water included. (2023)
BOAT TOUR around the island:
Apart from the water taxis you can see in Symi port and use them to take you to the several beaches, you can also go on a day cruise. There is one boat that organizes a tour around the island! It usually starts at 10:30 hrs (the boat is called Poseidon) departs from Symi port with slightly different schedule every day, taking you to some wonderful beaches and inhabited islands after having a barbecue on the beach. You can book your trip directly at the port. 
DRINKS:
Nightlife in Symi is nice, not something crazy but you can find great bars and have drinks with great music.
- TSATI Cocktail Bar with many and delicious cocktails.
- Αxinos with nice vibes.
- Harani, usually crowded and with great music!
You can find excellent food in many restaurants around the island. Either seafood, meat, vegan food or snacks. The characteristic dish that you cannot miss? Symi shrimps. Some of my recommendations regarding restaurants are below:
- “Pantelis” & “Tholos” in Symi port for both seafood and meat. I chose dishes related to fish in both restaurants and were excellent. Local products and fresh ingredients.
- “Dafnes” restaurant in Toli beach. Is there something better than a great lunch next to the sea?
- “The secret Garden” , awarded as the most beautiful restaurant worldwide with great small plates and great vibes. Many times they have live music as well.
- “Kali Strata” restaurant in Ano Symi. Not only locals recommend this but the reviews I heard from everyone were great. I didn’t have the time to visit it but I will do for sure next time.
- “Meraklis” in the port for mainly seafood.
- “Leonidas” for crepes.
- “Papillon” for delicious ice rolls. New entry in Symi with great ice cream and pastries.
