Few people have ever heard of the island of Symi, and that is precisely what makes this gem so special. The island is located in the southeastern Aegean Sea not far from the Turkish mainland and is only about an hour’s boat ride from the large neighboring island of Rhodes.
“At the very edge of the Aegean Sea, Symi is a true treasure, architecturally unique and hard to beat in terms of Mediterranean charm.”
During a Rhodes vacation, you should definitely plan a day trip to Symi. But it is much more worthwhile to spend the night on Symi. The island is manageable with a total length of about 12 km and you can explore many places of this gem in three days. Enclosed we show you our most beautiful Symi Highlights.
Symi Island Map: This card includes all Symi Highlights, 19 Places to Visit & Insider Tips, 10 Beaches & Bays, as well as personal recommendations for 14 restaurants & cafes. Ideal for holiday planning and local navigation. Can be used for smartphone, tablet and PC/Mac. Click here and start using it right away: To the Symi map
Symi tour or on your own?
The Neighboring island of Rhodes can be explored either as part of a guided tour or on your own. Both options have their advantages, it depends entirely on you how much you want to invest in planning the journey to Symi and organizing it on site.
Guided excursions to Symi are organized with boat tours and offer a great experience with local guides. The trips often include visits to Panormitis Monastery and even swimming stops on the way to Symi. Tours depart from Rhodes Town, and in most cases, hotel pickup is included. For travelers who value comfort and comprehensive information, this is the ideal choice.
Symi to discover on your own, allows you to get to know the island individually. With a rented quad or small car, you can go on a discovery tour. You can visit the main town of Gialos when most of the day-trippers have already left. Of course, a little planning skill is required, among other things, the departure times of the ferries must be clarified.
For individualists, exploring Symi on your own is particularly recommended, as it offers the freedom to discover the island according to your own preferences and gain authentic experiences. It’s best to plan 1-2 nights right away, Symi hotel tips you will get from us at the end of the post.
You are interested in a day Trip from Rhodes to Symi? Then you can check our partner GetYourGuide* and book directly here:
#1 Gialos: Symis’ main town
Already at the entrance to the harbour town Gialos you will be welcomed by Symi’s charming pastel houses. Like in a picture book, they line up next to each other and you can’t stop being amazed and taking pictures. There are many beautiful accommodations that are located on the hillside and from which you can enjoy a fantastic view of the harbor bay. Depending on the incidence of light, the town of Gialos changes its colours.
You can explore the town of Gialos with its winding alleys on a walk. The neoclassical buildings are all listed today. A Greek harbour town could hardly be more idyllic!
However, keep in mind: In the high season, around 11:00 a.m. the excursion boats from Rhodes arrive. You should avoid the area around the harbor during this time, as it can get very crowded and hectic. In the early morning or afternoon, however, there is enough time for individual explorations.
Walk through Gialos
A walk along the shore to the other end of Gialos will take you to the magnificent Church “Ekklisia Evaggelistria”. From here you have a great view of the fjord-like harbor entrance of Symi.
Below the church is the Gialos Beach situated, also called Paradeisos Beach. At the small bay with a pebble beach there are some umbrellas and a beach bar where you can enjoy a cool frappé. Only a few day tourists get lost here.
In the late afternoon, peace returns to Symi. Then the warm light of the sun transforms the Port of Symi in a blaze of colour. By now at the latest, you will be enchanted by the beauty of this island. In one of the numerous taverns at the harbor you can end the day with a Greek wine and delicious mezedes (appetizers).
#2 Pedi: The tranquil fishing village
For exploring the island, a mobile vehicle is worthwhile. At the port of Gialos, for example, you can hire a small rental car for Symi from one of the rental companies. For the compact island of Symi, however, a quad is absolutely sufficient.
The small village of Pedi is located behind the ridge of Symi. The fishing boats and kaikis sail in the harbour of Pedi in a lonely way. The place is usually still deserted in the pre-season. From here, it is worth taking a detour to the Saint Nicholas Beach.
Symi is not a bathing island with miles of white sandy beaches. Nevertheless, there are one or two picturesque bays, mostly with a pebble beach. For about 15 minutes, a trail leads along the sea until you come to the wind-protected bay of Saint Nicholas.
The beach is covered with pebbles, there are numerous sun loungers, some tamarisk trees provide shade. A simple tavern takes care of the physical well-being. On the side is a chapel that gives the beach its name. The crystal clear waters are calm and perfect for a quick refreshment.
On the opposite side of Pedi you also get to the Agia Marina Beach. Like a small oasis, the bay nestles into the landscape and the water shines turquoise blue. There are beach loungers and a tavern on site.
#3 Beautiful beaches on Symi
If you want to explore even more picturesque beaches and bays of Symi, you can book a day trip from the port of Gialos. Excursion boats will take you to beautiful places that can only be reached by sea. Worth seeing are the hidden bays of St. George and Nanou, too
From Pedi the road continues over the ridge towards Roukouniotis. Lonely on the other side of the island lies the Toli Beach, a wind-protected pebble beach. In spring, the valley around the bay is dotted with pink oleander bushes.
In mid-May there was not a soul here and the Tavern Dafnes unfortunately had not yet opened. Take a short break at the jetty and cool your feet in the crystal clear water, with the chirping of cicadas in the background. A beautiful place to unwind.
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#4 Panormitis Monastery: Pilgrimage site of the Aegean Sea
In the late afternoon, it is worth visiting the magnificent Panormitis Monastery in the south of the island. At 4:30 p.m. sharp, the last ferry with numerous day tourists leaves again. Then you have the facility to yourself. Coming from the interior of the island, you will reach a hill before the town of Marathounda.
Here you look at the bay with the monastery for the first time. What a breathtaking view and a magnificent photo opportunity! Once at the bottom, you can park your vehicle and explore the monastery complex.
The pilgrimage site was founded in the 18th century and is dedicated to the patron saint, the Archangel Michael. There is a small bakery café where you can get snacks and coffee. The impressive church consecration festival takes place on 8 November each year on the monastery grounds.
Inside the complex are old colonnades and the church with the famous icon of the saint. It is the silence that makes this place so special. On the church square you can also marvel at a beautiful mosaic relief.
On the opposite side of the monastery there is the Windmill of Panormitis, which can be reached in 15 minutes via a pedestrian path. From the mill you can enjoy a perfect view of the monastery and get a good impression of the size of the complex. Unfortunately, the bell tower was restored in our time and was therefore covered by scaffolding.
It will take you about 40 minutes to get back to Gialos. In the south, the path leads through beautiful green coniferous forests and thus contrasts with the barren north.
#5 Chorio: Old Town of Symi
At the top of the ridge of the port of Symi is the town of Chorio, the old town of Symi, also called Ano Symi. Here are still the remains of an old fort and the Windmills of Symi. Some of them are only ruins, others have been restored and now serve as holiday accommodation.
You can get to Chorio if you take the big Kali Strata Alley from the port town of Gialos. The white alley leads to the village on over 500 steps. There are numerous beautiful photo motifs to discover along the way.
Along the Kali Strata, numerous cafés and restaurants invite you to linger. From the terraces of the restaurants you usually have a wonderful view of the harbor bay. We can recommend the Café 7 Grams at the entrance of the alley as well as the Kali Strata restaurant.
Alternatively, you can drive up the road by rental car. It winds up in many serpentines. A little above Chorio a breathtaking view of Symi and the rugged coastline awaits you.
More Symi travel tips
Symi Restaurant Recommendations
Tavern Haritomeni in Gialos
A culinary highlight of our Symi stay was definitely the Tavern Haritomeni directly above our apartment. Located on the hillside, you have a great view of Gialos from the terrace. With a glass of wine, you can enjoy a beautiful sunset from here.
The food is delicious and priced absolutely fine. If you visit Symi, you should definitely visit the delicious Symi shrimps which are caught every year in May/June in the coast around Symi. Traditionally prepared, the small mini shrimps are delicious!
→ Other recommended taverns & Cafés on Symi:
- Scena Cafe Bar
- Taverna Zoe
- The Secret Garden
- Kantina Panorama
- Pavone Cafe
- Kamares Coffee (Pedi)
- To Kyma Coffee & More (Marathounda)
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Is it worth spending the night on Symi?
Although the island is very small, we would have liked to stay one day longer to see the remote beaches by boat. Excursion boats run daily to the beautiful Beaches of Symi.
Also very worth seeing is the Monastery of Agios Emilianos in the west of the island. It is located on a headland right by the sea. We recommend that you plan at least three days on the island.
We were on Symi in mid-May and except for the day tourists and some sailors, there was not much going on yet and it was pleasantly quiet. In the pre-season, the weather is mostly sunny.
During the day it was already quite hot. In summer, temperatures rise to over 35 degrees in the shade. An insect spray (Buy on Amazon*) you should definitely have with you. In mid-May, there were already some mosquitoes.
Our expectations of Symi Island were high and it quickly won our hearts. Symi is enchanting from the first minute and captivates you with its picturesque charm.
For us personally, Symi is one of the most beautiful Dodecanese Islands. We hope that the island will be able to preserve its originality and gentle tourism for a long time to come. Especially individual island hoppers will be thrilled by the pearl of the Aegean!
💡 Symi tours perfectly organized: For unforgettable excursions to Symi and other highlights in Rhodes, we recommend Vicky’s travel agency “Faliraki Tours Travel Agency”. With a personal touch, German-speaking support, perfect organization and a lot of passion, every excursion becomes a unique experience – ideal for Rhodes explorers! More information at: Faliraki Tours
Hotel tips for Symi
There are no large hotel complexes on Symi. Nevertheless, the island has some small family hotels, holiday homes and apartments.
→ About Booking.com* you will find many accommodations on Symi and you can check prices here:
Our hotel recommendations for Symi
Enclosed we have put together a personal selection of beautiful hotels and apartments with good guest reviews on the island of Symi. Click on the Booking.com* Links to show you availability and prices:
Asymi Residences
Comfortable holiday complex with tasteful apartments near the beach of Pedi. Friendly hosts and good breakfast.
Kokona Hotel
Tasteful accommodation in the center of Symi. Modern rooms and delicious breakfast. Many restaurants and cafés can be reached in a few minutes on foot.
Niriides Hotel Apartments
Well-kept apartment complex in the hamlet of Emporios. Friendly hosts and family atmosphere. Comfortable rooms with sea views in a quiet location.
➲ To book from Niriides Hotel*
Pedi Beach Hotel
Solid 3-star hotel right on the beach. Partially renovated rooms with sea view in the quiet village of Pedi.
➲ To the booking of the Pedi Beach Hotel*
Symi Nautilus Luxury Suites
Luxurious 4-star hotel on the mountainside of Gialos. Comfortable rooms with beautiful views. Friendly owners and excellent breakfast.
➲ Book Symi Nautilus Luxury Suites*
Here we stayed on Symi
Thea, Gialos
Guesthouse Thea is located above the harbour promenade of Gialos. From the balcony you can enjoy a wonderful view of the bay. Host Panos rents out four spacious and very elegant rooms. It is only a few meters walk to the restaurants. The neighborhood is nevertheless quiet and an ideal starting point for exploring the island. You can get more information about the accommodation and check prices via Booking.com*:
Getting to Symi
We are available from Germany by direct flight to Rhodes (Book here via Skyscanner*) and had half a day to explore the beautiful old town. We continued with the ferry Blue Star Ferries to Symi. The crossing takes about an hour.
The ship Panagia Skiadeni sails daily between Rhodes and Symi and stops several times a week directly at the Panormitis Monastery. Prices and availability of the ferries can be found through our partner Ferryhopper*examine:
The Sebeco speedboat also departs daily from the Kolona port on Rhodes to the island of Symi. You can find timetables at: Sebeco Lines
The fast catamarans of the Dodekanisos Seaways are also ideal for a Greece island hopping. These speed boats ride Symi from both Kos and Rhodes two to three times a week. They are particularly worthwhile for those who want to Rhodes Holidays prefer a quick crossing to the neighboring island.
→ To learn how to work with Symi Island Hopping, check out this post: Greece Island Hopping
Symi sights in video
Impressions of the island can be found in the video by Robert Polasek © :
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