A TRAVEL GUIDE TO SYMI ISLAND, GREECE
last updated: May 2023
Imagine yourself on a boat. It is warm, sunny and you are surrounded by the calm deep blue waters of the Aegean Sea. And then, slowly but surely, after passing plenty of tiny uninhabited islets, the beautiful island of Symi reveals itself. A small colourful port with beautiful neoclassical houses built amphitheatrically, all facing the sea. How did they manage to built them? How does one climb all those steps to get to the ones at the top? It almost looks like a set from a play in the theatre! As the boat approaches, the water turns from deep blue to crystal clear emerald…
As you disembark in the port of Symi, one thought comes to mind. How come this place is not world famous?
South Eastern Aegean Sea, Greece
Island group:
Dodecanese islands
Area | Population:
66 km2 | 2590
Capital town:
Symi (town)
(click on the maps to enlarge)
Even though Symi is a sailing hub, it is actually great for everyone, regardless of their love (or hate) for boats!
Step into a fairytale! Hilly landscape with stunning colourful neoclassical houses arrayed amphitheatrically around the lively port with the emerald waters.
Crystal clear water even inside the marina. Lovely remote beaches can be reached by use of small public boats.
Elegant & colourful. Symi’s historical charm transforms it into a polished yachting hub every summer.
Resist the temptation of visiting Symi on a day trip from Rhodes and stay for three days or more! Car rental is optional as there are plenty of boats to most beaches.
June to September is the best time to visit. Late spring or early autumn may be more appropriate for hikers.
For things to know about Greece including currency, plugs, language & visa requirements, head to:
SOME BACKGROUND INFO
Symi is a small island in the southeastern edge of Greece with approx. 2600 inhabitants. Despite its proximity to Rhodes, its architectural beauty and crystal clear waters, it has somehow managed to remain blissfully ‘non-touristy’ but for the sailing boats and luxury yachts that fill its port.
Being a small island away from the mainland, winter here is hard and lonely. Come summer, and the island transforms into a picturesque fantasy of sea, sun and tavernas all against a backdrop of charming, colourful houses.
Symi has not been inundated by mass tourism but it is not a backpackers’ destination either. The many yachts and sailing boats that fill up the small port are a testament to the type of travellers the island attracts. However, don’t get discouraged if you are not a seafarer! The island is perfect for young professionals, families or retirees seeking peace but do enjoy a busy café and a lively tasty dinner. I guess that’s pretty much everyone! Hotels are small and mostly locally owned, so your stay will directly boost the local economy.
WHAT TO DO IN SYMI?
GO TO THE BEACH
In the morning, take one of the many boats which, in a bus like manner, pick up people from the port and drop them off at the various beaches of the island. If you are feeling the heat a bit too much and can’t wait for the next boat, dive into the crystal clear water from the steps at the beautiful promenade, right next to the port!
All of Symi’s beaches feature crystal clear water and many of them are organised with umbrellas and sun loungers. In some of them there is even a taverna nearby. Nevertheless, our favourite was Agios Giorgios, a secluded bay accessible only via private boat or the small public caiques. Agios Giorgios beach is completely unorganised which only adds to the beauty of the scenery; think towering vertical cliffs and dazzling emerald water…
A GREEK SUMMER EXPERIENCE: BOATS TO BEACHES
During the summer, nearly in every Greek island (and in many beach towns on the mainland), you will find boats that pick-up people from local ports and drop them off at various beaches nearby. These boats are not to be confused with tacky ‘party’ boats omnipresent in popular spots worldwide. Think of them more like water buses or water taxi ride-shares. They are usually owned and operated by fishermen and Greek visitors use them all the time too. Trips are quite short, the water is usually calm (since they stay near the shoreline) and the captain usually speaks English.
They are actually my preferred means of beach hopping in Greece as they are very pleasant and affordable. They also provide you with the opportunity to admire the coastline. I particularly love photographing seemingly inaccessible locations with tiny white chapels on, perched on cliffs or on tiny islets!
For larger groups, or if you prefer more privacy, water taxis (for individual hire) usually bob around in the port as well. Prices will vary.
EXPLORE SYMI TOWN
In the afternoon, explore the cute cobblestone little streets and squares of Symi town. Take photos of colourful shipowners’ mansions and admire the beautiful architecture. If you are in the mood for some shopping, you can browse the cute boutiques selling sailing gear and summer kaftans. You can also stock up on Greek olive oil, wine or other delicacies at the many delis. Don’t miss the stalls selling local herbs -their aromas are unlike the ones you will find in supermarkets.
HOW TO GET AROUND SYMI?
Walk, walk, walk! And if you fancy a more vigorous exercise, go up the stairs to the higher tiers of the settlement and enjoy a wonderful view of the quaint port.
The easiest (and more fun) way to get to the various beaches is to get on one of the beach hoping caiques from the port. You can also hire a motorbike if you prefer getting around by land.
WHERE TO STAY IN SYMI?
STAYING AT HOTEL ALIKI
A neoclassical manor with antique furniture overlooking the water’s edge, hotel Aliki was a delightful choice for the three nights we spent in Symi. The hotel is located just a 5min (gorgeous) walk from the hustle and bustle of the port and overlooks the seaside promenade.
Hotel Aliki is reasonably priced, therefore, I would recommend upgrading from the modest standard room and opt for the rooms with the sea view. But, no matter your room, the highlight of your stay will be having breakfast on the waterfront!
ADDITIONAL RECOMMENDATIONS FOR ACCOMMODATION IN SYMI
While researching accommodation options, I was also quite impressed by The Old Markets, located in town, and Emporio, close to one of the beaches. At slightly higher price points than hotel Aliki, they still provide good value for their understated luxurious atmosphere and facilities.
WHERE & WHAT TO EAT & DRINK IN SYMI?
Don’t be fooled by the small size of the island! Symi punches above its weight when it comes to restaurants and bars. There are quite a few options on how to spend a relaxed summer evening. Head to the port for Greek tavernas, souvlaki joints, pizzerias and creperies but also for cocktail bars and cafes.
For a perfect evening, head towards the promenade on the side of the port and start with coctails at Tsati bar; this could be one of the best cocktail bars I have ever been to. Obviously, there is no comparison with the mega famous ones in London or other capital cities. However, it is the perfect place to sit back, gaze at the crystal clear water next to you and the beautiful buildings across the road while sipping super tasty cocktails. After sunset, walk towards La Vaporetta, situated next to hotel Aliki on the water’s edge, and enjoy fresh, scrumptious food in a beautiful location.
For a more upbeat evening, head over to Manos’ fish restaurant towards the end of the promenade on the side of the port. Manos’ restaurant is not only famous for the seafood. It is infamous as a breaking plates kind of a venue. Many international celebrities have been spotted engaging in this old school type of entertainment… I am not the one to gossip, so go ahead, google it!
FUN FACT -BREAKING PLATES IN GREEK NIGHT CLUBS
In case you were wondering why you have not come across it while visiting the country… Breaking plates for entertainment in night clubs and tavernas is technically illegal in Greece. It has been long outlawed as many people were injured by flying glass. Fear not though because, night clubs with live Greek music have replaced it with… flower wars! Customers can buy trays filled with flowers which they can throw at each other or to the singer and orchestra; usually as a sign of flirtation or admiration!
How many days should I stay in Symi?
Some visit the island as a day trip from Rhodes. Indeed, you can spend a day and tick the island off your list. However, I think you’d find yourself wanting more!
We spent 3 nights in Symi following a 5-night stay in Patmos. Do I wish I stayed more? Always. If you can, stay for a week, and immerse yourself in the laid back rhythm of the island!
How to get to Symi? Island hopping tips & itineraries
The easiest way to get to Symi is via an approximately 1 hour Dodekanisos Seaways ferry / catamaran ride from the island of Rhodes. Rhodes has an international airport so, apart from mainland Greece, it is also directly connected to many European cities.
Apart from the logistical sense of combining Rhodes and Symi islands in one holiday, it also makes for a nice juxtaposition of destinations. Rhodes is quite a well-established destination with many international hotel chains and all-inclusive resorts and Symi is the complete opposite! Nevertheless, if you don’t fancy staying in Rhodes, make sure you get an early flight; you will be able to reach Symi in the same day. We did the reverse route for our return from Symi to London.
The other option for reaching Symi is to include it on an island hopping trip. In that case, I would strongly advise combining Symi with one of the other Dodecanese islands -the islands in the southeast edge of Greece. Dodekanisos Seaways serves all the Dodecanese islands following a logical north-south route. We combined our trip to Symi with our stay in Patmos. We used Dodekanisos Seaways and found the service convenient, modern and punctual.
Check out my suggested island hopping itineraries below!
Best suited for:
BEACH BUMS | HISTORY BUFFS | FOODIES | YACHTIES | BON VIVEURS
- Stay on each island as long as you like.
- You can reverse the route or skip / add islands.
- Itinerary easily done with public ferries.
(click on the itinerary to enlarge)
HOW TO BOOK BOAT / PLANE TICKETS TO THE GREEK ISLANDS
I am fully aware that for non-Greeks, checking itineraries and booking ferries or planes for the Greek islands may sound complicated and overwhelming. But that’s what I am here for!
I have explained all about boat services, planes routes and island hopping in the Cyclades and Dodecanese islands in the blog posts linked below. If you are travelling in July or August, I would recommend booking boat and plane tickets early -May at the latest. Most bookings can be made online.
PS. Transiting to the islands via Athens? Make sure to read all about Athens’ airport and ports and how to get from plane to boat and vice versa:
FINAL THOUGHTS: WHY VISIT SYMI?
Right at the edge of Greece and Europe, Symi will make you feel like you have fallen off the map and stepped into a fairytale! In this almost surreal setting of colourful houses, emerald waters and tasty food, you will be surrounded by like-minded people who have also fallen in love with this gem of an island… So much so that they will be trying to keep this place a secret! Tell only your best friends!
This is not a sponsored post & I am not affiliated with any of the hotels, restaurants or organisations mentioned.
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