7 Amazing Things About Symi Island

One of Greece’s most beautiful islands is Symi Island. Its tiny harbour is actually regarded as one of Europe’s most picturesque harbours. Symi is a popular day-trip destination from Rhodes and Kos, but it is also worthwhile to consider for an overnight or longer visit. When the sun sets and the day visitors go home, the inhabitants head outside to enjoy their stunning island and its genuine culture, which is rich in mystery and history.

One of the island’s beauties is the colourful architecture of its communities, with picture-postcard houses beginning to appear as you begin to approach the harbour. Along with the striking port, There are many great places to watch the sunset, as well as sandy beaches with clean waters and historic towns.

Symi Island

You can learn everything you need to know about the island’s accommodations, dining options, points of interest, beaches, and activities in this guide. Additionally, view our pictures to get a glimpse of Symi’s appearance! Rhodes Island is home to Symi’s closest airport. In fact, quick trips between islands are highly popular, and there are ferry links between them.

You would need to take a ferry from the port of Piraeus to travel to Symi via Athens without using an airline, albeit the trip would take about 20 hours.

If you’re seeking breathtaking vistas, a peaceful port, lovely coastal treks, shopping, and hand-made leather items, and those who want to experience a more authentic and traditional Greek island experience, Symi is a terrific destination to spend your vacation.

Symi is a paradise for those ready to participate and take advantage of all the beautiful nature that the island has to offer, with views that overlook the calm sea and the opportunity to take a pleasant stroll from the beach to the residences built on the slopes of a hill.

1. When to Visit the Symi Island

On Symi, the tourist season lasts from May until the beginning of November. Summertime is the island’s “high season,” when visitor numbers are at their highest. August is the hottest month on Symi, with highs of 34°C & lows that seldom dip below 28°C at night. There is little likelihood of rain, and both July & September are mild.

The period between Easter and the beginning of June, known as the “shoulder season,” is ideal for travelling to Symi. It’s not as hot, and lodging and airfares are more affordable. Additionally, the ideal, especially for hiking, is late September.

2. Getting to Symi

The best way to travel to Symi Island is by ferry, which is a rather straightforward process. The ferry’s schedules change throughout the year, with more boats travelling well-travelled routes in the summer.

Symi has two ferry ports for arrivals and departures: Panormitis and Symi Town. The trip to Symi takes roughly 20 hours to complete from Piraeus, the largest port in Athens. Additionally, there are daily ferries running from and to Symi to important adjacent islands like Kos and Rhodes.

Symi has numerous links to smaller islands, including Amorgos, Kasos, and Katapola, which makes island hopping all around the area simple. Symi does not have an airport. Thus flights there are sadly not an option. Everyone takes a boat to get to the island. The neighbouring island of Rhodes is home to the closest airport. Direct flights to & from Athens, Thessaloniki, and Heraklion are available from Rhodes Airport (on Crete).

The fastest method to get to the island of Symi if you’re pressed for time is probably to take the hour-long flight from Athens to Rhodes, followed by the hour-long (daily) ferry ride from Rhodes to Symi.

3. Accommodation at the Island

On Symi, accommodations are not very common. Small hotels & private homes for self-catering are the majority of its accommodations. The majority of these are in Symi Town, also known as Gialos, and are concentrated mostly near the harbour.

Some of the lodging alternatives in this location are exquisite neoclassical villas. These include Symi Nautilus Luxury Suites, a gorgeous neoclassical palace with self-catering suites, and Marika’s Deluxe Rooms, an attractive estate with polished rooms adjacent to the port.

The stunning Hotel 1900, a renovated 19th-century neoclassical palace on the seaside with only 4 apartments and a lovely rooftop deck, is a recent addition to the scene. The accommodations are charming and sophisticated, and they offer a sizable patio with a view of the harbour where you can enjoy some genuinely unforgettable cocktails or breakfast.

You really adore the stylish and reasonably priced Kokona Hotel, as well as Marina Studios (make sure to reserve a room with a view of the harbour).

The town of Pedi is located right around the bay from the Gialos. This is a fantastic substitute for the congested region near Symi Town’s harbour. There are many places to dine and drink in Pedi, which features a beach as well as a natural harbour filled with boats owned by locals.

King Nireus, who is referenced in The Odyssey, previously resided in this sleepy settlement, which at one time served as the island’s ancient capital. You should look into the seaside residences in this area, such as Niriides Hotel Apartments.

4. Eateries on the Island

Visitors can enjoy a variety of regional delicacies in addition to the many typical Greek dishes that are served here. The majority of the island’s eateries are in Gialos, clustered around its lovely harbour, but the island is also home to many quaint tavernas that offer up memorable meals and are frequently found by the sea.

Fresh fish & seafood is frequently the name of the game here. In fact, “Symi shrimp,” also known as Simiako garidaki, is the island’s most well-known delicacy. Locally caught little shrimp are delicately and sweetly fried to perfection. Every foodie worth their salt must try these because they are well-known throughout Greece.

Aside from shellfish, there are many other delectable foods to eat, such as desserts like misokofti. This is a variation of moustalevria, a traditional Greek pudding made with ripe fragosika (prickly pear pulp), maise flour, and sugar.

The delectable doughnut-like delicacy known as anaemia, which is indigenous to the island, also belongs to the category of sweets. Its ingredients—cooked rice, yeast, flour, & ouzo—deviate from those used to make conventional Greek doughnuts. After being deep-fried, the akoumia is served with honey, cinnamon, or both. It is typically prepared for important events, especially the new year.

5. Bars and Cafes

Delicious meals may be found in numerous locations on Symi. The Petalo Restaurant, a brand-new establishment with a stellar reputation and a prime riverfront location in the port & town, offers stunning views.

The greatest and freshest fish on the island is frequently referred to as being served at O in the centre of town. The distinctive Symi shrimp may be found here, along with delicious calamari, salmon, and other seafood.

Taverna Dafnes is perched on a hill with a stunning view of the water to the west of town, close to Toli Beach. The cuisine is equally as unforgettable as the atmosphere, which is unlike any other.

The stunning family-run The Secret Garden is tucked away in a more secluded and private area closer to town. The consistently positive evaluations attest to the excellent quality of the cuisine. Try the feta inside filo pastry with honey; it is highly advised.

Try EVA Pub in the centre of town for a fantastic bar you won’t regret visiting. EVA is renowned for its inventive and distinctive menu, as well as for its delectable drinks and ambience. Giala Beach Bar, an 11-minute drive from town, is the ideal location for a tranquil cup of coffee or beverage and a swim in the ocean.

6. Things to do on the Island

A lovely vacation spot is Symi. The island, which is surrounded by glistening waters, has a wealth of fascinating natural features to discover. You can enjoy regional food at down-to-earth tavernas while strolling through its legendary streets and admiring the old structures and lovely churches.

Despite not being as crowded or upscale as Mykonos and Santorini, Symi can compete on the basis of genuineness alone.

1. Symi Beaches

Agios Emilianos Beach is where your Symi beach odyssey can begin. This stunning area is located in the western portion of the island and is named after the chapel nearby. It is only accessible by boat, which adds to the effort required to get there but also gives it the feel of a remote, desolate island.

The beach of Agios Georgios Disalonas is located to the east of Symi. This stunning pebble beach is backed by a towering 300-meter bluff. You can only get there via boat or a short walk along a route, so if you’re walking there, be sure to have some supplies.

One of Symi’s few sandy beaches is Agios Nikolaos Beach. This beach, which is also on the east of the island, is particularly well-liked by people who wish to spend the whole day lazing around on the sand. It has sunbeds and is well-organised.

Agia Marina Beach is situated over in Pedi, to the north of the bay. This lovely site offers a charming local taverna where you may enjoy freshly caught seafood while admiring the sparkling waves. The primary beach in Pedi (Pedi Beach), which is partly organised with umbrellas and loungers and is a good place for families to spend the day, also has a few restaurants close to the water.

2. Nanou Beach

Nanou Beach is located just south of Pedi. This pebbly beach also has a taverna on site that offers beachgoers, umbrellas and loungers in addition to food and drink. Bring your snorkelling gear if you want to go on an underwater adventure.

3. Agios Vasilios

Beaches are also accessible from the capital. One of these is the well-liked, amenity-rich Nimborio Beach, which is ideal for families. It’s simple to get there on foot or by automobile, and its waters are blue. Even closer to Gialos (next to the clock tower) is the frequently crowded Nos Beach.

In addition, Panormitis Beach, which is next to the same-named monastery, is a lengthy, undeveloped sandy beach. Since this, It’s quite a result, which adds to the pleasure of relaxing in its gorgeous environment.

4. Hiking

The island of Symi does have some wonderful landscapes to take in and explore because of its untamed, mountainous topography. The greatest season for hiking on Symi is in the fall when the oppressive heat of the summer has subsided.

From Horio to Agia Marina, there is a particularly lovely trek. The 4.8-mile climb offers breathtaking views of the Aegean Sea all along the route and can be finished in about half a day.

5. Underwater

Some of Symi’s natural treasures must be explored below the water’s surface; not all of them are found there. Anyone who is not certified or experienced in scuba diving can simply put on a snorkel mask & explore the island’s cave and rocks.

However, Symi has a lengthy history of diving due to its history of diving and natural sponges. Visitors can view shipwrecks, caverns, & reefs that are submerged in the waters surrounding the island by diving.

6. A Boat Ride

You have to take a boat ride while you’re on Symi. Locally caught little shrimp are delicately and sweetly fried to perfection. Every foodie worth the salt must try these because they are well-known throughout Greece.

Aside from shellfish, there are many other delectable foods to eat, such as desserts like misokofti. This is a variation of moustalevria, a traditional Greek pudding made with ripe fragosika (prickly pear pulp), maise flour, and sugar.

The delectable doughnut-like delicacy known as akoumia, which is indigenous to the island, also belongs to the category of sweets. Its ingredients—cooked rice, yeast, flour, & ouzo—deviate from those used to make conventional Greek doughnuts. After being deep-fried, the akoumia is served with honey, cinnamon, or both.

7. Musuems and Monuments

1. Panormitis Monastery

It is believed that this monastery, which is devoted to the Archangel Michael, has been around since the fourteenth century.

2. European Castle

You can understand why it was a suitable location for a castle. The Knights of Saint John’s symbol may still be seen above the castle door.

3. Roukouniotis Monastery

Two halls of worship are housed inside this white-washed structure, and the walls are decorated with murals that date back hundreds of years. Keep an eye out for the historical cypress tree at the monastery’s entryway.

4. Medieval Wine Presses

Symi Island has a long history of producing wine, and the practice of planting and crafting wines is still practised today. On the island, wine presses from the Byzantine period have been found.

In the Kourkouliotis region, you may observe these presses, which are made of sizable circular stones having divots in the centre for crushing the grapes manually. Just proceed down the trail that leads from Megalos Sotiras Monastery.

5. Pontikokastro

For more ruins, visit Ano Symi, the town’s historic core, where you can find this enigmatic stone artefact. It is a circular building that is believed to be an old tomb or burial mound. Some people think it’s the King Nireus Tomb. There are 500 steps to climb to get there, but the views are spectacular.

6. Nautical Museum in Symi

Given that Symi is an island in the Aegean, it makes sense that the sea has had a significant influence on its history. The Symi Nautical Museum is a great place to learn about the island’s long and short maritime histories.

It first opened its doors in a neoclassical structure in Symi Town, where it displays old nautical charts, models, and equipment. The island’s history of sponge fishing is also covered in the museum.

7. Museum of Archaeology and Folklore in Symi

Another museum in Symi is built in a former neoclassical mansion. Today, three distinct collections are held here: archaeological, byzantine, & folklore. The first collection describes discoveries made during several Symi excavations, including artefacts. Manuscripts and icons are included in the Byzantine portion, while folklore contains traditional clothing and everyday objects.

Final Note

Overall, Symi Island is that we wholeheartedly suggest seeing if Rhodes, a Greek island, is on your schedule. You won’t find parties on this island going till the wee hours of the morning. For anyone looking to get away from the bustle of the city (Athens) & experience a slice of Greek paradise, Symi is the ideal destination.

It is a very serene and laid-back island. There are many things to do, like visiting the Greek islands, Dodecanese Island group, Small island and main town, Beach chairs, Visiting Symi, Colorful mansions, Symi’s beaches, taxi boats, monastery grounds, and many others.

Since the island is so small, you can walk to many of the places you’d want to be close to for convenience’s sake, like pubs and restaurants. You’ll definitely feel at home in the lodgings on the island (particularly the ones mentioned above).