Symi Island
with a dreamlike Port
Symi’s port Gialos is one of the most colourful and picturesque ports in Greece, with buildings stretching from the quayside up the hillside to Ano Symi/Horio (Chorio) together they are known as Symi Town.
Symi Island is very popular with day visitors, nothing has changed in that respect since I visited Symi for the first time over 45 years ago on a rebuilt fishing boat that had been converted into a really nice excursion boat named Poseidon, (God of the Sea).
One of the key sights on the island is the Monastery of the Archangel Michael Panormitis, which is still used by monks and it attracts visitors from all over the world.
Stroll along the quayside
The visual clock-tower was a gift from the Petrides family in 1881, (Demetrius Nicetas Petrides was born approximately in 1840 on Symi Island, Greece.) Stroll along the quayside until you reach the stone bridge Kantirimi where the two sides of the port of Gialos are joined.
walk or take the local bus
to Ano Symi-Horio
The upper town Ano Symi-Horio, is situated above the lower town Kato Poli-Gialos. If you like to walk, the main street is called Kali Strata (start by the Trata Trawler Taverna in the harbour) and you have about 350-400 steps up to the small square, close to The Olive Tree Cafe and Rainbow Bar.
There are many old mansions, a reminder of a time of the great prosperity on Symi. The mansions are nowadays renovated and several taverns, cafes and tourist shops are open around the quiet Syllogos square
Take the bus, leaves every hour from the harbour up to Horio and then walk Kali Strata back down hill to the harbour. Its an enjoyable walk.
Sleeping in Symi
The center of Symi life is the port of Gialos, the waterfront is pure magic a lovely mix of pastel painted neo-classical mansions, coffehouses, bars and tavernas, When the “Daytripper" leave after their visit, the village life of peace and quiet return, time to head for a sundowner at Eva Cocktail bar
Here's my pick of the most attractive places to stay in Symi In no particular order. All the hotels can be Book direct or you can find them and more alternatives on
Aliki Hotel 4 star, is an old three-floor neoclassical hotel located in the port, just 3 meters from the sea. Family owned. Restaurant and a bar,
The Opera House Hotel 2 star, is located at the city centre of Symi town, Gialos, just 50 m from the island’s central square, restaurants and shops, and only 200m from the main port. Situated on a gentle slope with no stairs, makes the hotel easily accessible by car or foot.
Dorian Hotel A class Apartments next to the port with sea view. With the beach at 50 meters, The bus stop, center and local market are all within 150 metres. Free Parking is available on adjacent streets.
Horio Village Rooms 3 star, Located in the village of Symi, Horio Village Rooms offers air-conditioned rooms with a private balcony.
Monastery of Archangel
Mihail Panormitis
The original Monastery was built in the 6th Century, however, what you see today is the restoration of the later buildings of the 18th century. Renowned for his miracles Panormitis is a major pilgrimage in the Aegean.
Named after the patron saint of Symi and protector of sailors. The large monastery buildings comprises two museums, The Ecclesiastical Museum and a Folklore museum.
A bakery, restaurant is available.
Bus and excursion boats from Gialos
Beaches, sea taxi, boat tours
and bus service
Most beaches on Symi are very close together, many within walking distance, or accessed only by a boat or water taxi, some of these have umbrellas and tavernas along the coast, while others are isolated.
Watertaxi reservation available on their Facebook page.
Nos and Nimborios beaches
close to Symi Town
The only beach within walking distance is Nos, within 10 minutes stroll from the clock tower on the edge of Gialos. Nos is a fairly small beach and ideal for those who want to stay in Gialos. It offers sun loungers, parasols, a shower and a café -restaurant.
Nimborios bay is quite large and it is located 2km west of Gialos, just beyond Nos. It has a pebbly beach, sunbeds and parasolls. Some tavernas, Use the main road from Symi Town. A bus is available or use a sea taxi.
Pedi Village, Pedi Bay and beach
Pedi Beach has a sand and pebble mix, clear shallow waters, sun-beds and parasols available.
Pedi is a seaside settlement in a very picturesque cove, east of Symi town. It is a small fishing village with a few tavernas and some worthwhile suggestions for staying.
If you don’t want to walk here take a Symi bus or choose a water taxi.
Agia Marina
One of the most delightful beaches is
Agia Marina, on the north side of the entrance of the bay Pedi, is accessible on foot or by boat and taxi from the port.
It features a new restaurant with lounge chairs and umbrellas for rent. You can buy drinks from the bar and relax. There is a small church on a small island that is very popular for wedding ceremonies. The water is crystal clear, perfect for diving.
Alltrails walking on Symi
Ready to check out the best trails in Symi for hiking, mountain biking, climbing or other outdoor activities? AllTrails has 11 hiking trails, mountain biking routes, backpacking trips and more.
Alltrail text info
Getting here
By Air
No airport on Symi. Nearest and most convenient is Rhodos (RHO) and then take a ferry to Symi.
By Sea
Ferry to Symi from Athens (Piraeus)
Ferries from Athens to Symi depart from Piraeus several times per week, but not every day. In the summer, there are usually afternoon ferries from Athens to Symi.
The ferry journey from Athens (Piraeus) to Symi is quite long -it lasts for 14-18 hours.
Ferry to Symi from Rhodes
There are frequent ferry connections between Rhodes and Symi, especially in the summer. During the peak season, at least two ferries depart from Rhodes to Symi every day. The journey lasts for less than an hour.