Guide to Symi: The Most Picturesque Dodecanese Island?
Heads up: This article may contain affiliate links.
Are you dreaming of pastel-coloured houses, crystal clear water and a slow-paced holiday? Then Symi might be exactly what you’re looking for.
Located just north of Rhodes in the Dodecanese, this small Greek island has been sort of a hidden gem since the 1970s. At least compared to many other Greek destinations.
The first thing you’ll notice when arriving in Symi is the harbour. Colourful neo-classical houses climb the hillside above fishing boats and ferries, making it one of the most memorable arrivals in Greece.
Most visitors only spend a few hours here on a day trip from Rhodes, but Symi deserves more than that. I stayed for almost five days here in June 2026, and truly wish I could have stayed longer.
Affiliate Disclosure:
This article may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase through one of these links, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. This helps support Heritage Wanderlust and allows me to keep creating free travel guides and helpful travel content.
A Brief History of Symi
Today, Symi is a quiet Greek island, home to only around 2,600 permanent residents. Looking at the colourful harbour, however, it isn’t hard to imagine that this was once one of the wealthiest islands in the Dodecanese.
During the 19th century, Symi flourished thanks to shipbuilding and sponge diving. At its peak, more than 20,000 people lived on the island, and wealthy merchants built the elegant neo-classical buildings that you see all around the harbour today.
Like many Greek islands, Symi experienced a difficult 20th century. The traditional industries declined, many residents emigrated and large parts of the town were damaged during the Second World War.
Fortunately, tourism has helped the economy and many historic buildings have been restored. Although many of them owned by foreigners or Greeks living elsewhere.
Gialos and Chorio
While there are a few villages and settlements around the island, there’s only one real town on Symi. Most often, it’s just called Symi, but it actually divided into two areas: Gialos and Chorio.
Gialos is the lower, newest part, surrounding the harbour. Chorio is the historic upper town, built on the hillside above. It’s also called Ano Symi, which literally means upper Symi.
Both have their own atmosphere and are well worth exploring. Walking between them is also one of the best ways to experience Symi. And if you don’t feel like walking the steps up to Chorio, there’s a bus going from the harbour every hour. Just let the driver know you’re getting off in Chorio!
How to get to Symi
Symi doesn’t have an airport, so to get here you’ll need to take a ferry from Rhodes Town. During the summer season there are frequent daily departures. And depending on which ferry you choose, it takes from 50 minutes to 1,5 hour each way.
If you’re travelling from elsewhere in Greece, you’ll usually need to connect via Rhodes.
The three main ferry companies operating the Rhodes – Symi route is Blue Star Ferries, Dodekanisos Seaways and Sebeco Lines. You can book tickets directly on their websites, at the harbour or on websites/apps like Ferryhopper – like I did.
I took Sebeco Lines one way and Dodekanisos Seaways the other, and although both were fine, I’ll go for Dodekanisos next time. The Sebeco Line vessel is much smaller, and half of us sitting upstairs on the deck got drenched within the first 30 minutes. The Dodekanisos I took, was a large car ferry with a spacious lounge and large deck with plenty of seating.
Just make sure to double check which port your ferry depart from in Symi, some leave from the main harbour but others a 20 minutes’ walk away.
Tip: Turn off roaming or turn your phone on flight mode on the journey. They route goes into Turkish water and you don’t want a surprise roaming cost.
Where to Stay in Symi
Earlier I called Symi sort of a hidden gem. And while it certainly isn’t a place no one knows about, the majority of visitors here are day trippers. Which reflects the accommodation options on the island.
There are no large hotels or resorts on the island. Instead, you’ll find boutique hotels, family-run guesthouses and apartments to rent. Most of them in and around Symi town, but there are also options for staying in Pedi and Nimborio, for those who want an even quieter holiday with easy access to a beach.
Personally, I recommend staying withing easy walking distance to the main harbour area. That way you are close to restaurants, bars, taxi boats and everything else happening, but also away from the hustle and bustle – even though it’s mostly during the day.
I booked a super-cosy, although a bit dated, studio with a loft and the balcony of my dreams at Marina Studios, about 10-15 minutes’ walk from the centre. The owner Julie was so lovely and even welcomed me with a fridge full of water and a bottle of local wine.
Just beare in mind, that if you’re not overly keen on walking up and down a lot of steps, choose a place in Gialos close to the water.
Things to Do in Symi
Symi isn’t the kind of place where you arrive with an itinerary full of sightseeing and activity plans. Instead, it’s the perfect place for a slow-paced holiday filled with sun, sea and beautiful scenery.
Think beach hopping, walking to nearby villages, getting lost in the narrow streets and stairs of Gialos and Chorio, people-watching at the harbour, and perhaps a visit to a 15th century monastery.
Read on for my recommendations on what to spend your time on while in Symi.
Beach-hopping
I dare say that this is the number one thing to do in Symi. Visit as many beaches and bays as possible!
You won’t find a large stretch of soft sand and fancy beach clubs here, but many smaller bays with pebble beaches or swimming platforms scattered around the island. Most of them have facilities such as sunbeds and cosy tavernas. And all of them offer the same stunningly clear water!
Find my guide to 9 of the best beaches on Symi here.
Visit Panormitis Monastery
The historic Panormitis Monastery is located on the opposite side of the island from the main town and is well worth a visit for everyone interested in culture and history.
Written sources say that it dates back to the 15th century, and it’s known for its Byzantine wall paintings.
To get here, you can either rent a car, take the local bus or join a tour. I had initially planned to go here, but with the limited bus departures and me not wanting to drive the narrow, winding roads combined with wanting to see all the beaches, I saved it for next time.
Join a full-day boat trip to remote beaches
One of the most popular things to do in Symi is to join a full day boat trip to remote beaches and bays. A great opportunity if you’re short on time but want to see more than one beach.
The two main companies are Maria Traditional Boat and the Poseidon. Both departs from the main harbour at 10:30 and returns in the late afternoon and offer an included lunch.
There are also companies offering private tours, and boats for rent if you want to go on your own.
Go hiking
Symi is a mountainous island and hiking along old donkey trails is a popular activity in shoulder and low season. You can choose both longer and shorter routes, some starting near the harbour others you can drive to.
There are also some shorter walks that’s perfect for early mornings in the hotter season. Like walking to Agios Nikolaos beach or Nimborio beach from Gialos. You can take the taxi boat back after spending the day on the beach.
Rent an e-bike or book a guided sunset tour
With an electric bike exploring on your own is a breeze, even on hot summer days! SeeMe Rolling is located just behind the main harbour and have a fleet of bikes suitable for the hilly landscape for rent.
Go across the island to Panormitis or stop by one or more of the remote bays on a self-guided tour. Or join one of their guided tours. I really wanted to do the sunset tour as you can’t actually see the sun set from Symi town, but unfortunately never got around to it.
Getting around Symi
The main modes of transport on Symi are your feet and boat. Taxi boats are 100% the easiest way to get to the different beaches. Stop by their stands on the main harbour to pick up timetables and buy tickets.
For exploring Gialos and Chorio, walking is your best option. Narrow streets and stairs make up most of the old town. When walking along the harbour, watch out for motorbikes and cars driving past.
There’s a public bus going from the harbour to Pedi every hour, and it also stops in Chorio on the way if you tell the driver that’s where you want to get off. There are also daily buses to Panormitis Monastery.
As well as e-bikes, you can also rent motorbikes, quad bikes and cars. But bear in mind that the roads are narrow and winding.
Where to eat
There’s no lack of places to eat on Symi. Every other shop along the harbour front and inside the maze of narrow streets behind is a restaurant. You find everything from Greek fast food, traditional tavernas, fish restaurants, Asian tastes and pizza places.
But try venturing away from the harbour area for dinner at least one night. There are lots of nice and bit quieter restaurants up in Chorio as well, such as the Kali Strata – where you can enjoy the view of the bay shifting colours as the sun sets. I had my best one of my best meals at Odyssia Restaurant, a small family-run restaurant an easy 1-kilometre walk along the water from the main restaurant. My meal here turned into a full evening with the elderly owner and a group of English tourists.
Most beaches also have excellent tavernas for lunch. Whether you want a Greek salad, fresh seafood or a gyro, you’ll find it there. A special shout-out to the taverna in Nanou Bay. I had heard good things, and it didn’t disappoint! Ask the owner for their daily recommendations.
What to buy on Symi
Natural sponges!
While sponge diving may not be most important industry anymore, it’s definitely an important part of the island’s heritage. And you find plenty of shops selling a variety of different sponges. Some shops focus mainly on this and if they have time, they’re happy to tell you the story of sponge diving in Symi.
Other than sponges, you find a variety of cute boutique stores and souvenir shops along the harbour and in the streets behind. Selling everything from jewellery and leather items to magnets and olive products.
If you like to get a piece of locally made art on your travels, stop by Symi Canvas next to LOS Art Yacht Club on the harbour promenade. Here you find lovely paintings in various sizes as well as other types of interior decor. Marina, the owner, is the daughter of Julie who I rented an apartment from, and I got to store my luggage at her gallery on my last day there.
How many days do you need on Symi?
As mentioned before, most visitors come to Symi on a day trip from Rhodes. But to experience the best of the island, I’d stay at least two nights.
You’ll want at least one full day to enjoy the beaches without constantly checking the timetable. Plus, time to explore Chorio and Gialos without rushing.
I stayed four nights and could easily have spent another week there. I still have plenty of places yet to explore.
Be a responsible guest
Fresh water is a limited resource on Symi. So do your bit by turning off the tap while brushing your teeth, shampooing your hair or doing the dishes.
Every drop counts!
My final tip for visiting Symi
Don’t judge Symi by the middle of the day. Between late morning and mid-afternoon the harbour fills with day-trippers arriving from Rhodes, and the atmosphere changes completely.
So, stay overnight and enjoy Symi at its best: on a remote beach during the day and in town in the afternoon and evening.
