Symi

Written by Celine Fournier, Julien Lambert, Maria Gaulto
08/08/2025
Breathtaking view of white Greek houses and the deep blue Aegean Sea on Symi Island.
Elaine Bispo, Pexels

Symi, a charming Greek island, captivates with its picturesque harbor adorned with colorful neoclassical mansions and offers tranquil coves for swimming. It is an ideal destination for those seeking relaxation and cultural immersion amidst stunning architectural beauty.

The port area, Gialos, serves as a central hub with waterfront cafes and restaurants perfect for enjoying a coffee or a meal. In the upper town, Ano Symi (Chorio), you can discover charming bars, while the village of Pedi also offers local cafes and restaurants where yacht owners often gather.

Top 5 Things to do in Symi

Symi offers a blend of exploring picturesque towns, relaxing on secluded beaches, delving into historical and cultural sites, and enjoying the island's unique culinary offerings.

1. Explore Symi Town (Gialos & Ano Symi)

Wander through Gialos, the vibrant main port, admiring the pastel-colored neoclassical mansions. From there, ascend the iconic Kali Strata, a stairway of approximately 500 steps, leading to Ano Symi (Chorio), the upper town. This climb rewards you with breathtaking panoramic views of the harbor and the Aegean Sea from the ruins of the Venetian Castle. Discover charming alleyways, small shops, and traditional tavernas along the way. The town truly comes alive in the evening as the harbor lights twinkle.

Cost: Free to explore. Public buses run between Gialos and Pedi/Chorio, typically costing a few euros per ride. Taxis are also available from the port.

Transport: Gialos is the port. Kali Strata connects Gialos to Ano Symi and is walkable from the port. Buses connect Gialos with Chorio and nearby Pedi. Taxi fares will vary by distance.

2. Visit Panormitis Monastery

Journey to the serene Monastery of Archangel Michael Panormitis, an 18th-century Venetian-style marvel nestled in a secluded bay on the island's southwest coast. This significant pilgrimage site for Orthodox Christians boasts an impressive bell tower and beautiful Byzantine frescoes. Take time to explore the main church and the two small museums on the grounds, one dedicated to ecclesiastical artifacts and the other to local folklore. The tranquil setting offers a profound sense of peace.

Cost: Entrance to the monastery is free. You can contribute with a donation. Boat trips from Symi or Rhodes will have a fare (e.g., 11-40 EUR depending on origin and type of trip).

Transport: Panormitis is approximately 12 km south of Symi town. The most common way to arrive is by boat from Symi port or as part of a day trip from Rhodes. It is also accessible by car or scooter, which can be rented in Symi town.

3. Boat Trip to Secluded Beaches

Experience Symi's crystal-clear, pebbled waters by taking a boat trip to its numerous secluded coves and beaches, many of which are only accessible by sea. Popular spots include Agios Georgios Disalonas, known for its dramatic cliffs, and Nanou Beach, often organized with a restaurant. These trips offer excellent opportunities for swimming and snorkeling in pristine conditions. Daily boat tours depart from Symi port, often including multiple stops and a barbecue, or you can opt for a water taxi to a specific beach.

Cost: Water taxis to two beaches typically cost 11-14 EUR. Full-day boat tours from Symi port or Rhodes range from 25-40 EUR. Private RIB trips can be arranged for around 1,000 EUR for a group.

Transport: Boats depart from Symi port. Water taxis offer direct transport to specific beaches. Buses from Symi town can take you to some beaches like Pedi or Agios Nikolaos, but many are boat-access only.

4. Taste Symi's Local Cuisine

Indulge in Symi's culinary delights, with a particular highlight being the famous 'Symi shrimp.' These tiny, crispy-fried shrimp are a local specialty, typically eaten whole. The waterfront tavernas in Gialos offer a wide array of fresh seafood and traditional Greek dishes. Explore restaurants in other villages like Pedi or Toli for a more local experience. Engaging with the local food scene provides a deeper connection to the island's culture and heritage.

Cost: Meal prices vary depending on the restaurant and dishes chosen. Generally, a meal at a local taverna can range from 15-30 EUR per person.

Transport: Restaurants are primarily located in Gialos (Symi Port), which is walkable. Other villages like Pedi and Toli can be reached by local bus, rented car/scooter, or taxi.

5. Explore Local Museums

Delve into Symi's rich past by visiting its insightful museums. The Archaeological and Folklore Museum, located in Chorio (Ano Symi), offers collections spanning Hellenistic, Roman, Byzantine, and traditional folklore periods, showcasing artifacts, icons, and everyday tools. In Gialos, the Naval Museum highlights Symi's historic shipbuilding and sponge-diving industries, featuring ship miniatures, old maps, and traditional diving equipment. These museums offer a quiet escape and a deeper understanding of the island's heritage.

Cost: Museum entrance fees are typically a few euros, though specific costs were not consistently available for all museums within recent articles. Tours often include these stops, but self-serving is generally more cost-effective.

Transport: The Archaeological and Folklore Museum is in Ano Symi, accessible by climbing Kali Strata or by local bus/taxi to Chorio. The Naval Museum is in Gialos, easily walkable from the port.

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