As the ferry glides into harbour, lulled by the murmurs of the generator and the hypnotic laps of the Aegean sea, you’ll suddenly find yourself jostling for space. A buzz of anticipation surges along the deck for that first glimpse of Symi’s postcard-perfect port. Tourists lean over the rails, fingers poised to snap, as the island’s pastel houses appear in a patchwork of ochres, pinks, and creams. A tower of Neoclassical mansions cascade down the hillside, their hand-painted façades glowing in the morning sun like oils on an artist’s palette; few first impressions are this cinematic.
Symi is impossibly photogenic from every angle. As you reach Gialos harbour – the island’s beating heart – you’ll pass fishing boats bobbing, cats dozing in doorways, and cafes shaded by scalloped awnings, as the scent of salt, citrus and sizzling seafood winds through its maze of streets. Follow the curve of the waterfront and you’ll cross the Bridge of Love, linking the main quay to the neighbouring quarter. Waves slosh against the marina walls as the docks creak, while locals strip off for a dip into the surf. Look up and you’ll see sienna, rose, and terracotta houses rising up towards the old town of Chorio, stitched together by the stone steps of the Kali Strata.
Climb this historic path and you’ll wander through lanes that tell stories from another era, hissing through shuttered windows and undulating along the glinting Aegean below. Stop for a plate of Symi shrimps, the island’s famous delicacy – tiny, sweet, and eaten whole like “aquatic popcorn”- the perfect snack to take in the cinematic views. Beyond the bustle of the port and the beeping of mopeds, St George’s Bay awaits, a secluded paradise hemmed in by towering cliffs and reachable only by boat, its turquoise waters so clear you can see every swirl on the seabed.
The island is suspended between worlds, geographically, historically and culturally. Sitting just 4 miles from Turkey and 25 miles from Rhodes, Symi is one of the “Twelve Islands” (Dodeka nisia) that make up Greece’s most diverse archipelago. Layers of Greek, Ottoman, and Italian influence coexist in this crossroads of civilisations, where East meets West. The Dodecanese has always stood a little apart from mainland Greece: looking out to the sea rather than inward to the land.
Symi’s history is anchored in legend. According to mythology, the island was named after the nymph Syme, a beauty so captivating that even Poseidon, god of the sea, was said to be unable to resist her. Their son, Chthonius, became king of Symi’s first inhabitants, and the Charites – the Graces, goddesses of beauty and charm – were rumoured to have been born here. The island still has an irresistible quality today.
From the earliest days, Symi’s fortunes surged from the water. In his Iliad, Homer writes that Symi sent ships to Troy, a reflection of ancient shipbuilding reputation that rippled across the Mediterranean as far back as the 7th century. Over the centuries, Symi’s craftsmen built some of the finest boats in the Aegean, and its sponge-diving fleet became the largest in the world. In Symi docks, you’ll find a statue of the sponge diver, Stathis Hatzis, immortalised in stone, a tribute to the men who risked their lives free-diving to as deep as 88 metres. During the 18th and 19th centuries, Symi even rivalled Rhodes in both population and influence. The wealth of that era still clings to the hillsides, with grand mansions that swell across the slopes built by merchants and captains, whose bounty rose from the sea.
Centuries prior, Symi’s prosperity ebbed and flowed with history’s tides. After hundreds of years under the Byzantine Empire, it was conquered by the Knights of St John, who built the medieval Monastery of Panormitis, one of Greece’s most important pilgrimage sites. Ottoman rule followed for nearly 400 years, which fueled Symi’s golden age, when the island became a valuable trading hub with flourishing industries, thanks to relative autonomy and tax exemptions. When the Greek War of Independence began in 1821, Symi joined the fight, but the Dodecanese islands were never fully absorbed into the new Greek state. Instead, they remained under Ottoman, and later Italian control in 1912, a separation that shaped the residents’ unique identity.
Each occupier left traces in its blue-domed churches, holy monasteries, and merchant mansions. To visit Symi is to straddle Europe and Asia, the past and the present. Today, fewer than 3,000 people live on the island, but its surging spirit remains, resilient against the changes of the tides and rooted in history. The locals still fly their own flag and honour the Archangel Michael, their patron and protector. Walking up the Kali Strata to Chorio, the stone steps, polished by generations of feet, seem to whisper tales of Symi’s golden age, worn by captains, fishermen, and divers for thousands of years.
How to Get to Symi From Rhodes
The island is only reachable via boat, with the journey from Rhodes to Symi as much part of the experience as the arrival itself. Symi doesn’t have its own airport, with the nearest being Rhodes International Airport. Diagoras is the fourth busiest airport in Greece, connecting to Athens along with many major and local cities across the UK and Europe. Once you land at Rhodes Airport, it’s easy to reach the ports where boats depart for Symi. You can take a taxi or bus to Rhodes Town, which takes around 25 to 40 minutes, depending on which harbour you’re heading to.
For most scheduled ferry services, head to Kolona Harbour, about 30 minutes by taxi or 40 minutes by bus. The docks lie just outside the medieval walls of Rhodes and take their name from a column (“kolona” in Greek) that once stood nearby. The surrounding fortifications were built by the Knights of St John in the 14th century to protect the bustling maritime trade that made Rhodes a naval stronghold in the eastern Mediterranean.
Mandraki Harbour, just north of Kolona, is the departure point for most daily excursions and tour boats to Symi. The journey from the airport takes roughly 25 minutes by taxi, or 35 minutes by bus. Mandraki’s history dates back to antiquity, where ships have docked since ancient times, passing through the legs of The Colossus of Rhodes, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Legend has it that Colossus straddled the harbour entrance, but historians mostly agree he likely stood beside it, towering 108 feet above the Aegean Sea. Today, two stone columns topped with bronze deer mark the traditional site of this mountain of a man. Both harbours are within easy walking distance of Rhodes’ old town, so you can grab a coffee or explore the cobbled streets before setting off for Symi.
There are multiple ferry journeys per day from the Island of the Sun, where the anticipation of seeing Symi for the first time builds with every lap of the waves. The boat ride is a highlight in itself, as you leave the fortified walls of Rhodes behind and glide across the Aegean, the view of Symi’s pastel-hued houses tumbling steeply down the harbour is one of the most filmworthy arrivals in Greece.
Services run from Rhodes Town throughout the year, with schedules increasing in frequency to around 30 per week in the summer months, compared to 10 in winter. Tickets typically cost between €7 and €30 each way, with faster catamarans at the higher end. The ferry from Rhodes Town to Symi takes around 45 to 90 minutes, depending on the operator. Catamarans make the crossing in just under an hour, with some offering day trips via high-speed boat, while ferries take a little longer to sail past the Turkish coast and into Symi’s harbour.
Several operators run the direct route, including Dodekanisos Seaways, Sebeco Lines, and Sea Dreams. Dodekanisos Seaways is the most reliable year-round option, operating high-speed vessels that make the crossing in under an hour. Sebeco Lines and Sea Dreams offer more leisurely and affordable routes in summer.
Staying outside of Rhodes Town? You can book sailings from Faliraki and Lindos, but don’t expect as frequent sailings, as journeys pause over winter. You can also book direct ferries from Kos if you’re island hopping, or if you’re based in Türkiye, you can get a boat from Fethiye to Rhodes.
Tours to Symi from Rhodes
If you’re visiting Symi for a day trip from Rhodes, there’s no shortage of organised tours to suit your schedule and budget. Most departures leave from Rhodes Town, but there are also high-speed catamarans from Lindos and Faliraki during the warmer months.
Daily tours run from late spring to early autumn, with most boats leaving between 9 and 11, returning in the late afternoon. Many itineraries include a swim stop in the turquoise waters of St George’s Bay, while others make a detour to the Panormitis Monastery, one of the most peaceful spots on the island. The journey from Rhodes Town to Symi takes between 45 and 90 minutes, depending on the vessel and route.
Sebeco Lines - Direct to Symi
One of the most popular and affordable options, Sebeco Lines runs daily excursions from April to early November, offering a fast and comfortable route to Symi. Departing from Kolono Harbour in Rhodes Old Town, Sebeco’s modern speedboats reach Symi in just over an hour. You’ll have around three and a half hours to explore the colourful harbour of Gialos before returning to Rhodes.
Departure: Kolono Harbour, Rhodes Old Town
Duration: 6.5 – 8 hours total (around 3.5 hours free time on Symi)
When: Daily at 10:30
Cost: €31 per adult
Highlights: Direct, comfortable crossing including air-conditioned seating – an affordable choice for a classic day trip.
Half Price Tours - Direct to Symi
If you want a door-to-port experience, Half Price Tours offers pick-ups from hotels across Rhodes Town, Faliraki, and Lindos. A handy option if you’re staying outside the capital and don’t want the fuss of making your own way to the harbour. The journey from Rhodes Town to the island takes roughly an hour each way, giving you about four hours of free time to soak up Symi town.
Departure: Multiple pick-up points including Rhodes Town, Faliraki & Lindos
Duration: 7 – 10 hours (depending on your departure point, with 4 hours free time on Symi)
When: Daily in the morning (depending on your location)
Cost: €38 per adult
Highlights: Island-wide hotel pick-ups, a comfortable high-speed boat, and four hours to explore Symi at your own pace.
Rhodes Sea Lines - Includes St. George’s Bay
One of the most scenic services to Symi. Rhodes Sea Lines’ high-speed boat departs mid-morning, reaching Symi in an hour. On the way back, there’s a stop at St George’s Bay, the island’s most beautiful beach, where you can swim in pristine waters framed by vertical cliffs and daredevil goats.
Departure: Mandraki Harbour, Rhodes Town
Duration: 7 – 8 hours total (3 hours free time on Symi)
When: Daily at 11
Cost: €45 – €50 per adult
Highlights: Swim stop at the secluded St George’s Bay, small-group atmosphere, and fast crossing.
Kariba Travel - Includes Panormitis Monastery
Experience Symi’s spiritual side with Kariba Travel’s full-day cruise. Journeys begin with a visit to the Panormitis Monastery, one of the most important pilgrimage sites in the Dodecanese. You’ll then have 3 hours to wander Symi town’s waterfront. On Saturdays, the tour adds a swim stop at Nimborio Bay, a quiet cove known for its glassy waters.
Departure: Multiple pick-up points including Rhodes Town, Faliraki & Lindos
Duration: 8 – 9 hours (depending on your departure point, with 3 hours free time on Symi)
When: Daily in the morning (depending on your location)
Cost: €40 per adult
Highlights: Visit to Panormitis Monastery, and Saturday swim stop at Nimborio Bay – a mix of culture, sightseeing, and swimming.
Faliraki Sea Lines - Includes St. George’s Bay
If you’re based on the east coast, the Faliraki Sea Lines Direct Cruise to Symi is a scenic option, with no transfer needed at Rhodes Town. Departing from Faliraki Beach at 10, the high-speed catamaran crosses the Aegean in 80 minutes, arriving in Symi around noon. Enjoy three hours of free time before returning to Rhodes, with a refreshing dip in St George’s Bay on the way back.
Departure: Faliraki Beach
Duration: 7 – 8 hours total (3 hours free time on Symi)
When: Daily at 10
Cost: €49 per adult
Highlights: Direct route from Faliraki to Symi, with a swim stop at St George’s Bay – practical and picturesque.
Lindos Sea Lines - Includes St. George’s Bay
Further south on Rhodes, Lindos Sea Lines offers summer-only sailings to Symi. Departing early from Pefkos or Lardos, these longer cruises travel up the island’s east coast past Lindos’ acropolis, Archangelos, and Kalymbia, with a stop at Rhodes Town before heading across to Symi for 12. It’s a slower but scenic journey, ideal if you’d rather spend more time on the water and less time on the road.
Departure: Lardos (for Pefkos) & Vlicha (for Lindos)
Duration: 9 – 10 hours total (3 hours free time on Symi)
When: 2 – 4 weekly sailings in summer at 9.25 or 9.40 (depending on your location)
Cost: €90 per adult / €50 per child
Highlights: Stunning coastal route from the south of the island, with a swim stop at St George’s Bay – perfect if you’re staying in Lindos or nearby resorts.
Are there cars on Symi island?
There are very few cars on Symi, and that’s part of its charm. As you come into port, you’ll hear the hoots of mopeds, and once you disembark, you’ll find taxis and two local bus routes. One runs once an hour connecting Gialos harbour, Chorio old town and Pedi Bay, and another to the Monastery of Panormitis, a few times a day. Many of the highlights of Symi are best explored on foot, with most of the island’s main village areas made up of narrow lanes and stepped pathways that are completely pedestrianised.
Is Symi a walkable island?
Yes, Symi is wonderfully walkable, especially around the dock and upper town. The Kali Strata, the famous 500-step stone staircase that links the two, is steep but rewarding, with plenty of shade and sea views along the way.
If you venture beyond the town, bring sturdy shoes and plenty of water – the terrain becomes rugged, hilly, and exposed. But even short hikes reward you with quiet coves and breathtaking panoramas of the Aegean.
Exploring Symi Town
The hub of the island is the lower town port of Gialos, also known as Yialos, and the upper old town of Chorio, often called Horio or Ano Symi. Set aside time just for this, because everything beyond is a bonus.
Begin at the waterfront, following the horseshoe of the harbour until you bump into the statue of Stathis Hatzis, a tribute to Symi’s legendary sponge freedivers. Look up and you’ll see the white stone of the Clock Tower towering over the town since 1881, with the hillside houses stacked behind like a model village.
Climb the 500 steps of Kali Strata staircase, which has connected the docks with the upper town of Chorio since the 19th century. As you make your way up, you’ll catch glimpses of island life as traces of Symi’s history unfold with every step. Once you’ve reached the top and caught your breath, wind around the old town’s narrow lanes, lined with shuttered windows and carved stone doorways of the old merchant’s houses, as the church bells ring above and the sea glints below. Explore Chorio’s terraces, courtyards and markets, with each turn revealing another chromatic view. Sample the local goat’s cheese, stuffed cabbage leaves, and must-try mini shrimps. Inhale the scents of aromatic herbs grown on the mountainside, from oregano to thyme and sage.
Dig deeper into Symi’s history on the summit at the ruins of the Acropolis, once dedicated to the goddess Athena. Fragments of stone walls date back to the 5th century BC and mark the heart of ancient Symi. Centuries later, the Knights of St John built their fortress directly over these remains, creating the Castle of the Knights, which still stands guard over the island today. The views from the castle are one of the best panoramas on the island, sweeping across the terracotta rooftops of Chorio and out to the blue Aegean beyond.
Just beyond the castle, a line of windmills crowns the ridge of the skyline. Once used to grind grain brought up from the harbour in the 1800s, they’re now the backdrop for hordes of photographers. Catch them at sunset, the orange rooftops glistening in golden light.
After exploring the hilltop, make your way to the marina down Kali Strata’s winding steps, as the sound of cicadas fades and the scent of jasmine lingers in the air. As twilight falls, the lights of Gialos begin to flicker, their reflections shimmering like lanterns on the water – the perfect backdrop for dinner by the sea. Settle into one of the seafront tavernas for fresh seafood, a glass of local wine, and a front-row seat to one of the most magical docks in the Dodecanese.
The Best Views in Symi
What it lacks in size, Symi makes up for in views. The island refuses to let you take a bad photo, with each corner revealing a new painting come to life. Warning: extra camera batteries recommended.
Kali Strata Steps
Climb at golden hour. The view over the harbour’s houses, masts, and waters is pure magic.
Chorio Viewpoint
Head to the old castle ruins in the old town for a panoramic sweep across Gialos and out to Turkey’s coast. Few places better capture Symi’s crossroads between Europe and Asia.
Tholos Waterfront
Dine with your feet inches from the water. At night, the lights of the town shimmer in the bay.
Clock Tower Promenade
Near the port, a perfect spot for watching ferries glide in and day-trippers depart as dusk descends.
Aliki Hotel Terrace
Enjoy an evening drink at this hotel terrace with unbeatable harbour views, tucked round the corner from the clock tower.
Where to Eat & Drink in Symi
From waterfront seafood tavernas with vine-covered terraces to tucked-away cafes in shady courtyards, Symi’s culinary scene blends authentic flavours with relaxed hospitality. Expect a tapestry of flavours woven from the island’s centuries of conquerors, from meze with garlicky tzatziki and Ottoman roots, to servings of slow-cooked stifado stew simmering in Italian trattorias.
Fresh fish is unfailingly the star of the show, with the island’s tiny, crispy, and addictive Simiako garidaki shrimps the undisputed winner. Other local delicacies include Lachanondolmades – stuffed cabbage leaves with fava and herbs – along with fishballs, goat’s cheese and chickpeas with dill. Pick up a jar of the island’s thyme honey bursting with rich, herbal flavour that’s perfect for drizzling over yoghurt or pairing with salty feta. Sweet treats native to the island include Akoumia, an ouzo-infused doughnut, and Misokofti, a traditional pudding made with the juice of Symi’s abundance of prickly pears. Make like a local and down a glass of Greece’s national drink, ouzo, or opt for an aperitif of the aromatic mastiha.
In Symi, you’ll taste the briny sea, citrus zest and anise raki. Start your day with a homemade breakfast in the cobbled old town, and end it with a candlelit cocktail as the light fades over the quay, and the sun melts into the sea.
Pavone Cafe
Where: Μουράγιο, Simi 856 00, Greece
Best for: Award-winning houseblend coffee and seasonal breakfasts
When: Monday to Saturday 9am – 3pm
Get respite from the heat just a few steps from the harbour, with a cold brew latte and cake with banana ice cream, served in a shady courtyard surrounded by leafy plants and sleepy cats. Winner of Greece’s speciality cafe in the 2025 European Coffee Trip Awards, Pavone’s passion for coffee and food is unmissable in every mouthful.
Mediterraneo Cafe
Where: Gialos Harbourfront, Symi 85600
Best for: Healthy brunches with a slice of harbour-side people-watching
When: Daily 9.30am – 5.30pm
Waterfront café with fresh ingredients, served with a front-row seat to the island’s comings and goings. Order a French press coffee and chocolate banana cake, or enjoy a leisurely breakfast with their famous avocado toast as you watch the ferries glide in.
The Secret Garden Cafe
Where: Chorio, Symi 85600
Best for: Homecooked mezzes and leafy calm
When: Wednesday to Monday 12pm – 3.30pm, 6pm – 12am, Tuesday 6pm – 12am
Hidden up in the upper town, this tranquil spot feels more like an oasis than a cafe, lined with a trail of pink bougainvillaea and framed by blue window shutters. Come for home-cooked food served in a hideaway under the trees. Their filo-baked feta, sausage stew and seafood saganaki are worth the climb alone.
Taverna O Haris
Where: Gialos Harbour, Symi 85600
Best for: Traditional seafood served with Symi shrimp and charm
When: Daily 12pm – 5pm, 7pm – 10.30pm
Beloved local taverna by the harbour serving the island’s famous tiny shrimps, alongside seafood risotto and mussels in wine. This family-run gem is simple, unpretentious, and the essence of Greek island dining.
Agora Restaurant
Where: Kali Strata, Symi 85600
Best for: Fine dining with panoramic views
When: Daily 7:30pm – 9:30pm
Located within the beautifully restored Old Markets Hotel, Agora offers haute cuisine in a historic building. A Michelin-trained team transforms local ingredients into reimagined classics – from sea bream to smoked eel and artisanal cheeses – all served on a roof terrace with panoramic views of the dock and beyond. For the full experience, opt for the tasting menu, with each plate capturing a taste of Symi’s golden merchant era.
EVA Cocktail Bar
Where: Γυαλός, Simi 856 00, Greece
Best for: Expertly crafted cocktails with a relaxed harbour-front atmosphere
When: Daily 8am – 12am
Choose from three volumes of hand-drawn cocktail menus that are as much a work of art as the drinks. Inventive choices at EVA include wasabi martinis and gin fizz, all created from premium spirits. Watch the world go by and the sun go down on the cosy Edwardian sofas of this seafront favourite.
Beyond the Harbour
While the port is the jewel in Symi’s crown, venturing further afield reveals rarer stones. The island is embedded with hidden bays, historic monasteries and sweeping panoramas.
The surrounding area of the town is navigable on foot, but hiring a car or moped allows you to see the less-travelled areas of the island like the locals do. You can explore further inland on hiking trails, through pine forests and past wine presses. Before you set off, be careful to avoid exposed hikes in summer, and be sure to bring plenty of water when exploring the island.
Chorio
Just above the docks and at the top of Kali Strata stairs sits Chorio old town, where you’ll discover whitewashed courtyards tucked behind vine-covered gates. Across the hilltop lies the ancient acropolis, medieval castle and row of windmills, offering expansive views across the island and towards Turkey. At dusk, watch the harbour lights begin to warm, illuminating the way home for merchants and sponge divers of old.
Panormitis Monastery
The holy Panormitis Monastery is one of Symi’s most cherished spots. A scenic 45-minute drive to the southwest of the island, or a 1-hour 45 boat trip from Gialos, this 15th-century monastery was dedicated to Archangel Michael, and is one of the Dodecanese’s most important pilgrimage sites. Its serene waterside location, ornate bell tower and exquisite frescoes attract 300,000 visitors per year. You’ll find it included on several day trips to Symi.
Symi’s Best Beaches
The best beaches in Symi are only reachable by boat, but plenty are accessible on foot. If you have a few days in Symi, join a boat tour or rent your own around the island for sea caves, remote beaches, and views only visible from the water.
Nos Beach
A twenty-minute walk west of the port is Nos Beach. A calm spot right near the dock that, while pebbly and tiny, is perfect for a refreshing dip. Kirtos Beach Cafe offers sunbeds, umbrellas and snacks.
Plaka Beach
Round the headland lies Plaka Beach, which is easily reached by steps from the main road. The bleached rock face above this small beach makes an ideal sunbathing spot after a few lengths in its sparkling waters, but if you’re shy, watch out for admiring goats and peacocks.
Nimborio Bay
Further west lies Nimborio or Emborios Bay. You can take a ten-minute boat taxi or a forty-minute hike from the harbour to reach it. This quiet beach sits near a picturesque fishing settlement and offers shallow waters, a taverna and some watersports. It’s a great starting point for exploring nearby coves.
Agia Marina
Further north of Nimborio sits Agia Marina, with boat taxis running from Symi town every hour over summer. Hidden by rocky coves, this beach is dominated by a popular bar. After a dip in the turquoise waters, you can relax on a rented sunbed.
Pedi Bay
East of Symi town, take the thirty-minute walk to Pedi Bay, a peaceful fishing cove and tranquil swimming spot framed by olive trees, parasols and calm water. There are a few hotels and laid-back tavernas here, including the delicious Kamares Coffee Snack. You can also take the public bus that goes regularly from Symi to Pedi.
St. Nicolas Beach
St Nicholas Beach lies a twenty minute walk south of Pedi and a ten minute drive from Symi town. This small sheltered cove sits below a mountain and has soft sand, sun beds and a restaurant.
St. George’s Bay
South of St Nicholas is Symi’s most famous swimming spot, named after another saint, St George’s Bay. A one-hour boat ride from the harbour, this remote and rocky beach is only accessible by sea, with no roads or paths. Agios Georgios of Dysalona sits underneath 300m of towering cliffs, with mountain goats overlooking transparent water, making this secluded cove perfect for snorkelling. The bay is included in numerous tours from Rhodes.
Nanou Bay
Further south on the island lies Nanou Bay, a pebbly cove reachable by water taxi or a 2 and a half hour walk from Symi town. Another popular snorkelling spot, its crystalline waters are surrounded by cliffs, cypress trees and sunbeds.
Marathounda Bay
Another twenty-minute drive south is Marathounda Bay. Blanketed with pebbles and boasting emerald waters, this wind-protected bay is known for its inquisitive goats that can rummage through bags. Enjoy the parasols, restaurant and coffee shop-cum-cocktail bar, with egg chairs and ice lattes on the menu.
Where to Stay in Symi
Whether you want the hustle and bustle of the harbour, hillside serenity above the old town, or beachfront sunbeds in a secluded bay, Symi has it all. The island’s accommodation has bags of charm and acres of atmosphere, from lovingly restored captain’s houses to boutique hotels overlooking the azure Aegean waters.
Enjoy a rustic guesthouse in the old-world charm of Chorio, or a tranquil bayside retreat with a heated pool. Many hotels are set in lovingly restored Neoclassical houses painted in pastel hues, so you can step straight into the island’s merchant past.
Looking for something a little different? For the serious swimmers or beach bums, opt for On The Rocks. True to its name, it’s perched right above the water with uninterrupted sea views and direct swimming access, a few feet from your bed.
1900 Hotel
Where: Kali Strata, Gialos Harbour, Symi 85600
Best for: Revamped heritage and harbour views
Located in an exquisitely restored 19th-century merchant’s mansion, a stone’s throw from Symi port, 1900 Hotel takes you back in time, without sacrificing contemporary comforts. Each of the four rooms has jewel-toned walls, high ceilings, antique furnishings, and walk-in showers with antique tiles, while the honesty bar and rooftop terrace give you sweeping views of the seafront. Once the home of Captain Mastoridis, this hotel is perfect for couples who appreciate simple luxury, and a neoclassical gem that captures the character of Symi.
Hotel Aliki
Where: Akti Pavlou, Harani Bay, Symi 85600
Best for: Old-world charm on the water’s edge
Occupying a grand turn-of-the-century building from 1895, Aliki Hotel sits directly on the seafront in Symi town. Quiet and homely, with a half-Greek, half-Italian owner, this traditional hotel welcomes you in a Chesterfield-clad lobby, with continental hospitality across three floors. Suites are understated, with period furniture, linen bedding and optional sea views. Wake up to the sound of the ocean and start your day with fresh local yoghurt at breakfast, then end the evening with a drink at the bar or sun terrace as the sun sets over Symi. Located on the peaceful edge of the dock, Aliki is a perfect base for exploring the island.
Kaminos Village
Where: Gialos, Symi 85600
Best for: Peaceful stays in a luscious setting
Hidden just behind the harbour, family-run Kaminos Village is a serene hideaway. Its pastel-painted buildings encircle a courtyard shaded by palms and blooms of bougainvillaea. Enjoy the garden and sea views on the balcony, or potter next door to its sister hotel, Iapetos Village, to use its heated pool and sauna. Kaminos’s spacious suites are decorated with whitewashed stone walls, natural fabrics and rattan furniture. With both cosy cave rooms and spacious apartments, it’s ideal for both couples and families looking for a getaway, just a short stroll from the main town.
Pedi Beach Hotel
Where: Pedi Bay, Symi 85600
Best for: Beachfront relaxation for longer stays
Nestled in a calm bay surrounded by hills, Pedi Beach Hotel sits right on the sand, offering instant access to the Aegean Sea and a warm welcome. A thirty-minute walk, ten-minute drive, or brief boat taxi from Symi port, Pedi Beach has a restaurant, gym and all the mod cons. Its gentle waters and laid-back charm are the perfect spot to unwind completely, with long lunches by the water and a page-turning book on a sunbed.
Hotel Kokona
Where: Chorio, Symi 85600
Best for: Old town charm with modern comforts
Located above the dock in the traditional upper town of Chorio, Kokona Hotel updates Symi’s timeless architecture with a bright, modern feel. Inside its butterscotch walls are airy rooms with shuttered windows and comfy beds. Enjoy the fresh pastries at breakfast and a sunset drink on the balcony, garden or terrace. Kokona’s friendly hosts and spotless suites make it a peaceful retreat in the historic old town.
Is Symi Worth Visiting?
Absolutely. Symi is Greece distilled: the colours, the light, the myth, and the warmth of its people. It’s small enough to feel intimate yet steeped in centuries of history and deep maritime roots, making it one of the most captivating islands in the Dodecanese. The gentle pace of Symi feels worlds away from the hustle and bustle of Rhodes. Time slows, and every corner looks painted by hand.
One of Greece’s most picturesque islands, its colour-washed harbour and hills draped in neoclassical grandeur are unique and unmistakable. Soak up its authenticity, quiet beauty and village charm before it’s too late, and experience a rare glimpse of the unhurried rhythm of Greek island life that has vanished from many neighbouring destinations.
When is The Best Time to Visit Symi?
Late spring (May to early June) and early autumn (September) are ideal: warm waters, gorgeous light, thin crowds, but regular ferries. Be warned: mid-July to August bring the highest numbers of visitors and tourist boats, so if you prefer a quiet break, book outside of the peak weeks.
Symi quickly fills with day-trippers from Rhodes between 10am and 5pm, so for peace and quiet, linger until evening, when the harbour empties, the church bells echo, and Symi glows like a lighthouse in the Aegean night.
Can Symi Be Done in a Day?
Yes, if you’re based in Rhodes and take an early ferry, you can spend 4 to 6 hours in Symi. Start with a harbour stroll and a foamy coffee, followed by lunch at the water and a walk up the Kali Strata, ending with a sneaky swim before the boat back. If you have time, staying overnight makes all the difference: the quiet cobbled streets, lantern-lit harbour and silent dawn. The slower rhythm when the day-trippers have gone are when Symi truly breathes.
