Top Things to Do in Symi

Symi is a small island in the Dodecanese, tucked between Rhodes and the Turkish coast. Its harbour of pastel neoclassical houses, rising in tiers above the water, is one of the most beautiful sights in the Aegean. Most visitors arrive as day-trippers from Rhodes, which is an easy and rewarding outing. But Symi rewards those who stay overnight, when the day-trip crowds leave and the harbour quietens into something more intimate. Here is what to prioritise.

Wander the harbour of Gialos

Gialos, the main harbour, is where most journeys begin and end. The neoclassical mansions, built in the wealth of the island's 19th-century shipbuilding and sponge-trading era, line the waterfront in shades of ochre, pink, and cream. Take time to simply walk the promenade, watch the caïques and ferries come and go, and sit at one of the waterside tavernas. Early morning and late afternoon are the best times for photographs, when the light softens on the façades and the crowds are thinner.

Climb the Kali Strata steps to Chorio

The steps known as Kali Strata climb from the harbour to Chorio, the island's old town and main village above. The ascent is steep and takes some effort, but it is one of the most memorable walks on the island. As you climb, the view opens across the harbour and the rooftops, and the lanes of Chorio reward you with small churches, traditional houses, and quiet corners. Wear sensible shoes, carry water, and allow time to stop at the viewpoints along the way. Once at the top, the old town is perfect for an unhurried wander and a lunch of local dishes.

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Visit the Panormitis Monastery

On the southern side of Symi, the Monastery of Archangel Michael at Panormitis is one of the island's most significant religious sites and a place of real pilgrimage for Orthodox Greeks. Set around a sheltered bay, its large complex of buildings, courtyards, and church is peaceful and atmospheric. Visitors are welcome, but should dress modestly and behave respectfully within the monastery. Getting there usually involves a boat trip or a drive over the island's roads, and the bay itself makes a pleasant stop.

Take a boat trip to secluded beaches

Symi's coastline is deeply indented, and many of its best swimming spots are reachable only by sea. Boat trips from Gialos are one of the most popular ways to spend a day, taking you along the coast to small coves and bays where the water is clear and the crowds are minimal. Trips vary in length and what they include, so compare options and check with operators locally about departure times, what is included, and whether lunch or swimming stops are part of the package. Bring water shoes for rocky entries, sun protection, and cash for onboard purchases.

Taste Symi shrimp and local seafood

Symi shrimp, a small, sweet local prawn, is the island's signature ingredient and a reason to linger over lunch. Waterfront tavernas serve it simply grilled or in dishes that let its flavour shine, often with a glass of local wine or ouzo. Seafood is central to the island's cuisine generally, so it is worth asking what the day's catch is and choosing a restaurant that buys locally. Eat slowly, order a few dishes to share, and let the harbour view do the rest.

Getting to Symi

There are no direct flights to Symi. The nearest airport is Rhodes International Airport (RHO), and from there you travel to the island of Rhodes and then take a ferry or hydrofoil from the main port of Mandraki to Symi. The crossing takes roughly one to two hours depending on the vessel type. Ferry connections are the primary and most efficient way to reach the island, whether you are visiting for a day or staying longer. Schedules change with the season, so check timetables locally before you travel.

Practical tips

• Plan a day trip from Rhodes, but consider staying overnight to enjoy the harbour after the day crowds leave.
• Wear comfortable shoes for Kali Strata and the lanes of Chorio, which involve steep and uneven steps.
• Dress modestly when visiting Panormitis Monastery.
• Check ferry and boat-trip schedules locally, as they vary by season and can change.
• Carry cash for smaller tavernas and boat operators, and check locally what is accepted.
• Book accommodation early in the high season, as rooms in the harbour area fill quickly.