Symi
Gialos harbour, the medieval Chorio, the Panormitis monastery and the hidden beaches of the east coast.
Symi has the most photographed harbour in Greece — an amphitheatre of neoclassical mansions in ochre, yellow, terracotta and blue, rising up the hills of the Gialos. The island grew wealthy from sponge diving and shipbuilding in the 19th century, and every one of those merchants built a mansion in the harbour. Today it's a tiny island (population 2500) with excellent food, dramatic bays, and the Panormitis monastery in the south. Easy day trip from Rhodes or, better, a 2-night stay.
Getting there
No airport. Direct from Piraeus exists (14–17h, 2–3× weekly) but most travellers come via Rhodes — daily fast ferries take ~50 minutes, the standard route. Spectacular harbour arrival.
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Tip: Day trip from Rhodes is fine, but staying overnight is the experience.
When to Visit
Symi has the prettiest harbour-arrival in the Aegean — neoclassical houses stacked up the cliffs in pastel colours. Day-trippers from Rhodes pour in 10am-4pm in summer; the magic returns at sunset. Stay overnight to see it properly. Best June and September. The panigiri at Panormitis monastery on November 8 brings ferries running again.
2-day itinerary for Symi
Day 1: Gialos & Chorio
- 09:00 · Gialos Harbour
Arrive by ferry or day boat from Rhodes (1 hour). The first view of the harbour as you enter is unforgettable — an amphitheatre of painted neoclassical mansions rising from the water. - 10:00 · Nautical Museum
The story of Symi's extraordinary maritime heritage — sponge diving, shipbuilding, the trade with Egypt. The model ships alone are worth the entry. - 11:30 · Kali Strata Steps
The 500 steps from the harbour up to the old medieval capital of Chorio — one of the most photographed stair climbs in Greece. Take your time; there are cafes to stop at on the way up. - 12:30 · Chorio (Medieval Capital)
The Byzantine capital at the top of the hill — much quieter than the harbour, with views over both sides of the island. The Knights' castle at the summit was destroyed by Allied bombs in WWII but the ruins remain. - 15:00 · Nos Beach
The closest beach to the harbour — a short walk from Gialos. Pebble beach with clear water and views back to the harbour. Perfect for a late afternoon swim. - 20:30 · Dinner — Tholos Restaurant
One of the finest seafood restaurants in the Dodecanese — try the small shrimp (garides symi) that are unique to the island. Book ahead. For fine dining instead, Agora Restaurant at The Old Markets Boutique Hotel earned ★★ in the FNL Best Restaurant Awards 2026 (Modern Greek) and is on the FNL list of ten must-visit restaurants for 2026.
Day 2: Panormitis & Beaches
- 10:00 · Panormitis Monastery
The most famous monastery in the Dodecanese — dedicated to the Archangel Michael, patron of sailors. The bell tower is the tallest in the Dodecanese. Beautiful sheltered bay setting in the south of the island. - 12:30 · Agios Georgios Dysalona Beach
Dramatic pebble beach on the east coast beneath 300m cliffs — accessible only by boat from Gialos (20 min). The water is exceptional. Day cruises stop here. - 14:30 · Marathounda Beach
Another east-coast beach reached by boat — pebble beach with resident goats that descend to drink seawater. The taverna here serves excellent grilled fish. - 17:00 · Gialos — Departure
Ferry back to Rhodes (1 hour) or onward to the other Dodecanese. Regular day-trip boats also return in the evening.
Top beaches of Symi
Agios Georgios Dysalona
The most dramatic beach on Symi — a small pebble cove at the base of 300m sheer cliffs, accessible only by boat. The water clarity is extraordinary. Day cruises from Gialos harbour typically stop here for an hour's swimming.
- Type
- White pebble
- Length
- 150 m
- Depth
- Medium — crystal clear water
- Wind protection
- East-facing — mostly sheltered from the meltemi (the summer N/NE wind); can be choppy on the strongest NE days
- Facilities
- None — boat access only from Gialos (20 min).
Nos Beach
The easiest beach to reach from Symi Town — a 10-minute walk from Gialos harbour brings you to this pebble beach with clear water and views back over the town. Perfect for a late afternoon swim.
- Type
- Pebble
- Length
- 200 m
- Depth
- Medium — deep, clear water
- Wind protection
- Northeast-facing — exposed to the meltemi (the dominant summer N/NE wind); often windy on meltemi days
- Facilities
- Good: short walk from harbour, sunbeds, tavernas nearby.
Marathounda Beach
A quiet east-coast beach reached by boat — famous for the resident goats that wander down to lick the salt from the rocks. The taverna here serves excellent fish. Part of most day-cruise itineraries from Gialos.
- Type
- Pebble
- Length
- 200 m
- Depth
- Medium — clear, deep water
- Wind protection
- East-facing — mostly sheltered from the meltemi (the summer N/NE wind); can be choppy on the strongest NE days
- Facilities
- Basic: one taverna, resident goats.