Symi
Symi is the insider tip of the Dodecanese — a small island (58 km²) just 25 km north of Rhodes, boasting one of the most photogenic harbors in the entire Mediterranean. When your boat sails into the bay of Gialos, you'll see what everyone means: Hundreds of neoclassical houses in ochre, terracotta, pastel yellow, pink, and sandstone, rising amphitheatrically up steep slopes, along with a handful of churches, windmills, and a clock tower — all mirrored in the still harbor water.
In the 19th century, Symi was one of the wealthiest islands in the Aegean — thanks to sponge diving. The splendid mansions of the sponge merchants still line the harbor today. After World War II (the surrender of the Dodecanese Italians was signed on Symi in 1945) and the end of the sponge trade, the island became impoverished, and the population shrank from 23,000 to under 3,000. Today, many houses are experiencing a renaissance thanks to gentle tourism.
Most visitors come as day-trippers from Rhodes (1 hour, ~15€ return) — they flood the harbor from 10 am to 4 pm and then disappear. Those who stay for at least one night experience the true Symi: the empty harbor at sunset, the lapping of the water, the smell of grilled fish from the taverns, and a silence that you never find in Rhodes.
💡 Tipp
Symi is THE insider tip of the Dodecanese. Stay for at least one night instead of just a day trip — in the evening, when the boats leave, the harbor is yours. The 500 Kali Strata steps up to Chora at sunset are unforgettable.
Gialos (Harbor Town)★★★
The harbor of Symi is simply stunning — one of those places that look unrealistically beautiful in photos and even better in reality. The bay is deep and naturally sheltered, the water mirror-smooth, and around it, the neoclassical houses are arranged in a perfect amphitheater of warm colors.
The architecture is unique in Greece: Instead of the usual cubic-white Cycladic aesthetic, Gialos shows Venetian-Italian style — symmetrical facades with pilasters, cornices, and wrought-iron balconies, three stories high, with tiled roofs. Many houses are listed, and the entire harbor front is one of the best-preserved neoclassical ensembles in the Aegean.
Along the harbor quay, taverns with terraces right by the water line up — the quality is consistently good (the day-trippers ensure competition). Be sure to try the local specialty: small Symi shrimps (tiny, sweet, in garlic and olive oil — sensational). Along the waterfront, small boutiques, a sponge shop, and the shipyard where traditional wooden boats are built and repaired.
From the harbor, the 500 steps of the Kali Strata (the "Good Steps") lead up to Chora — the upper town with the fortress and the most beautiful panoramic views. The ascent takes 15–20 minutes and is especially magical at sunset: the houses glow golden, the sea sparkles, and Symi shows its best side.
💡 Tipp
Climbing the Kali Strata steps at sunset is a MUST. Have an ouzo with a sea view at the top in Chora, then descend in the dark — the steps are lit, and the atmosphere is magical. Sturdy footwear is recommended.
Monastery of Panormitis
On the remote southwest coast of Symi lies the Monastery of the Archangel Michael Panormitis — the patron saint of the island and one of the most revered saints of the Dodecanese. The imposing monastery (18th century) with its baroque bell tower (the tallest in the Dodecanese!) is located directly on a quiet bay, surrounded by pines and mountains.
The main church houses a silver-adorned icon of the Archangel Michael (allegedly miraculous) and a fascinating small museum with votive offerings: bottles thrown into the sea by believers with prayers and banknotes, which (allegedly always!) wash up in the monastery's bay. Additionally, marine artifacts, historical documents, and church art.
The atmosphere is peaceful and authentic — few tourists venture here (most stay in Gialos). The monastery offers simple guest rooms (about 15€/night, spartan but clean) and a small cafe.
Free (donations welcome). Daily 8–13 and 16–18. By boat from Gialos (50 min.) or via a winding but scenically spectacular road by car/scooter (20 min.).
Beaches on Symi
Symi has no large sandy beaches — the coast is rocky and steep. Instead, there are beautiful small pebble coves with crystal-clear water, often only accessible by boat. This makes them exclusive and unspoiled.
★★ Nos Beach
The most accessible beach — only a 15-minute walk from the harbor. Pebble beach in a sheltered bay, clear water, a beach bar, and a restaurant. Popular but never overcrowded (except when a day-trip boat docks).
★★ Agios Georgios (St. George Beach)
One of the most beautiful bays in the Dodecanese — only accessible by boat. Emerald green water in a fjord-like bay, surrounded by high cliffs. No sand, but smooth rocks to lie on. A tavern serves fresh fish. Water taxi from Gialos (about 8€ one-way, 15 min.).
Marathounda Bay
Quiet pebble cove on the west side, accessible by boat or via a hiking trail. Warm and sheltered from the wind. Only a simple tavern — perfect for unwinding.
Nanou Bay
Even more remote: A deep, sheltered bay with a pebble beach and incredibly clear water. Only accessible by water taxi or after a 45-minute hike. No infrastructure — bring your own water and snacks.
💡 Tipp
Organize a water taxi "hopping" from Gialos: For about 20–25€ per person, a boat takes you to a remote bay in the morning and picks you up in the afternoon. The boatmen know the best snorkeling spots!
Day Trip from Rhodes
Symi is the most popular day trip from Rhodes — and rightly so. The crossing by speedboat takes only 1 hour (with the regular ferry 1:45), and the entrance into the bay of Gialos is one of the most beautiful moments of a Greece trip.
Typical day trip itinerary: Departure 9 am from Mandraki Harbor Rhodes → 10 am arrival Gialos → 2.5 hours free time in Gialos (explore the harbor, climb Kali Strata, swim, lunch) → Continue to the Monastery Panormitis (30 min.) → 1-hour monastery visit → Return to Rhodes, arrival around 6 pm.
The organized excursions cost ~25–35€ per person (boat + optional guide, without lunch). Cheaper and more flexible is the regular ferry: Dodekanisos Seaways runs 1–2x daily, ~15€ return. This allows you to set your own pace and — our urgent recommendation — stay one night on Symi.
Tickets: Dodekanisos Seaways (12go.asia or at the harbor). Book in advance in high season (July/August)! Speedboat 1 hr, regular ferry 1:45. Departure Mandraki Harbor, Rhodes.