This Greek island has colorful neoclassical mansions climbing up steep hills. Its harbor is lined with fishing boats and tavernas serving local shrimp caught daily.
Symi, a small Greek island in the Dodecanese, rises from its harbor in tiers of pastel-colored mansions. You can climb the 500-step Kali Strata to reach the upper town, swim in hidden coves like Agios Georgios Disalonas, or try the island's famous tiny shrimps at the waterfront tavernas. The 18th-century Panormitis Monastery, with its baroque bell tower and resident monks, sits quietly on the southwestern coast.
Getting to Symi
You'll need to reach Symi by sea, as the island has no airport. Most travelers fly to Rhodes first and then take a ferry, which takes between 60 and 90 minutes. The longer route from Athens' Piraeus port takes about 17 hours, making the Rhodes connection more practical for most visitors.
The Harbor Town of Gialos
In Gialos, the main harbor area, three-story mansions from the 1800s in shades of indigo, ochre, and terracotta line the waterfront. Their red-tiled roofs and ornate balconies create a distinctive waterfront scene. You can visit the Town Hall, explore the maritime museum with its exhibits on local sponge-diving, or climb the Roloi clock tower for harbor views.
Walking the Kali Strata
The 500-step marble stairway known as Kali Strata connects the harbor to the upper town of Chorio. You'll walk under cypress trees and past stone houses with wooden balconies, finding several stone benches to rest and photograph the harbor below. At the top stands a 14th-century castle built by the Knights of St. John, with partially restored walls and the small church of Panagia tou Kastrou inside its grounds.
Beaches and Swimming
To reach most of Symi's beaches, you'll need to take a boat. Water taxis depart regularly from the main harbor to spots like Agios Georgios Disalonas, where a 300-meter limestone cliff rises behind the pebbly shore. Nimborio Beach, a 20-minute walk from the main town, has smooth pebbles and clear water, with several tavernas within walking distance.
Local Food and Dining
The island's signature dish is Symi shrimps - small local shrimp that are pan-fried and eaten whole with their shells. The waterfront tavernas around the harbor serve these along with grilled fish, octopus, and Greek classics like moussaka and souvlaki. You can watch fishing boats arrive with their daily catch while dining.
Panormitis Monastery
The Monastery of Archangel Michael Panormitis dates from the 18th century and sits on the island's southwestern coast. Monks live and work here year-round, maintaining a museum of religious artifacts and Byzantine icons. You can reach it by hourly bus or boat from the main harbor, and the monastery has simple rooms available for overnight stays.
Summer Cultural Events
From July to September, the Symi Festival brings Greek musicians, theater performances, and dance events to the island. Musicians and performers set up in the main square of Yialos each evening, and all events are free to attend.
