Symi Travel Essentials
Rating:
Weather:
Ideal duration: 1 - 2 Days
Best Time: Mar - Jun, Sep - Oct Read More
Planning a Trip? Ask Your Question
"The Birthplace of the Charites"
Symi Tourism
Eastern Aegean sea is the small island of Symi or Simi. Dwarfed by Rhodes, Symi is popular for its low-key charm that lies in its picturesque port town, mountainous landscapes, beautiful beaches and mouth-watering food. Symi is also known for its “Symi’s Shrimps”, that is pan-fried to be eaten whole, along with the shell.
Symi is home to small valleys, rocky cliffs, beaches, and isolated coves, giving the island a unique touristy edge. The island also features Chorio or Ano Symi, a small village on a hill that can be reached by climbing “Kali Strata”, a set of 500 stone steps. The village is known for its colourful Venetian and Neoclassical houses cascading down the hills. Some of these are restored and the other remain the ruins. Dotted with almost 275 churches and monasteries, the Panormitis monastery is the most important one.
Many historical sites and some of the island's isolated beaches(of which many are reachable only by boats) trend among the tourists. Apart from greek food, Symi’s speciality is its local deep-fried shrimp or “garidaki symiako”. Some of the taverns serve fresh fish, seafood and grilled octopus. Boating, yachting, kayaking and hiking are the most popular activities on Symi. Symi is also popular for viticulture and boasts a handful of vineyards.
Must Know Before You Travel to Symi
- Symi is divided into 4 regions- Gialos or the harbour, Chorio or uphill town, Pedi Bay and the Nimborios/Marathounda or Panormitis which houses the famous monastery and a few museums. Rest of the island is uninhabited, full of natural wilderness making the island a perfect location for photographers, artists and hikers.
- The Gialos town and Chorio (villages with 500 steps) should be covered on foot, other parts of the island can be explored by bus or by a rented car, moped.
- There are frequent ferries available between Rhodes and Symi.
- There is also a direct ferry from Athens to Symi, which takes about 20 hours.
- There are few day ferry excursions that run between Symi and Turkey only in Summer.
- Symi is also connected to Kalymnos, Leros, Patmos, and Tilos by ferry.
- Symi gets overcrowded during summer and shoulder seasons, due to which an advance booking to stay is recommended.
- Shops open by 9:00 AM to close by 10:00 PM, some can choose to shut down a little bit earlier, as well.
- Restaurants and cafes open at 8:00 AM to close by 11:00 PM.
Things To Do In Symi
Top Hotels In Symi
More on Symi Travel
Where to Stay in Symi
Suggested Itinerary for Symi
Best Time to Visit Symi
Nearby Places
Browse Package Collections
Symi Photos
+ 18photos
Have a Question on Symi?
experience.
Symi Reviews