Dodecanese
Symi
A harbour ringed by pastel neoclassical mansions — the most photogenic port in Greece.
Getting around
Walkable
Cost
€€€
In peak season
Moderate
Best months
May, Jun, Sep, Oct
From Athens
Ferry only
In pictures
Symi
The harbour of Gialos at Symi is one of the most arresting sights in the Mediterranean — a natural amphitheatre of neoclassical houses in ochre, terracotta, and cream, their facades climbing the hillside in tiered rows above a working harbour filled with fishing boats and charter yachts. This wealth came from sponge diving and shipbuilding in the 18th and 19th centuries, and the island spent it on architecture of a grandeur remarkable for somewhere this size. The Panormitis Monastery in the south, dedicated to the Archangel Michael, is a major pilgrimage site across the Dodecanese with a famous icon to which sailors have historically entrusted their voyages. Day-trippers arrive from Rhodes every morning by the boatload and leave by late afternoon; staying overnight returns the island to something like its own true, quieter character.
How it scores
- Beaches
- Nightlife
- Food
- Culture
- Nature
- Family
- Accessibility
- Value for money
The catch
Day-tripper boats from Rhodes flood the harbour every morning. Stay overnight to experience the island properly.
Where it sits
Dodecanese, Greece
Symi — frequently asked
- When is the best time to visit Symi? +
- The best months to visit Symi are May to October. It's busy but manageable in peak season, so even peak season is workable.
- How do you get to Symi from Athens? +
- Symi has no airport — you'll need to take a ferry from Piraeus or Rafina. Some travellers fly to a nearby island and ferry across.
- Is Symi good for couples? +
- Symi is one of the most romantic Greek islands — sunsets, candlelit tavernas, sea-view rooms.
- Is Symi good for families with kids? +
- Symi is a solid family option, though you'll want a car for the best beaches.
- Is Symi expensive? +
- Symi is affordable by Greek-island standards — value-for-money is on the weaker side, so set expectations.
- Do you need a car on Symi? +
- Symi is small and walkable — you don't need a car or scooter for most stays.
- What's the catch with Symi? +
- Day-tripper boats from Rhodes flood the harbour every morning. Stay overnight to experience the island properly.